DIY Paper Stockings

My two-year-old son, Jasper, loves to make creative messes (like his mama!) and he also loves going out on adventures—big or small—so I thought I’d combine the two ideas and make paper stockings that he can decorate and then deliver to friends and neighbors during the holidays (masks on and six feet apart, of course!). It’s the perfect way to feel the coziness of the season while also experiencing a bit of friendly magic! 

The idea is to use materials that you probably already have in your house—from office and school supplies to basic craft tools. I made some myself and then made a version that is toddler friendly with some office stickers I had in my work-from-home drawer. I’m sure he’s not unusual in that he loves to place stickers everywhere around the house! He had a ball sticking them onto the paper stocking and was so proud to share it with me. This project is also perfect for older kids, so you could even get the whole family together to do it. The more the merrier!

Here’s how to do it 

First, you'll need:

Stocking Template 

Paper (I used scrapbook paper that comes in 12x12” but construction paper or office paper is fine too!)

Templates for stocking adornments: Stars, Circles, Diamonds

Gold Washi tape (optional)

Paper 

Scissors or craft cutting machine (we love our Cricut!)

Glue gun or Elmer’s glue

Double sided stick tape

Yarn or twine (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Print off the stocking template and cut it onto paper twice. 

Step 2: Glue the two sides of the stocking together (you can even sew it together if that’s your thing).

Step 3: Start decorating! 

Harlequin: I cut out lots of diamonds and taped them onto a stocking in 5 different colors

Polka dots: I made some 2” polka dots and again and had Jasper place them.

Stripes: I used metallic gold washi tape and stuck them onto the stocking diagonally and cut off the remains. 

Fair Isle Sweater: I cut out some triangles and circles and a toe to serve as a Fair Isle sweater look 

Office stickers: While all of these could potentially be done by a toddler if you let them loose, this one I really let Jasper have a go at it and he had such a good time!

Step 4: Attach a piece of 6” yarn or twine from the top and secure a star or name tag on it to deliver to friends. 

Voila!