As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the past year and welcome new beginnings. New Year’s is a time for reflection, festivities, and, of course, crafts! Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family night in, or simply looking to create some holiday memories, these DIY crafts will bring extra sparkle to your celebration. With these 20+ New Year’s crafts designed for adults, kids, toddlers, and preschoolers, this list has something for everyone.
Below, you’ll find a mix of creative projects that are simple, enjoyable, and bring festive flair to any celebration. Gather your materials, get your creativity flowing, and let’s make this New Year’s memorable with fun crafts that anyone can enjoy!
New Year’s Crafts for Adults
1. DIY Confetti Balloons
Nothing says “party” like a room filled with festive confetti balloons. To create these, start with clear balloons, preferably latex, and fill them with an assortment of metallic, gold, silver, or colorful confetti. Using a funnel, carefully pour the confetti inside each balloon. You can use a handheld pump to inflate the balloons with air, but for a real New Year’s ambiance, helium works best and will give your balloons the added lift. Arrange them around your room or cluster them as a focal point for a fun and festive look.
Once filled, these balloons can be hung or placed strategically for an instant festive touch. For added flair, tie metallic or glittery ribbons at the base of each balloon, giving them an extra sparkle. Alternatively, arrange the balloons in clusters to create a New Year’s “photo wall” backdrop. This provides a beautiful display for your guests to enjoy and snap pictures with throughout the night.
To safely dispose of the balloons after your celebration, remember to pop them outdoors to avoid a mess inside. After you’ve popped them, the confetti will create a mini firework effect, which can be a fun way to end the night or kick off the New Year’s countdown. This craft is quick to make, cost-effective, and guaranteed to bring joy and festivity to your celebration.
2. Champagne Cork Memory Jar
Looking for a meaningful way to remember all the special moments of the year? Create a Champagne Cork Memory Jar that you can fill throughout the upcoming year with corks from celebratory bottles. Each time you open a bottle for a memorable event—be it a birthday, holiday, or a small but special moment—simply write the date and occasion on the cork with a fine-tip marker. You’ll end the year with a beautiful keepsake filled with memories.
Start with a large mason jar, or you can use a glass vase if you prefer a different style. Decorate the outside of the jar with stickers, paint, or a personalized label with your family name and the year. The corks can go in as they are, or for extra color, consider painting or wrapping each one in a small strip of decorative paper that reflects the event. This small addition adds color to the jar and makes each cork stand out as a unique reminder.
At the end of the year, empty the jar and take some time to reminisce on all the joyful moments. The Champagne Cork Memory Jar is not only a fun New Year’s project but also a meaningful tradition you can continue year after year. This jar will serve as a tangible way to capture and celebrate life’s special moments, both big and small.
3. Glitter Wine Glasses
Add a touch of glamor to your New Year’s toast with glitter wine glasses that sparkle in the light. Start by cleaning the wine glasses and then taping off the areas you want to keep glitter-free. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or a similar adhesive onto the areas of the glass you want to sparkle, whether that’s the stem, the base, or the entire cup section. Sprinkle a generous layer of fine glitter over the adhesive and let it dry for an hour or so.
Once dry, gently shake off any excess glitter and apply a second thin layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it, preventing any glitter fallout. Let the glasses dry completely before handling or washing them. This sealing layer will keep the glitter in place and make your glasses washable. Choose metallic colors like gold, silver, or even black glitter for a classic New Year’s look, or mix and match for a custom color scheme.
These sparkling wine glasses make for an elegant toast when the clock strikes midnight, and they can even double as table decor. They also make great party favors; guests can take one home as a keepsake. Not only will they add a touch of elegance to your gathering, but they’re also fun to make and guaranteed to impress.
4. DIY Metallic Candle Holders
Create a beautiful ambiance for your New Year’s party with DIY metallic candle holders. Start with plain glass or ceramic candle holders. Using metallic spray paint in colors like silver, gold, or copper, apply a thin coat to each holder, covering it evenly. For a more intricate look, use painter’s tape to create designs or patterns on the holders before painting, such as stripes or geometric shapes.
Allow the candle holders to dry completely before removing any tape, revealing crisp, clean lines that add a modern touch to the decor. If you’d like to add extra sparkle, consider brushing on a layer of glitter over certain areas or using a glitter spray over the metallic paint. Make sure to apply a final clear sealant coat to keep the glitter in place and protect the paint from wear.
Arrange your metallic candle holders around your space, especially as part of your New Year’s centerpiece. When lit, the candles cast a warm glow that complements the metallic finish, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere. These candle holders make beautiful decorations for New Year’s and can be reused for future gatherings or as year-round decor.
