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If you’ve ever found yourself the night before a birthday party digging through the closet for wrapping paper… only to find leftover Christmas rolls and crumpled gift bags, you’re not alone. That was me last week. We had a birthday party to attend and not a single piece of birthday-themed wrapping paper in sight.
Instead of running to the store, I thought, why not make our own? It turned out to be not only the perfect solution, but also a super fun toddler activity. My little one was occupied for nearly half an hour, and we ended up with the cutest custom-made wrapping paper.
I’m already planning to do this again at Christmas with some festive stamps and colors!
Supplies You’ll Need
- Butcher Paper – Choose brown for a rustic, natural look or white for a bright, clean background.
- Paint or Markers – Washable paints work great for toddlers.
- Paint Brushes or Q-tips – Q-tips are surprisingly fun for dot painting!
- Stamps (optional) – Foam or rubber stamps add extra flair. You can even make your own from potatoes or sponges.
How to Make It
- Set Up the Paper
Tape a long piece of butcher paper to a table, the floor, or even the wall for a vertical art station. The bigger the space, the more fun your toddler will have moving around. - Give Some Guidance
Depending on your child’s age, you can tell them who the gift is for or what colors and shapes to use. For our birthday wrapping paper, I let my toddler go wild with paint, then I added “Happy Birthday” in Sharpie all over once it dried. - Let the Creativity Flow
Resist the urge to “fix” their art. The magic is in the little handprints, scribbles, and unique designs only they can make. - Dry & Wrap
Allow the paper to dry completely before wrapping. Pair it with some fun ribbon or twine for a finished look.
Why This Activity is a Win for Moms
- Keeps kids entertained – You get 20–30 minutes to sip your coffee while they create.
- Personalized gifts – Every present wrapped in this paper feels extra special.
- Eco-friendly – Skip the plastic-coated store paper.
- Budget-friendly – A roll of butcher paper lasts forever and works for any occasion.
More Ideas for Custom Wrapping Paper
- Christmas – Red, green, and gold paint with festive stamps.
- Valentine’s Day – Pink and red hearts, stickers, and glitter glue.
- Easter – Pastel colors, egg shapes, and bunny stamps.
- Just Because – Rainbows, animals, or whatever your toddler is into right now.
If you loved this idea, check out more easy toddler activities here or grab my Toddler Activity Ebook for instant access to 52 low-prep activities that keep kids entertained while you catch a breath.
Keep it simple, mama.
xx Ciara
