These Homemade Picture Frames are simple to make from pantry cardboard and a bit of paint. They’re easy enough for toddlers and preschoolers and make a heartfelt homemade gift for kids to give at Christmas.
A homemade picture frame is a meaningful gift that melts hearts. A child’s painted frame holding a favorite photo is a thoughtful, personal present grandparents and parents will cherish.
Our frames are made from recycled cardboard, painted and embellished with sequins for a festive touch. Once your child slides a treasured photo into the window, the frame becomes a special handmade gift perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to give to a loved one.
If you’d like a framed gift idea suited to older kids, consider a scratch-art family portrait activity that elementary-aged children and tweens can make and give.
Supplies:
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- photo of your child
- lightweight cardboard (cereal box works well)
- metallic acrylic paint
- craft sequins or craft gems
- glitter or glitter glue
- scissors or X-ACTO knife (adult use recommended)
- paint brush
- glue
How to make our cardboard picture frame
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Cut out your frame
Trace a rectangle on cardboard slightly larger than your child’s photo. We traced the photo on a cereal box, added a margin on each side, and cut the piece out.
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Make a window in the frame
Draw a rectangle for the photo window that is slightly smaller than the photo and cut it out. An X-acto knife makes cutting the inner rectangle easier; an adult should handle this tool.
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Decorate
Let your child paint the front of the frame and add glitter glue, sequins, or craft gems for extra sparkle.
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Make the back of the frame
Cut a second piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the decorated front and glue it to the back, leaving one end open so the photo can slide in and out.
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Add a photo
Once paint and glue are dry, slide the photo into the opening and secure if desired.
Encourage children to experiment with colors and textures. We offered several paint colors and decorating supplies like glitter glue and sequins so each child’s frame became a true reflection of their personality.
Kids love painting, so give them freedom to create — the result will be a unique keepsake showcasing their little selves.
For holiday versions, take photos in front of a decorated tree so the framed picture doubles as a festive keepsake to give at Christmas.
When the frames were finished, we wrapped them in homemade wrapping paper to complete the gift presentation.
A homemade framed photo makes a beautiful gift from kids to parents at Christmas — expect a few heart-melting moments on the big morning!
More kid-made gift ideas:
- Paper Mache Bowls
- Crayon Resist Magnets
- Tie Dye Bookmarks with Sharpies and Rubbing Alcohol