5. Festive New Year’s Banner
Transform any space into a New Year’s celebration zone with a festive DIY banner. Start with sturdy cardstock or thick construction paper in colors like black, gold, and silver. Cut out large letters spelling out “Happy New Year” or “Cheers to [Year]” to make the message bold and clear. For added flair, cover each letter with glitter, metallic paint, or patterned paper to create a striking design.
Use a hole punch to add two holes at the top of each letter, threading them onto a ribbon or string to create a hanging banner. Secure each letter in place with a small piece of tape on the back if they slide around, ensuring the letters are evenly spaced. You can also add metallic streamers, small tassels, or mini disco balls between the letters for extra festivity.
Hang the banner on a prominent wall, across a mantel, or above the entrance to your party space. This banner adds an immediate focal point and sets a festive mood. Not only is it a great craft for adults, but it’s also easy enough for older kids to help assemble, making it a fun, family-friendly activity.
6. Painted New Year’s Rocks
Bring a touch of artistry and positivity into the New Year with beautifully painted rocks that double as keepsakes or decor. Find smooth, flat rocks, and clean them thoroughly before beginning. Once dry, use acrylic paints to decorate each rock with words of inspiration, like “Hope,” “Joy,” or “Dream Big,” or paint images such as stars, fireworks, and clocks to represent the New Year’s theme.
After the paint dries, add a coat of clear sealant to protect your designs and give the rocks a glossy finish. If desired, you can also use metallic markers to add final touches, like accents or outlines around the designs. The rocks make beautiful, small gifts for guests or can be placed around your home as reminders to stay motivated and positive in the year ahead.
These painted New Year’s rocks make great conversation pieces and can be used year-round as paperweights or decor. Additionally, if you have a garden or walkway, you can place them outdoors to add a little festive charm to your landscape. This craft is therapeutic and allows for creativity, making it a relaxing New Year’s project.
7. DIY Sparkler Holders
Add a little sparkle to your midnight countdown with custom sparkler holders. Begin by cutting out small tags from black cardstock, each about 3 inches wide. Write “Light Me at Midnight!” or a similar festive message on each tag using a metallic marker or paint pen. Punch two holes in each tag, one near the top and one near the bottom, to slide a sparkler through securely.
For extra glam, add small embellishments to the tag, such as glitter around the edges, tiny stickers, or a decorative border. Once each tag is complete, slide a sparkler through the holes and arrange them in a small jar or vase for guests to grab as midnight approaches. They’ll add a festive touch to your decor and give everyone a fun activity to look forward to as the clock strikes twelve.
This craft is perfect for creating a memorable New Year’s moment with minimal materials. The sparkler holders are easy to make in bulk, allowing you to prepare enough for all your guests. Display them near the party entrance or on a table with other New Year’s favors, creating a charming touch for your midnight celebration.
8. Personalized New Year’s Eve Champagne Glasses
Toast to the New Year in style with personalized champagne glasses that each guest can take home as a keepsake. Purchase simple glass champagne flutes and personalize each one with guests’ names or New Year’s wishes using metallic markers or adhesive vinyl decals. If you want a more permanent design, consider using etching cream, following the cream’s instructions to engrave names or designs on the glass surface.
Once personalized, add a bit of glitter to the base of the glasses. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge around the bottom inch of the flute and sprinkle fine glitter on top, allowing it to dry before applying a second layer to seal it in place. This glitter touch adds elegance and sparkle, making each glass feel festive.
These personalized glasses add a thoughtful and elegant touch to your New Year’s party. They’re perfect for creating a coordinated look on your dinner table or bar and make a great keepsake for guests to remember the night. Best of all, this craft is highly customizable and adds a personal touch to your celebration.
9. Midnight Countdown Clock Hats
Turn the classic New Year’s countdown into a fun and wearable craft with Midnight Countdown Clock Hats. Begin with plain party hats or cut out large cone shapes from sturdy black cardstock. Paint a large clock face onto each hat, marking the hours with gold or silver paint, and make sure the clock hands point to midnight for the perfect New Year’s look.
Once your clock faces are dry, embellish the hats with metallic streamers, confetti, or pom-poms around the brim. You can even add a glittery “Happy New Year” sign across the bottom for added flair. Attach an elastic band to each hat to keep it securely in place during the festivities.
These countdown clock hats are not only festive but also add a touch of playful fun to the celebration. Guests can wear them as they count down to midnight, creating a joyful and united party atmosphere. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be a group craft for family and friends.
10. New Year’s “Wishing Wand”
Create a magical New Year’s tradition with wishing wands, a simple yet meaningful craft. Begin by gathering sturdy sticks or wooden dowels for each wand. Wrap the sticks in metallic ribbon, securing the ends with glue. Then, attach additional ribbon or fabric strips at the top, allowing them to dangle like streamers. You can add glitter, small charms, or bells for an extra special touch.
