Chinese New Year always feels like the perfect excuse to get creative and celebrate tradition. Craft kits for this holiday give families a hands-on way to connect with Chinese culture. You’ll usually find everything you need to make lanterns, red envelopes, dragon puppets, and other decorations that stand for good luck and prosperity.
When picking out a Chinese New Year craft kit, pay attention to the quality of the materials. Go for kits with sturdy paper, non-toxic glue, and instructions that actually make sense for your skill level. Check the age recommendations too—nobody wants a project that’s either too simple or way over their head.
The best kits mix authentic cultural touches with activities that keep everyone entertained and maybe even teach you something new. Whether you’re planning a classroom party or just a family night in, the right craft kit can turn your Chinese New Year into a celebration you’ll remember.
Best Chinese New Year Craft Kits
Thinking about how to ring in the Year of the Snake in 2025? These Chinese New Year craft kits come with everything you need to make festive decorations and fun projects. There’s something here for every skill level—from quick paper lanterns to impressive dragon puppets. Great for families or classrooms, honestly.
Chiazllta Chinese New Year Craft Kits
These DIY picture frame kits let kids celebrate Chinese New Year and show off their creativity at the same time.
Pros
- Comes with 30 colorful frames and over 380 stickers—plenty for group projects
- No scissors or glue needed; it’s all self-adhesive
- Works well for classrooms or family gatherings
Cons
- The photo display area is smaller than standard photos
- Some sets might be missing the gold hanging string
- Sticker themes can get repetitive
The Year of the Snake is coming up, and these DIY picture frames are a cheerful way to welcome 2025’s Lunar New Year. Each kit packs in 30 bright frames in six colors and more than 380 festive stickers. Kids can decorate their frames without dealing with glue or sharp scissors.
Frames measure 6.3 x 4.7 inches, but the photo window is just 3 x 2.4 inches, so you’ll need to trim photos. Still, kids seem to love decorating these more than they mind the photo size. The cardstock frames feel sturdy, and the stickers are easy to peel and stick.
Teachers often grab these for classroom crafts during Lunar New Year. Kids stay busy and pick up a bit of cultural appreciation along the way. Parents like that these crafts keep kids off screens and doing something meaningful. Use them as party favors, holiday decorations, or keepsake gifts—these frames help make memories and brighten up the Year of the Snake.
Qunclay Chinese New Year Craft Houses
This wooden house kit brings together creativity and celebration for Chinese New Year.
Pros
- Everything’s included: 18 houses, paints, and two types of brushes
- Houses come with built-in LED lights for a festive display
- Makes a fun family activity that helps kids get artsy
Cons
- You have to put the houses together before painting
- Paint amounts are a bit skimpy
- House sizes may vary slightly due to manual measurements
Want a unique way to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025? These Qunclay wooden houses come ready for you to decorate and light up. You get 18 unfinished houses with warm white LEDs, 12 paint colors, and both flat and pointed brushes for details.
These houses are surprisingly versatile. Each one is about 4.13 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches—just right for tabletops. Scatter them around your home or office for a festive vibe that fits the Year of the Snake. The wood is sturdy, so your designs have a solid base.
Painting these houses can become a family tradition. Both kids and adults will enjoy making their own miniature homes and spending time together. Once you switch on the LED lights, your creations glow and add warmth to your holiday décor. With enough supplies for several people, this kit is a solid pick for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year 3D Papercraft Book
This craft book keeps kids busy and teaches them about Chinese New Year with 16 fun 3D papercraft templates.
Pros
- Helps kids develop fine motor skills with cutting and gluing
- Includes 16 different templates for lots of variety
- Teaches about Chinese New Year culture
Cons
- Younger kids will need some adult help
- Doesn’t come with scissors or glue
- Some projects might be tricky for little ones
Need a fun activity for Chinese New Year with your kids? This papercraft book is perfect for family craft sessions. You get 72 pages of colorful templates that turn into cool 3D creations once you cut and assemble them.
Inside, you’ll find 16 designs inspired by Chinese New Year traditions—dragons, lanterns, zodiac animals, and more. Kids get to make these while learning what they mean and why they matter. The templates are simple enough to be approachable but still offer a bit of a challenge.
What sets this craft book apart is how it mixes creativity with education. As you work on the projects, you can chat about the meaning behind each craft and the traditions they represent. Finished pieces make great decorations for your home or even thoughtful handmade gifts during the holiday.
Speduckk Chinese Festival Lanterns
These DIY lantern kits are a great way for kids to learn about Chinese culture while getting creative.
