Cutest Handprint Polar Bear Craft (Free Template!)

Bundle up for some winter fun with this ultra cute handprint polar bear craft that kids will love creating! This simple, hands-on winter activity turns little handprints into a cute polar bear keepsake and is perfect for adding a cozy dose of creativity to cold-weather craft time. 🐻‍❄️❄️

If you’re looking for fun and meaningful winter crafts this season, this handprint polar bear craft is sure to be a hit with kids.

There are few crafts more precious than handprint crafts – and when you can turn a simple (and adorable) handprint shape into something else that kids recognize it’s extra enjoyable and memorable!

This polar bear craft pairs perfectly with some of our other winter favorites, like printable snowflake templates, or our Handprint Penguin Crafts, or other hands-on seasonal activities that keep kids engaged when it’s chilly outside.

Whether you’re teaching about winter animals, planning a screen-free activity, or just looking for a creative way to spend time together on a cold or snowy day, this handprint polar bear craft is a sweet way to spark creativity and create a keepsake kids (and adults!) will love. 🐻‍❄️❄️

Supplies Needed For Handprint Polar Bear Craft

You only need a few simple crafting supplies for this fun winter activity! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

• Construction Paper – white and any other preferred colors if adding a background scene
• Scissors – kids’ size to adult, depending on the age of your crafters
• Glue – Elmer’s, glue dots, glue stick, or hot glue gun
• Marker – you might want to outline the nose or center of ears, or you might prefer colored markers for drawing
• Paintbrush – small craft paint brush
• Gray Paint – any shade of gray you prefer
• Printable Polar Bear Template – I like to use a different color piece of construction paper for my templates

How to Make A Handprint Polar Bear Craft

This easy craft idea is a fun activity for young kids to work on fine motor skills! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Download and print template – You can freehand this craft, or grab the free template to make it faster/easier to make the smaller pieces!
2. Trace the templates – Cut out the template pieces and trace them onto the construction paper and cut out the shapes.
3. Trace your child’s hand on a piece of construction paper or cardstock. Cut it out.
4. Layer the pieces of the head – Layer the ears on the head of the bear and glue into place.
5. Paint the ears and nose of the bear gray as shown in the image below.
6. Put the finishing touches on the polar bear’s face – Use the marker to draw the facial features: eyes, nose, and mouth of the bear.
7. Assemble your polar bear – Place the face on the handprint and glue.

NOTE: I did not draw bear claws on the paws, but you totally can if you prefer!

Handprint Polar Bear Craft Notes And Expert Tips

This fun craft is a delightful way to keep little hands busy. It’s easy enough for younger kids but engaging enough for older kids to enjoy too.

• When working with lighter-colored paper, use a pencil for tracing. This allows you to easily erase any lines once the template is complete.

• Pencils also come in handy for outlining the areas to paint gray if kids need a little guidance!

• Using the included printable handprint template to make the craft easy and efficient, but tracing your child’s hand adds a personal touch that turns the project into a unique memory you can look back on years later.

• I recommend using thicker paper, like white cardstock or construction paper, for the templates. This will make them more durable, so your crafters can use them multiple times.

• Using gray construction paper or gray markers for the nose and ears eliminates the need for paint, while still giving the project that fun, handmade look.

• If you want to use paint but don’t have gray paint, you can mix white and black together to make gray paint!

• Young children may have a hard time cutting out the smaller pieces – feel free to help them or cut the pieces out for them if it’s too hard for your kiddos.

Variations Of Handprint Polar Bear Craft To Try

There are so many ways you can customize this adorable polar bear idea – here are a few we’ve tried.

• Add a cute Santa or stocking hat to your bear if you make this near the holidays.

• Kids LOVE glitter! A sprinkle of white glitter is a great addition that will make your polar bear shine with extra pizazz and winter magic!

• Glue the handprint bear onto blue paper and decorate with snowflakes, glitter, or a snowy landscape!

• Want your bear to look extra cuddly? Just glue on some cotton balls or pom poms for a fluffy, furry friend!

• Use googly eyes! Who doesn’t love a cute polar bear craft with silly googly eyes?

• Puffy paint is a great way to personalize your child’s polar bear handprint craft!

How To Display The Handprint Polar Bear Craft

Displaying this easy polar bear handprint craft can be as simple as putting in the fridge for all to enjoy. But here are some more creative ideas to try too:

• String several handprint polar bear projects together with ribbon or twine to make a festive winter garland.

• Attach your handprint polar bear scene to a wrapped present or card for grandparents or family members.

• One of my absolute favorite finds is the Kids Art Display Frame! It lets me show off their special artwork in a gorgeous frame, and when a new masterpiece comes along, I just slide it right on top of the last one. Display and storage all in one…brilliant!

Is there a good substitute if I prefer not to use paint and a paintbrush?

There are lots of great alternatives to use instead of painting. Here are a few different suggestions:

• Markers or Crayons – kids can decorate their handprint with bold outlines, shading, or patterns.
• Ink Pads – press hands or fingers onto a washable ink pad for a mess-free option.
• Washi Tape – cover the surface with patterned tape.
• Chalk Pastels – rub lightly over the paper for a soft effect (great idea for art class!)

Grab The Polar Bear Handprint Craft Templates!

I know everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to freehand drawing. With that in mind, I created a simple template that you can use to make this adorable handprint polar bear craft! Simply fill out the form so we can send the template straight to your email.

More Fun Activities and Crafts To Try

• Easy Cloud Dough Recipe
• Calming Sea Life Sensory Bottles
• 100th Day Of School Coloring Page Printable Pack
• DIY Dinosaur Sensory Bin Activity

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