1. Set the Scene with a Holiday Art Studio
Begin by designating a well‑lit corner of your living room or kitchen as a temporary art studio. Cover the floor with a reusable tablecloth or drop cloth, and lay out all supplies within easy reach. A mix of paper sizes, colored pencils, water‑based markers, and washable paints works well for most activities. Keep a small waste bin nearby for quick cleanup, and consider using washable palettes or zip‑lock bags for paint mixes to prevent spills from spreading.
Before the game starts, give participants a brief overview of the theme—perhaps "Christmas Lights," "Winter Wonderland," or "Festive Food." This shared focus helps guide creativity while still allowing each person to interpret the idea in their own style.
2. Collaborative Storyboard Challenge
Divide the group into teams of two or three. Each team receives a stack of A4 paper, a set of colored pens, and a timer set for 15 minutes per round. The task is to create a storyboard that tells a short Christmas story without using words—just images. After each round, teams swap storyboards and add the next sequence, building on the previous team's narrative.
This activity encourages visual storytelling, active listening, and quick decision‑making. It also creates a hilarious, evolving comic that can be displayed on the fridge after the game. For cleanup, simply stack the finished storyboards and store the pens in a zip‑lock bag.
3. Holiday “Guess the Sketch” Relay
Arrange a classic drawing‑guess game with a festive twist. One player draws a holiday‑related prompt (e.g., "snow globe," "reindeer games," "gift wrap frenzy") while their teammates guess within a 30‑second limit. Use a dry‑erase board or a large sketchpad that can be easily wiped clean for each round. Rotate the drawer role after each guess to keep everyone engaged.
The key to smooth gameplay is a prepared list of prompts, which can be written on slips of paper and placed in a decorative jar. After each round, erase the board, shuffle the next prompt, and continue. This format builds quick visual thinking and encourages lighthearted competition.
4. DIY Ornament Design Competition
Provide plain wooden or ceramic ornaments, a palette of acrylic paints, glitter, and fine‑tip brushes. Each participant decorates an ornament based on a chosen sub‑theme—such as "cozy cabin," "holiday lights," or "winter animal". Set a time limit of 20 minutes, then display all ornaments on a holiday wreath or a dedicated hanging rack for a mini‑exhibition.
This hands‑on craft doubles as a keepsake for future holidays. For easy cleanup, lay the ornaments on a sheet of parchment paper and use a damp cloth to wipe brushes. Store any leftover paint in sealed containers for later projects.
5. Wrap‑It‑Up Art Relay
Combine gift‑wrapping with artistic expression. Divide the group into two teams and give each team a stack of plain wrapping paper, stamps, and washable ink pads. The goal is to create the most visually striking wrapped gift within 10 minutes. Teams can stamp patterns, draw freehand designs, or add small collages made from cut‑out holiday stickers.
After the time is up, swap gifts and have a quick “gallery walk” where participants vote for creativity, cohesion, and holiday spirit. This game highlights teamwork, speed, and the joy of personalizing a simple holiday task. Cleanup involves gathering used stamps, wiping ink pads, and recycling any scrap paper.
Make it personal
Use the toy finder to explore ideas for their age and interests. Check the actual product’s age guidance and price with the seller.
Find their next play idea →