Kids, Crafts & Creativity: Holiday Fun for Families Across Eastern Oregon

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Brought to you by Good Shepherd Health Services

In Eastern Oregon, holiday joy is measured not just in twinkling lights, but in the creativity of kids covered in glitter, glue, and the excitement of making something all their own. From school concerts and craft bazaars to wreath-making workshops and children’s “shopping days,” families across the region are embracing hands-on holiday traditions.

These community events remind us what the holidays are really about. Families come together, kids make gifts, and every purchase helps local artists and school programs.

Workshops That Spark Imagination

In every community, libraries, art centers and faith groups host kid-friendly holiday workshops — cookie decorating, handmade ornament classes, and ceramic gift-making. The kids love making something for their families and parents love that the kids can give a gift that’s personal and made here.

Wreath-making workshops and activities using locally gathered greenery are a yearly favorite. People gather around big tables with the smell of fir boughs and create something beautiful together to share with their families. The best part is that they go home with something beautiful and meaningful.

Holiday Markets That Support Local Schools & Nonprofits

Throughout Eastern Oregon, December weekends are packed with bazaars and craft fairs hosted by schools, churches, and nonprofits. Fairgrounds, churches and community centers are filled with local makers from woodworkers and quilters to bakers and youth vendors selling handmade gifts.

When you shop at a local bazaar, you’re helping pay for school trips, youth sports, and art programs. You’re also local artisans and crafters to grow their small businesses. The atmosphere is pure holiday joy with music, cocoa, and locally made gifts at booths — it’s so much fun!

Supporting Schools & Local Artisans

Every ticket purchased for a school concert, every craft bought at a bazaar, and every ornament made in a workshop puts money directly back into the community — supporting school music programs, youth art education, and nonprofit services.

When families come to these events, they’re building memories AND supporting their community. That’s the magic of the holidays in Eastern Oregon. Families are keeping our traditions — and our local arts — alive, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Top 10 Handmade Gifts Kids Can Make

Perfect for school craft nights, holiday markets, or kitchen-table creativity — these simple projects help kids give from the heart while supporting local craft stores, libraries, and supply shops.

1. Hand-Painted Ornaments

Wooden rounds, ceramic shapes, or salt dough pieces decorated with paint, glitter, and ribbon.
A classic keepsake.

2. Handmade Cards & Stationery Sets

Kids can create custom cards with stamps, markers, stickers, or watercolors.
Great for teachers, grandparents, and neighbors.

3. Mason Jar Treat Jars

Filled with homemade cookies, cocoa mix, or candy from a local sweet shop.
Easy, inexpensive, and always appreciated.

4. Photo Frames Decorated by Kids

Using craft sticks, shells, buttons, or natural elements from local parks.
Add a family photo and it’s instant magic.

5. Beaded Jewelry or Friendship Bracelets

Simple bracelets or necklaces made with elastic string and colorful beads.
Kids love making them — adults love receiving them.

6. DIY Bath Salts or Sugar Scrubs

Made with Epsom salts, local essential oils, and jars from a local hardware or craft store.
A pampering gift that kids can easily mix themselves.

7. Painted Tote Bags or Tea Towels

Fabric paint + blank canvas bags or towels = practical handmade gifts.
Local craft stores often carry kid-sized kits.

8. Hand-Poured Candles (with adult help)

Use beeswax pellets, wicks, and jars — many local shops carry simple kits.
Smells like the holidays and teaches kids a new skill.

9. Clay Ornaments or Trinket Dishes

Air-dry clay shaped by hand, then painted after drying.
Perfect for jewelry, keys, or holiday décor.

10. Coupon Books for Kindness

Kids make booklets offering chores, hugs, help, or fun activities.
Always treasured — and completely handmade.

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