Hidden Santa

Artistic Adventures

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

It's not just Father Christmas who can perform Christmas magic - your child can too! This simple activity is perfect for young children and is sure to amaze them!

Materials Needed

  • White paper
  • Adhesive tape
  • Double-sided tape
  • Scissors
  • Zip-lock bag
  • Marker pens
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
A sheet of white paper, rolls of yellow and clear tape, a clear plastic bag, scissors, white markers, a pencil, and a ruler are arranged on a light wood-grain surface.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Using a pencil, draw a vertical line 1cm from the long edge of the white paper, as shown.

A sheet of white paper on a light wood-grain surface has a dashed line drawn one centimeter from the right-hand edge.
Step 2

Fold the paper along the guideline, then fold this folded paper in half. Repeat the same folding process with another piece of paper.

Two hands fold a sheet of white paper along a dashed line, one centimeter from the right-hand edge, on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 3

Using scissors, cut one of the folded papers along the crease.

Two identical rectangular pieces of white paper and a long, thin strip of white paper are arranged on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 4

From the cut pieces, select one rectangular piece and attach double-sided tape to the bottom as shown.

Two hands hold a piece of white paper on a light wood-grain surface, with a strip of double-sided tape adhered along the bottom edge.
Step 5

Take the other paper and draw a 7cm x 14cm rectangle in the middle of the folded paper. Cut out this rectangle using scissors.

A rectangular piece of white paper on a light wood-grain surface has a smaller rectangle drawn in the center, measuring 7cm wide and 14cm high.
Step 6

Unfold the paper and attach the rectangular piece with double-sided tape to the larger rectangular paper as shown.

Two hands hold a piece of white paper with a rectangular cut-out window next to another piece of white paper on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 7

Using marker pens, draw your favourite design on the remaining small rectangular piece of paper.

A drawing on white paper, placed on a light wood-grain surface, depicts a cartoon Santa Claus popping out of a green and red present, with another present and a star drawn below and the top of a present drawn above.
Step 8

Take the zip-lock bag and place your decorated paper on top. Cut a piece of the bag to match the size of your paper.

A drawing on white paper, depicting a cartoon Santa Claus popping out of a present, is sealed inside a clear plastic bag on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 9

Use adhesive tape to attach the top of the cut zip-lock bag to your decorated paper.

Two hands hold a clear plastic bag containing a drawing of Santa Claus popping out of a present, with a strip of yellow tape across the top of the bag, against a light wood-grain background.
Step 10

Use a marker pen to trace the outline of your paper onto the zip-lock bag.

A hand colours in a drawing of a present beneath a cartoon Santa Claus, enclosed in a clear plastic bag with yellow tape at the top, on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 11

Finally, take the paper with the cut-out window and insert the zip-lock bag paper assembly into the middle as shown.

Two hands arrange a piece of white paper with a rectangular window cut out over a drawing of Santa Claus, which is sealed in a plastic bag with yellow tape, on a light wood-grain surface. Two hands arrange a piece of white paper with a rectangular window cut out over a drawing of Santa Claus, which is sealed in a plastic bag with yellow tape, on a light wood-grain surface.
Step 12

Secure the right side of the paper with double-sided tape, leaving 1cm of space.

Two hands hold a white card with a yellow top edge, featuring a cut-out window revealing a black and white drawing of Santa Claus, a present, and a star, against a plain, light wood-grain background.
Step 13

Your vanishing character is now complete! Try sliding the middle paper up and down to see the magic happen.

Two hands hold a white card with a cut-out window, partially revealing a coloured drawing of Santa Claus popping out of a present, which is sealed in a plastic bag with yellow tape, against a light wood-grain background.

Top categories

Stem Activities
Art & Crafts
Sensory Play
Cooking
Outdoor Fun
Holiday & Events