Encourage guests or family members to make a wish for the New Year while holding their wand. This can be done as a group activity or individually, creating a lovely, reflective moment as everyone shares their hopes for the upcoming year. If desired, write each wish on a small piece of paper and tie it to the wand as a reminder.
These wishing wands are perfect for both children and adults. They add a bit of whimsy to the New Year’s celebration and offer a unique way to mark the occasion. Plus, they can be saved as a memento or used in other celebrations throughout the year as a symbol of hope and good fortune.
New Year’s Crafts for Kids (Toddlers & Preschoolers)
11. New Year’s Confetti Poppers
Make a splash as the clock strikes midnight with homemade confetti poppers. This simple craft is perfect for kids and will definitely add some excitement to your New Year’s celebration. To start, you’ll need toilet paper rolls, streamers or tissue paper, confetti, and some glue. Begin by sealing one end of the toilet paper roll with a piece of tissue paper or colored paper, securing it with glue.
Next, fill the tube with confetti, glitter, or small pieces of paper. Cover the open end with another piece of paper and glue it in place, leaving enough room for the popper to be easily opened. For added fun, decorate the outside of the tube with markers, glitter, or stickers. You can even personalize each popper with the kids’ names for a fun touch.
To use the poppers, simply pull the paper off the open end to release the confetti into the air. This craft is fun for kids to make and even more exciting to use during the New Year’s countdown. It’s also a safe and mess-free alternative to traditional fireworks, providing a burst of color and joy as you welcome the New Year.
12. Paper Plate Party Hats
This classic craft is easy to make and a great way to get kids involved in the festivities. Start with plain paper plates and have the children decorate them with markers, crayons, glitter, and stickers. You can also add sequins or pom-poms for a textured finish. To create the hat shape, simply cut a small slit at the edge of the plate, then fold the two sides together and staple them to form a cone shape.
Next, attach a ribbon or string to the top of the hat so it can be worn comfortably. Kids can also add a “Happy New Year” message or draw festive pictures, like fireworks or party balloons, to personalize their hats. You can make a fun activity out of this craft by having the kids parade around in their new hats once they’re finished.
These paper plate party hats are great for kids of all ages and add an extra touch of celebration to your New Year’s gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family event or having a small party, these hats will make everyone feel festive and ready for the countdown.
13. New Year’s Firework Art
Kids can make their own colorful fireworks with this fun art project. Start with a sheet of black construction paper as the background, representing the night sky. Then, use bright-colored paint or watercolor to create explosive firework designs on the paper. For a more textured effect, sprinkle salt onto the wet paint to create an interesting texture that mimics the sparkle of fireworks.
You can also use a fork or a cotton swab to “splatter” paint in various directions, mimicking the spread of fireworks in the sky. Encourage the kids to use a variety of colors like red, gold, silver, and blue for a festive, multi-colored effect. Once the paintings are dry, display the artwork around the house or use it as a centerpiece for the party.
This craft is a fantastic way for kids to get creative while celebrating the New Year. Plus, they’ll be proud to show off their beautiful firework art as part of the party decor. It’s a simple but festive craft that’s fun to make and adds a personal touch to your celebration.
14. DIY Countdown Clocks
Help your kids keep track of the New Year’s countdown with DIY paper plate clocks. Start with a paper plate and have the children decorate it with markers, glitter, or stickers. Draw numbers around the edges to represent the hours, and then use a small piece of cardboard or a craft stick to create the clock hands. Attach the clock hands to the center of the plate with a brad fastener so they can be moved around.
For added fun, set the clock to count down to midnight and let the kids take turns adjusting the hands as the minutes tick down. You can also add additional features like sequins or small cut-out shapes around the clock for decoration. This craft allows children to engage with the New Year’s countdown in a fun and interactive way.
These DIY countdown clocks are not only great for keeping track of time but also offer a fun craft activity for kids. They help teach kids about the concept of time and give them a chance to participate in the New Year’s tradition of counting down to midnight.
15. New Year’s Resolution Tree
Start the year off right by having kids create their own New Year’s Resolution Tree. Begin by drawing or cutting out a simple tree shape from construction paper and gluing it to a large piece of poster board. Then, give the kids small paper leaves where they can write or draw their resolutions for the New Year. This could include goals like “Be kind,” “Read more books,” or “Play outside every day.”
Once the leaves are decorated, attach them to the branches of the tree with glue or tape. This craft allows kids to reflect on their personal goals and dreams for the New Year, while also creating a colorful piece of artwork that can be proudly displayed around the house. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to teach children about goal-setting and the importance of self-reflection.
