If you’re looking for a quick and festive kids’ activity, this adorable paper plate reindeer craft is the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic to your day. It’s simple enough for young kids, fun for older kids, and made with simple supplies you probably already have at home. This cute, budget-friendly Christmas craft doubles as a keepsake you’ll want to display year after year!

One of my favorite holiday traditions is making Christmas cookies. Unfortunately, my boys aren’t as excited about decorating cookies as I am.

But I’m thrilled that they like making holiday crafts! And this year, we have been making a flurry of Christmas crafts – so far, it’s been a very crafty holiday season.

Paper plate crafts seem to be the current theme this Christmas season. We started by making a paper plate Grinch, then a paper plate Christmas tree. Now we’re adding an adorable red-nosed reindeer to the collection and teeing ourselves up to make a paper plate wreath next!

Why You’ll Love This Paper Plate Reindeer Craft

Helps build fine motor skills – Cutting, tracing, and gluing strengthen all those small muscles in little hands!
Great to entertain kids – The holiday season lasts a lot longer than a day, this craft is perfect to add to your list!
Fun for kids of all ages – With a little adult help, young toddlers can make a paper plate reindeer. Older kids can make this independently and can add their own creative flair!
Ideal craft to make at home or in the classroom – This craft will look equally amazing hung up on classroom bulletin boards or Christmas trees at home!

Supplies Needed

Luckily, you only need a few simple craft supplies for this fun activity.

Paper plate
Brown paint
Paint brush
Black Marker
Yarn
Glue stick
Scissors
Brown construction paper
Reindeer template

How To Make A Paper Plate Reindeer

Just follow these simple step-by-step directions to make this adorable reindeer craft!

Download and print out the template. Trace the template of the reindeer’s head on the paper plate and cut it out. Paint brown and let it dry before adding the details.
Cut out brown pieces. Use the templates to trace and cut out the corresponding construction paper pieces.
Assemble the pieces one by one.
Make the face – Attach the mouth and ears. Then attach the eyes. Draw a smile using a marker.
Attach his antlers.
Make a pom pom ball from yarn to make the big red nose. Then attach it to the paper plate for the reindeer nose.

Free Paper Plate Reindeer Craft Template

Hey, I get it…freehand drawing a craft can be super intimidating! If you prefer, make it easy by downloading our handy free printable template – just trace, cut, and paste!

Paper Plate Reindeer Craft Variations To Try

Here are a few ideas to make this easy Christmas craft uniquely yours (or your child’s)!

Use large googly eyes (also called wiggly eyes) instead of the templates for a fun and silly reindeer.

You can make memories of your young children by using your child’s handprints to turn the reindeer’s antlers into handprint antlers. I love a fun Christmas craft that doubles as a handprint craft!

Another alternative for reindeer antlers would be to use brown pipe cleaners.

More Holiday Craft Activities You’ll Love

If you love this cute reindeer craft, check out these other great Christmas-themed activities and fun printables to get into the holiday spirit!

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