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Holiday window clings instantly take me back to childhood, we always had those festive sheets we’d reuse year after year. This DIY is a fun spin on that tradition because your toddler gets to make the clings themselves… and you can still bring them out every holiday season.
The best part? They’re reusable, personalized, and make an adorable keepsake of your child’s creativity.
Why I Love This Toddler Craft
These DIY window clings are:
- Low-mess and easy to prep (no glitter disasters here!)
- Customizable for any holiday or theme
- Reusable year after year
- Great for fine motor skills and creativity
My three-year-old handled this craft like a pro. My 18-month-old was too little to assemble them but had the best time sticking and unsticking the finished clings to the window.
Supplies You’ll Need (Linked Here)
- Contact paper (this one works great)
- Tissue paper in assorted colors
- Construction paper (I used black, but any color works)
- Scissors
- Optional: Printed outlines from Canva if you don’t want to freehand shapes
- Optional: Cricut Joy Xtra (or your favorite Cricut machine) for cutting perfect outlines
Using a Cricut for the Outlines
If you don’t love freehand cutting or want super crisp shapes, a Cricut is a total game changer for this craft. My favorite is the Cricut Joy Xtra because it’s the perfect size for small projects like these clings without taking up much space. You can quickly cut out outlines of trees, snowflakes, ornaments, or whatever shape your toddler wants. I love using Cricut Design Space to size everything exactly right, and it saves me a ton of prep time compared to hand-cutting.
This also makes it easy to do more detailed designs (like gingerbread men with little cutout buttons or layered shapes) that would be tricky with scissors. If you’re making clings for multiple kids or plan to reuse them year after year, having precise outlines really helps them hold up better.
How to Make DIY Holiday Window Clings
1. Create your outline
Cut your holiday shape from construction paper (think: Christmas tree, snowflake, ornament, gingerbread man). If you want the outline to be visible from both sides of the window, cut two identical shapes.
2. Prep your contact paper
Cut two pieces of contact paper slightly larger than your outline. Place one outline onto the sticky side of the first contact paper sheet.
3. Cut the tissue paper
Cut tissue paper into small squares (about 1-inch pieces).
4. Toddler decorating time
Let your toddler stick the tissue paper pieces onto the sticky contact paper inside the outline. Encourage them to keep the pieces flat so the cling will stick better to the glass.
5. Seal the cling
(Optional) Place the second construction paper outline on top to “frame” both sides. Then cover the whole piece with the second sheet of contact paper.
6. Trim the edges
Cut around the outline so no sticky parts are exposed. It should feel like a laminated decoration.
7. Display your masterpiece
Use a little water to help your toddler stick the cling to a clean window or mirror.
Tips & Variations
- Holiday themes: Make pumpkins for Halloween, snowflakes for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s Day.
- Personalized shapes: Use Canva to print outlines of your child’s favorite animals or characters.
- Layer colors: Try overlapping tissue pieces for a stained-glass effect.
These holiday window clings are simple to make but create such a sweet, cozy feeling in your home. Plus, toddlers love the instant feedback of seeing their art on display. I hope this becomes one of those easy holiday traditions you look forward to every year.
For more low-prep indoor fun, check out the 25 Days of Christmas Activities or the best Rainy Day Toddler Activities.
A little reminder, you’re doing a great job.
xx Ciara