Pros
- Simple assembly—kids can handle most of it themselves
- The bright red color adds festive charm to any room
- Comes with four different designs for more variety
Cons
- Some small paper parts are tricky to remove
- Little kids might need help with assembly
- Lanterns are lightweight, so handle with care
Want a hands-on way to celebrate Chinese New Year? These red paper lanterns from Speduckk bring traditional festive décor into your home. Each set includes four lanterns, each with its own pattern, and they’re about 7.28 inches tall and 4.92 inches wide.
What’s nice about these is how they combine craft time with cultural learning. As you and your kids put them together, you can talk about what Chinese New Year means and the traditions behind it. Most kids can assemble them easily, though the tiniest crafters might need a little help.
Once you finish, you’ll have beautiful decorations to hang up. The vibrant red color stands for good luck and prosperity. Hang them from the ceiling or display on tables to set a festive mood. They’re also great for weddings, parties, or just as fun decor all year.
Hanging Lunar Dragon Craft Kit
This giant 6-foot dragon craft kit turns any classroom or party into a lively celebration.
Pros
- Self-adhesive foam pieces make it easy to put together
- The 6-foot size really stands out
- Comes with every material you need
Cons
- Only enough supplies for one dragon
- Younger kids might need some help
- Assembly can take a while
Want a craft project that makes a big impression? This hanging dragon kit transforms craft time into a cultural celebration. You’ll end up with a huge dragon to hang in doorways or from the ceiling—talk about instant party vibes.
Everything’s included: foam pieces, paper plates, craft tubes, satin cords, and more. Families or classrooms can personalize the blank pieces with their own designs, so every dragon turns out a little different. The self-adhesive parts make assembly straightforward, even for beginners.
At over 6 feet long, this dragon is hard to miss. It makes a great group project—everyone can help with a different section. The instructions walk you through each step, so you won’t feel lost. When you’re done, you get a dragon that’s sure to impress.
CIEOVO Chinese New Year Frames
These Year of the Snake craft kits help families and classrooms celebrate with a creative twist.
Pros
- Comes with 24 frames and 9 sticker sheets—plenty for everyone
- Simple DIY project that sparks creativity
- Use as decorations or personalized gifts
Cons
- Frames are paper, so they’re not super durable
- Only fits the Snake year theme
- You’ll need photos to finish the project
Want to make your Chinese New Year celebration feel a bit more personal? These red photo frame ornaments are ready for your creative touch. You get 24 paper frames and 9 sheets of Year of the Snake stickers with classic designs like red envelopes, fans, and lanterns.
Frames measure 6.3 x 4.7 inches—just right for family photos or kids’ artwork. The real fun is in decorating together. Kids can pick their favorite photos and jazz up the frames with stickers, creating keepsakes while learning about tradition.
These frames work well as wall or party decorations, or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Teachers might find them handy for classroom crafts, too. The bright red color brings good luck and festive energy to your 2025 Snake year celebrations. Just add photos, decorate, and hang them up for a personalized display that honors tradition and shows off your creativity.
Paper Crafts for Chinese New Year
If you’re a parent or teacher hoping to get kids excited about Chinese New Year, this craft book by Randel McGee is a solid pick. It’s packed with simple, colorful projects that don’t require fancy supplies or complicated steps.
Pros
- Templates are easy for young kids to follow
- Gives a bit of background about the holiday
- Uses basic materials you probably have at home
Cons
- Sticks to just paper crafts
- Really best for ages 7-10
- Only 48 pages—not a huge book
Trying to find a fun way to celebrate Chinese New Year with your kids? This book’s got you covered. McGee keeps things straightforward, blending step-by-step craft instructions with little nuggets of cultural info. Projects like paper lanterns and dragons are simple enough that kids won’t get frustrated, but they’ll still feel proud of what they make.
I love that the book manages to mix fun and learning. While kids are cutting and gluing, they’re also picking up cool facts about Chinese traditions. The templates set them up for success, so even younger crafters can finish a project and feel good about it.
Teachers seem to get a lot of use out of this book, too. The bright pages and no-nonsense instructions make it easy to slip these crafts into a lesson or family party. Sure, the crafts are pretty basic, but they really do capture the spirit of the holiday. And since the book is small and lightweight, it’s easy to keep on hand for whenever you need a quick, meaningful activity.
Dragon Paper Craft Kit
This 24-pack of DIY paper dragons brings a burst of color and excitement to Chinese New Year celebrations. Kids and adults can both get in on the fun, and putting these together is a breeze.
