Instead of putting up a baby gate, learn how to make a toddler friendly Christmas tree that you can hang on the wall! My husband and I found ourselves grasping at straws when it came to creating our own holiday memories when my son was just over a year old. Taking him to the store and letting him pick out his own ornament ended up being fun and age-appropriate (no long lines, no late night start time, and no cold weather!), making it our very first family tradition!
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Another element we’ve struggled with as parents is decorating and getting in the Christmas spirit without putting our son in a straitjacket in order to keep him from pulling it all down. He does pretty well now but when it comes to his favorite toy (trucks) hanging, his self-restraint grows thin. This year his little sister is mobile and getting into the mix, so I decided to design a “toddler-proof” tree for his favorite ornaments! If I had a little more time, I’d sew more felt ornaments that aren’t breakable, like this felt reindeer ornament or this jingle bird ornament.
You might be able to guess which ornament is the one he picked – “Mater”, the tow truck from Cars! He hasn’t seen the movie yet, but we have a bunch of the books and there is actually a “real-life” Mater in my town.
It was a tough decision between this and “The Good Dinosaur” ornament. No matter how many times we talk about how decorations are just to look at, he still wants to play with it, so having the toddler friendly Christmas tree hung up made my life much easier! I’m all about avoiding power struggles.
This was my daughter’s first peek at holiday decorations – she just turned 8 months old so this will be her first Christmas season. We will have to take her back and let her pick out her first ornament too. This is a tradition that my parents started with me, and then once we got married and owned our own house, we got our box of ornaments from over the years!
How to make a toddler friendly Christmas tree
Supplies
- 24 X 36″ canvas
- awl
- wire snips
- 9′ faux pine garland
- thin wire* – I used 24 gauge
- pencil
- yardstick or long piece of cardboard
- wall velcro fasteners*
- 1 strand of battery powered wreath lights (optional)
Steps
Step 1:
Cut lengths of garland, using your wire snips. Cut one of each length: 24″ / 20″ / 18″ / 16″ / 14″ / 10″/ 6″
Step 2:
Draw lines of approximately the same length as the cuts, using the yardstick or cardboard to keep them straight (I used a quilting ruler). I left 4″ in between each line, starting 6″ from the bottom of the canvas.
Step 3
Cut 4″ long pieces of wire, and use your awl to poke two holes each place you’d like to secure the garland. I made 3-5 attachment spots, depending on the length of the row. Loop the piece of wire through so the free ends come through to the front. Attach each pine garland strand, going up from the bottom, and fluff so any open spots are covered up. At this point, I poked a large hole to string the wreath lights through the back, but this is optional.
Step 4
Put a velcro fastener on each corner, and hang it up on your wall! Add ornaments, a star to the top, and you’re ready to party (sans tantrums and fights).
This would be a perfect wall tree DIY for any apartment renters as well, since there is no damage left to the paint when the holiday is over. There’s no reason to wait until you’re in a house to start making Christmas traditions!
Do you have any annual traditions that you’ve passed down to your kids? Do you have a toddler friendly Christmas tree or do you battle it out?
Beverly Cooley
Saturday 10th of December 2016
Was just browsing when I came across the link for this wall tree for toddlers. I don't usually click on these, but my daughter babysits toddlers and I've been worried how she is going to have her Christmas tree with all those exploring little hands. I went nuts when I saw it! I've always wanted a tree in every room of my house, but my house is small. This tree would be perfect for my kitchen! I can hang my large collection of cookie cutters on it using holly printed ribbon or red gingham ribbon. I will be working on this for next Christmas. I can't wait!
kitty pearl
Monday 23rd of November 2015
Too clever! Awesome tree idea:) Can't wait to see what u invent next;)
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 23rd of November 2015
Aw, thanks Kitty! Gotta keep this brain ticking somehow :)
Steph @ The Silly Pearl
Saturday 21st of November 2015
Oh my goodness, so clever! I wish I had done this when my girls were toddlers! And I LOVE Hallmark ornaments. Both my brother's family and mine collect them. My girls would love the Mater one!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 23rd of November 2015
Thanks Steph - and I love to hear about girls loving trucks.. my daughter is pretty much being indoctrinated by her older brother to be a big fan :)
Amy
Friday 20th of November 2015
I love this idea! You know my parents and I buy Hallmark ornaments every single year. We love their Star Wars and Star Trek ornaments especially :D
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 23rd of November 2015
That is so fun - I need to go back and get all the Star Wars ones for our tree!! Thanks for reading!
Kathy @ Merriment Design
Friday 20th of November 2015
Ha ha! This totally brings back memories of when my toddler daughter almost pulled over the tree. What a clever idea! And thanks for the Mater tip ...I'll be getting that for my son from "Santa" :D
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 23rd of November 2015
Oh geez! We can't decide whether to attempt setting ours up or not - my 3 year old would LOVE to climb up it! Thanks for reading!