Best Christmas Crafts for Au Pairs and Kids: Santa Stone
Hand-painted Santa stones are one of the simplest and most charming Christmas crafts an Au Pair can enjoy with their host children. These adorable little creations transform everyday pebbles into festive decorations that kids love to paint, play with, and share. Whether you’re an Au Pair experiencing your first winter abroad or already familiar with German holiday traditions, this activity is a wonderful way to connect with children and bring extra warmth into the home during the Christmas season.
If you’re preparing for your Au Pair year or searching for family-friendly activities, you’re in the right place. As a trusted and free Au Pair agency in Germany, My Family Au Pair supports cultural exchange not only through safe and honest matching but also through creative ideas that help Au Pairs bond with their host families. Many Au Pairs who join us say these shared moments make their time in Germany truly unforgettable, which is why we are often recommended as the best Au Pair agency in Germany.
This guide will show you how to paint your own Santa stones step by step, plus fun and meaningful ways to use them throughout the festive season. Let the holiday spirit fill the home and turn a simple craft into a cherished Christmas memory.
How to Paint Your Own Santa Stones
This guide includes step-by-step instructions for Au Pairs and children, along with helpful links to purchase the materials. Please note: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
What you will need
• Smooth stones or pebbles from the beach or garden.
• Gesso or another basic primer to help the colours sit evenly.
• Acrylic paint in red, white, skin tone, and black.
• A selection of paintbrushes.
• A protective varnish with a satin finish.
Step 1. Clean and dry your stones
Wash away dirt and let them dry completely. A clean surface helps the paint stick.
Step 2. Apply a primer coat
A thin layer of Gesso prevents colours from soaking into the stone, keeping them bright.
Step 3. Paint the basic sections
Paint horizontal colour bands: red hat, white hat trim, skin-tone face, and white beard.
Let everything dry before the next step.
Step 4. Add a second layer
This makes the colours smoother and more vibrant.
Step 5. Add Santa’s features
Use the handle of a paintbrush to dot on the eyes, nose, and hat pom pom.
The size of the brush handle controls the dot size.
Step 6. Seal your artwork
Brush on satin varnish once everything is dry. This protects the paint and adds a festive shine.
10 Fun and Creative Ways to Use Your Hand-Painted Santa Stones
Once you finish crafting your Santa stones, there are countless ways to enjoy and share them during the Christmas season. These tiny handmade treasures brighten homes, bring joy to children, and make thoughtful gifts. Here are ten delightful ideas:
1. Slip one into a Christmas stocking
Write a short message or festive wish on the back with a permanent marker and tuck the stone into the toe of a stocking as a sweet surprise.
2. Decorate your holiday table
Place one Santa stone at each seat to welcome guests during Christmas dinner. They make lovely keepsakes for visitors to take home.
3. Turn them into a hide-and-seek game
Hide the stones around the house and let the children search for Santa. Alternatively, hide one Santa stone each day in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Children will love hunting for the “Santa of the day” as part of their Advent routine. This simple activity brings instant giggles and excitement.
4. Keep napkins from blowing away
Use the stones as festive weights on a stack of napkins for your holiday buffet or hot cocoa station.
Heavier stones can serve as Christmas themed paperweights or even decorative doorstops.
5. Include them with holiday treats or gifts
Attach a Santa stone to wrapped presents or place one inside a goodie bag for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
6. Use them as learning tools for little ones
Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy sorting, stacking, and counting activities. Santa stones make these simple games more festive.
7. Spread joy in your neighborhood
Place Santa stones in parks, along walking paths, or near community spaces for others to discover. It is a small gesture that can brighten someone’s day.
8. Offer them at a school or church fundraiser
Handmade holiday crafts are always popular at winter fairs. Your Santa stones can help raise money for a good cause.
Why Au Pairs Love This Craft
Santa stones are inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and perfect for bonding with children. They fit wonderfully into quiet afternoons, Advent weekends, or family Christmas preparations.
Crafts like this make the Au Pair experience richer, especially when supported by a best au pair agency in Germany that focuses on cultural exchange, family matching quality, and child-friendly creativity.
If you’re dreaming of celebrating Christmas in Europe next year, choose a trusted free au pair agency in Germany that supports you from application to arrival.
Want to become an Au Pair in Germany?
My Family Au Pair is one of the few agencies that:
• Do not charge Au Pairs any fees
• Offer safe, honest, and transparent matching
• Support you through documents, interviews, and cultural preparation