Pros
- You get 24 dragons in 6 styles—plenty to go around
- Assembly is easy, thanks to clear instructions
- Works for decorations, playtime, or classroom use
Cons
- Not for toddlers—small parts could be a problem
- Occasionally, a pack might have a small defect
- Paper can tear if you’re not gentle
Want to turn your space into a festive scene for Chinese New Year 2025? These Halloscume paper dragon puppets do the trick. Each dragon stretches out to almost two feet, making them pretty eye-catching.
The kit offers 24 dragons in six designs, so you can share with friends, family, or classmates. The instructions are straightforward, and kids can handle assembly with a bit of adult help. The colors really pop and fit right in with traditional Lunar New Year decorations.
Honestly, what makes these dragons cool is how they double as both crafts and toys. After you make them, kids can use them for puppet shows or imaginative play. They’re sturdy enough to save for next year, too. For the price, you’re getting a lot of craft time and a little bit of cultural learning all in one go.
Dragon Garland Craft Kit
If you want to add a handmade touch to your Chinese New Year decorations, this DIY dragon garland kit is a fun way to do it.
Pros
- Comes with everything you need in the box
- Gives kids a window into Chinese traditions
- Works for all sorts of celebrations
Cons
- Instructions can be a little confusing
- Beginners might find assembly tricky
- Small pieces mean you’ll need to pay attention
You’ll open the box and find three full sets for making dragon garlands. Each set includes paper flowers, double-sided tape, sticks, bells, and sequins. The bright colors and classic dragon shapes really stand out for New Year or any time you want to celebrate Chinese culture.
The best part? You’re not just making a craft—you’re connecting with a tradition that goes back centuries. The dragon represents good luck and prosperity, so these garlands aren’t just pretty, they’re meaningful.
This kit works well for family craft nights or classroom projects. Since it’s hands-on, it helps kids build patience and fine motor skills. Some folks say the directions could be clearer, but with three sets in the box, you get a chance to practice and improve. Usually, the second and third dragons turn out even better than the first.
If you’re hoping to introduce kids to new cultures in a way that’s actually engaging, these dragon garlands are a great pick. When you’re done, hang them in a doorway, window, or along a wall—they’ll brighten up any celebration.
INTRFANL Lucky Fish Lantern Craft Kit
This DIY lantern kit lets kids dive into Chinese New Year traditions with a creative project, though you’ll want a little patience (and maybe some backup from an adult).
Pros
- Makes a lovely fish lantern with LED lights
- Includes a rabbit hat craft for extra fun
- Results in meaningful decorations
Cons
- Instructions are pretty bare-bones
- Takes longer to finish than you might expect
- Paper can tear if you’re not careful
Want to try something different for Lunar New Year? The INTRFANL kit lets you build a classic red and yellow fish lantern—a symbol of good luck. Once you’re done, you can pop in the LED lights and watch it glow. There’s even a rabbit hat craft included, just for kicks.
Heads up: this isn’t a quick project. The box says it’s for ages 3-14, but younger kids will need quite a bit of help. The instructions are mostly tiny pictures, so you’ll have to figure out some steps as you go. Expect to spend at least half an hour on it, probably more.
You get pre-cut paper pieces that you’ll turn into a 3D lantern, complete with individual scales you attach one by one. It takes time, but the end result is pretty detailed. When you’re finished, you can carry your lantern for the festivities or hang it up as a decoration—a fun way to connect with Chinese traditions.
Buying Guide
If you’re shopping for Chinese New Year craft kits, you want something that’s both fun and meaningful. But what makes a kit stand out? Let’s break it down.
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the kit matches your child’s skills. Some crafts need fine motor skills that little ones might not have yet.
Age Group | Good Choices |
---|---|
3-5 years | Simple paper crafts, foam stickers |
6-9 years | Paper lanterns, simple origami |
10+ years | Calligraphy sets, detailed paper cutting |
Cultural Authenticity
Pick crafts that actually teach something about Chinese traditions. The best kits explain the meaning behind each project.
Materials Quality
Quality matters! Look for bright colors that won’t fade and sturdy materials that can handle a bit of rough play. If you’ve got young kids, washable is a must.
Educational Value
A great kit does more than just keep kids busy—it teaches, too. Does it talk about Chinese New Year traditions? Does it explain the zodiac or the history?
Value for Money
Count the projects before you buy. Are there enough crafts for everyone? Will the kit last through more than one celebration? The best kits give you plenty to do without breaking the bank.
Reusability
Can you pull out the kit again next year, or maybe use it for another party? Kits that come with traceable templates (instead of stuff you toss after one use) really stretch your dollar!