As the year progresses, kids can continue to add new resolutions or update their tree with new leaves, making it a year-long tradition. This craft is a great way to encourage children to think about their aspirations for the future and to visually track their progress.
16. Sparkling New Year’s Crown
Kids will feel like royalty with a sparkling New Year’s crown. Start with a strip of construction paper long enough to fit around a child’s head. Decorate the paper with colorful rhinestones, sequins, glitter, and other embellishments to make the crown shine. You can also cut out shapes like stars, hearts, or fireworks to glue along the band for extra flair.
Once the crown is fully decorated, measure the strip around the child’s head and glue or staple the ends together to create a crown. To make the craft even more festive, add a few party horns or streamers to the top of the crown for a celebratory touch. The kids will love wearing these crowns while they participate in the New Year’s countdown or while taking family photos.
This craft is perfect for making kids feel special as they ring in the New Year. It’s easy to create, and the materials are inexpensive. Plus, the sparkling crowns add extra fun to any New Year’s party or family celebration.
17. Balloon Stomp Countdown
Get the kids moving and ready for the New Year with a fun balloon stomp countdown. To start, write a different time on each balloon, representing the countdown to midnight (e.g., 10:00, 9:00, etc.). Inflate the balloons and arrange them on the floor in a path that leads to the final “midnight” balloon. At each stage of the countdown, the children can stomp on the balloon with the corresponding time, causing it to pop.
For added excitement, put small pieces of confetti or paper inside each balloon. When the balloon pops, a burst of confetti will surprise the kids, making the countdown even more thrilling. You can also include small prizes or treats inside each balloon as an incentive for the children to keep going until the final balloon.
This craft combines fun, physical activity, and the thrill of the countdown. It’s a great way to engage kids in the celebration while helping them count down to the New Year in an energetic and interactive way.
18. New Year’s Eve Party Glasses
Get creative with DIY party glasses that the kids can wear to ring in the New Year. Start with a pair of plain plastic sunglasses and have the children decorate them using foam stickers, glitter, sequins, or colorful tape. You can also cut out numbers like “2024” or “Happy New Year” from construction paper and glue them to the sides of the glasses.
Once the glasses are decorated, let them dry completely. These glasses make for a fun, festive accessory that the kids can wear as they count down to midnight. The glasses also serve as a fun photo opportunity during your New Year’s celebration. Kids will love having their own unique party glasses to wear and share with friends and family.
These New Year’s Eve party glasses are an easy and inexpensive craft that can be made ahead of time. They’re the perfect way to let kids feel included in the celebration while allowing them to express their creativity.
19. DIY Noise Makers
Create DIY noise makers with the kids to add a festive sound to your New Year’s celebration. Start with empty toilet paper rolls and have the children decorate them with markers, stickers, or glitter. Once decorated, tape or glue a piece of wax paper over one end of the roll to create a “drum” surface.
To complete the noise maker, fill the tube with small items like rice, pasta, or beads. Seal the other end with more wax paper or tape, and shake it up to hear the noise! The kids will love making their own noise makers and will enjoy shaking them throughout the night to celebrate the New Year.
These noise makers are simple, fun, and customizable, making them perfect for kids of all ages. They add an extra layer of excitement to the New Year’s celebration and encourage the kids to participate in the festivities with noise and joy.
20. New Year’s Party Popcorn Cones
Create a special treat for the kids with New Year’s Party Popcorn Cones. Start by shaping paper into a cone and securing it with tape. Then, fill the cones with flavored popcorn or popcorn mixed with sprinkles, colored sugar, or candy pieces. Let the kids decorate their cones with festive stickers or glitter to make them extra fun.
These popcorn cones make a great party favor for the kids, allowing them to enjoy a snack while celebrating. You can personalize each cone by writing the child’s name on it, or make them part of a party game where the children decorate and exchange their popcorn cones. It’s a creative and delicious treat that will keep everyone munching happily throughout the New Year’s festivities.
Wrapping Up
Ring in the New Year with creativity, joy, and a touch of DIY magic! These 20+ easy New Year’s crafts offer something special for everyone, from toddlers eager to glue and paint to adults looking for chic party decor or meaningful keepsakes. Whether you’re crafting shimmering decorations for your celebration, creating personalized party favors for guests, or simply enjoying a cozy crafting session with family, these ideas make the countdown to midnight even more memorable.
Not only do these projects add a festive flair to your New Year’s celebrations, but they also offer a wonderful way to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. So gather your supplies, turn on some celebratory music, and let your imagination take the lead. With these fun and festive crafts, you’ll set the tone for a creative, cheerful, and inspiring start to the year ahead. Happy Crafting and Happy New Year!