Playdough Christmas Tree - Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Celebrate the holiday season with this easy Playdough Christmas Tree Activity. It’s a fun way for toddlers and preschoolers to decorate their own Christmas trees, while leaving the real Christmas tree alone. Not only is it easy to set up and a lot of fun to do, but this play idea also helps to develop fine motor skills, creativity and more.

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More Christmas Themed Fine Motor Play Ideas

Do you want to help your toddlers and preschoolers strengthen their fine motor skills? Here are some different ways for your young children to get some hands-on play. All of these fine motor activities have a christmas theme, and are perfect for getting your class into the holiday spirit.

For more ideas, visit 30 Christmas Fine Motor Activities for Kids.

Materials Needed

Styrofoam cones
Green play dough
Small loose parts decorating (such as pom poms, buttons or Christmas themed beads)
Playdough tools (optional)

How to Make Playdough Christmas Trees

Step 1. Make your playdough

For this activity you can choose to use store bought playdough, or make some homemade playdough instead. I love using this easy playdough recipe whenever I’m making a new batch, because it never goes wrong and it lasts for ages. If you make your own play dough and store it in an airtight container, it will last you for several months without drying out.

If you want to, you can also add other things to your christmas playdough recipe. Adding essential oils to make the dough smell like christmas is a great way to add in another sensory element to this play idea.

2. Flatten the playdough and roll it around the styrofoam.

The styrofoam cones act as a base for your play dough christmas trees. While it makes things a lot easier, it isn’t essential. If you prefer you can always just mold your playdough into 3D tree shapes on its own.

Or use a christmas tree cookie cutter to make a 2D tree instead. Either way, your toddlers and preschoolers will love making their own playdough christmas tree.

3. Decorate the tree however you like.

I used pom poms, buttons and a Christmas lights necklace to decorate our trees. However, you can use whatever you have on hand. I also like the idea of using pipe cleaners or small beads in different colors to decorate the tree.

No matter what you choose your kids will have a great time with this easy fine motor play idea.

Are you going to try these Playdough Christmas Trees with your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.