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There’s something magical about a Christmas craft that smells just as good as it looks. Cinnamon stick reindeer are one of those tiny, simple creations that instantly make a room feel warm, festive, and a little bit peaceful. Kids love them because they’re cute and easy to make. Grown-ups love them because they take only a few minutes, use natural materials, and don’t create a giant mess across the table. And honestly… the cinnamon scent alone makes this craft worth doing.

This is the perfect project for toddlers, preschoolers, or mixed-age groups during classroom Christmas activities, playdates, or cosy winter sleepovers. The materials are inexpensive, the steps are gentle, and every child can personalise their reindeer with different noses, scarves, and antler shapes. They look adorable as ornaments, as little decorations on the Christmas table, or tied to gifts as a handmade tag.

Here’s how to make these sweet cinnamon stick reindeer in a calm, kid-friendly way.

Materials You’ll Need

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• 3 cinnamon sticks per reindeer

• Googly eyes

• Red pom-poms (for noses)

• Brown pipe cleaners (for antlers)

• Twine or ribbon (optional scarf)

• Craft glue or hot glue

• Pine branches or greenery (optional decoration around them)

You only need a few supplies, and everything is easy to find at Dollar Tree, a craft store, or even your own kitchen cupboard.

Step 1: Build the Reindeer Body

Lay two cinnamon sticks in a “V” shape — this will be the reindeer’s face and body outline. Glue the tops together. Then glue a third cinnamon stick horizontally across the bottom to create the reindeer’s body. Kids don’t need it to be perfect; slightly crooked looks cute and handmade.

Step 2: Add the Face

Glue two googly eyes near the top point of the “V.”

Then add the nose — a bright red pom-pom makes a classic Rudolph look, but kids can choose brown or pink if they prefer.

This is the moment the reindeer starts to look alive, and little kids especially love watching their creature take shape.

Step 3: Make the Antlers

Cut a brown pipe cleaner in half and twist the pieces into antlers with two or three little branches. Glue them behind the top of the cinnamon stick face.

Pipe cleaners are soft and easy to bend, so this step feels calm and satisfying even for younger kids.

Step 4: Add a Little Scarf (Optional but Charming)

Tie a small piece of twine, felt, or thin ribbon around the centre cinnamon stick like a tiny scarf. Kids love choosing the colour — red plaid for Christmas, cream for a soft woodland look, green for something festive.