Paper Reindeer Craft

If you’re looking for a cute and simple holiday activity, this Paper Reindeer Craft is a must-try. Kids use paper strips to build an adorable reindeer shape, making it perfect for the classroom, home, or holiday parties. It’s quick to prep, fun to assemble, and turns into a festive keepsake you’ll want to save year after year!

This easy paper craft pairs beautifully with our Popsicle Stick Reindeer Craft.

Easy Paper Reindeer Craft

When my boys were little, simple crafts like this were our go-to because we never needed anything fancy. We used whatever paper we could find—construction paper, scrapbook leftovers, even grocery bags—and the projects always turned out sweet. There was no pressure to make things perfect. We just sat together at the table, cut and glued, talked about our day, and watched our little creations take shape.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how many skills were growing in the background. Crafts like this strengthen fine motor skills, boost creativity, support hand-eye coordination, and help kids practice focus and patience, all while they simply think they’re having fun. Those quiet, hands-on moments did so much for their brains and gave us memories I’ll always treasure.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

This simple holiday craft keeps kids engaged without the mess or stress of complicated materials.

• Fine motor practice – Cutting, arranging, and gluing paper strips helps strengthen small hand muscles.
• Low-prep setup – Uses basic supplies that teachers and parents typically already have.
• Creative freedom – Kids can choose colors, add details, and make each reindeer look unique.
• Great for groups – Easy to manage in classrooms, parties, after-school programs, or at home.
• Holiday décor – Finished reindeer look adorable on Christmas trees, bulletin boards, or refrigerator displays.

Craft Supplies Needed for Paper Strip Reindeer Craft

To make this reindeer craft for kids, you’ll need:

• Brown construction paper or cardstock
• Black construction paper or cardstock
• Colored cardstock or construction paper
• White cardstock or construction paper
• Paper slicer
• Tacky craft glue
• Wiggly eyes – 40 mm

How to Make a Paper Reindeer Craft

This craft comes together quickly and works well for kids of all ages. Follow the steps below to make your own reindeer.

STEP 1: Prep the paper strips. First, prep the paper pieces by cutting the following strips:

• 8 dark brown strips measuring 6 inches × 1 inch
• 2 light brown strips measuring 8½ inches × 1 inch
• 6 light brown strips measuring 2 inches × 1 inch
• 4 red strips measuring 2½ inches × 1 inch
• 1 black strip measuring 8½ inches × 1 inch
• 8 colorful squares measuring 1 inch × 1 inch
• 16 white squares measuring ½ inch × ½ inch

STEP 2: Build the face. Next, arrange the 8 dark brown strips into a circle, overlap the ends slightly, and glue them together.

STEP 3: Add the antlers. Glue the 2 long light brown strips behind the face to form antlers, then attach the reindeer to a sheet of light blue paper.

STEP 4: Finish the antlers. Then glue the 6 smaller strips onto the antlers to create evenly spaced points.

STEP 5: Add the eyes and nose. First, glue the googly eyes onto the face. Then arrange the 4 red strips into a small circle for the nose and glue it to the center.

STEP 6: Add snow. Glue the 16 white squares around the face and antlers to resemble falling snow.

STEP 7: Add the lights’ base. Next, attach the black strip to the antlers and twist it slightly to create a 3D base for the Christmas lights.

STEP 8: Add the Christmas lights. Then glue the 8 colorful squares onto the twisted black strip to create festive lights. Once that’s done, the reindeer is complete and ready to display anywhere you want some holiday cheer.

Take It Further

If you’d like to add more creativity or learning to this project, try one of these simple extensions:

• Turn it into a keepsake – Write your child’s name and year on the reindeer before displaying.
• Add sparkle – Decorate the reindeer with glitter, bows, bells, pom-poms, or rhinestones for extra holiday shine.
• Change the character – Swap the red nose for a brown one to make a regular reindeer.
• Practice patterning – Use the colorful “lights” to create repeating patterns (AB, ABC, ABB, etc.) for a fun math extension.
• Make it a card – Glue the finished reindeer onto folded cardstock and write a holiday message inside.
• Switch up the nose – Use a large red bow for the nose instead of paper!
• Create a garland – Make several reindeer and hang them on ribbon or yarn for festive classroom or home décor.
• Pair with a story – Read a favorite reindeer or Christmas book to connect the craft with literacy.

More Christmas Paper Crafts for Kids

Looking for more low-prep holiday activities? These Christmas paper crafts are easy to set up and perfect for groups.

• Scandinavian-Inspired Christmas Stars – Paint, cut, and glue beautiful star ornaments.
• Christmas Hedgehog Craft – Build an adorable hedgehog using Christmas lights as spines for a cozy winter project.
• Paper Cone Christmas Tree Craft – Roll paper into cones and decorate them with buttons or fingerprints!
• Gingerbread Man Template – Print, color, cut, and decorate your own gingerbread characters with candy-style paper accents.
• Snowglobe Coloring Page – Color a winter scene inside a snowglobe outline for relaxing holiday fun.
• Snowglobe Keepsake Ornament – Add a photo or drawings to a paper snowglobe and turn it into a sentimental ornament for the tree.

Save This Craft

Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!