Kids, Crafts & Creativity: Holiday Fun for Families on the North Coast
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Brought to you by Dennis Company Ace Long Beach
The holidays shine brightest when seen through the eyes of a child — especially on the North Coast, where family-friendly workshops, school concerts, craft fairs, and nonprofit holiday markets fill December with creativity and community spirit. From wreath-making in Warrenton to elf-led craft workshops in Long Beach, families are finding hands-on ways to celebrate the season together.
A wide selection of paint and supplies at Fine Art Supply will help you find everything you need for holiday handmade gifts
“Art and crafts foster cognitive, emotional, and creative growth in the young.” says Jo Pomeroy, owner of Astoria Art Loft. “Art fosters sanity and health in everyone. At the Astoria Art Loft, we offer individual and group classes for children and youth. Art supplies are available downstairs in Fine Art Supply”
Creating art creates memories that last a lifetime. Kids get to paint, glue, decorate, and create — and parents love knowing they’re supporting local artisans, schools, and nonprofits.
Crafting Together: A North Coast Holiday Tradition
Throughout December, Astoria’s community centers and local galleries host workshops that give kids and parents the chance to make personalized gifts.
Fine Art Supply cat, Violet, keeps an eye on inventory.
Children craft ornaments, hand-painted mugs, and holiday cards. Wreath-making classes using local greenery sell out each year. Kids can proudly wrap something they made for their parents, or share with their families the smell of the pine boughs and getting messy with ribbons and wire. The best part is they go home with something beautiful and meaningful.
Holiday Markets That Give Back
Across the North Coast and Peninsula, holiday bazaars and nonprofit markets draw shoppers looking for handcrafted goods and local treasures. Every purchase supports community programs, like art associations, youth scholarships and animal shelters.
Markets and bazaars highlight local woodworkers, bakers, jewelers, knitters, and young crafters selling their creations. Every wreath, candle, or handmade ornament you buy directly supports local artists. 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 on the coast.
Top 10 Handmade Gifts Kids Can Make |
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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 OrnamentsWooden rounds, ceramic shapes, or salt dough pieces decorated with paint, glitter, and ribbon. 2. Handmade Cards & Stationery SetsKids can create custom cards with stamps, markers, stickers, or watercolors. 3. Mason Jar Treat JarsFilled with homemade cookies, cocoa mix, or candy from a local sweet shop. 4. Photo Frames Decorated by KidsUsing craft sticks, shells, buttons, or natural elements from local parks. 5. Beaded Jewelry or Friendship BraceletsSimple bracelets or necklaces made with elastic string and colorful beads. 6. DIY Bath Salts or Sugar ScrubsMade with Epsom salts, local essential oils, and jars from a local hardware or craft store. 7. Painted Tote Bags or Tea TowelsFabric paint + blank canvas bags or towels = practical handmade gifts. 8. Hand-Poured Candles (with adult help)Use beeswax pellets, wicks, and jars — many local shops carry simple kits. 9. Clay Ornaments or Trinket DishesAir-dry clay shaped by hand, then painted after drying. 10. Coupon Books for KindnessKids make booklets offering chores, hugs, help, or fun activities. |
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