Looking for a winter craft that’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and secretly great for fine motor skills? Meet the cutest little yeti you’ll ever make.
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There’s something magical about winter crafts—especially the ones that keep little hands busy while you sip something warm and try to remember where you hid the last roll of wrapping paper. This Dollar Store Paper Plate Yeti Craft is exactly that kind of cozy, no-stress project.
It’s simple, silly, budget-friendly, and absolutely adorable… the perfect afternoon activity when you need a creative break that doesn’t involve 47 steps or a glitter explosion.
If your kiddo loves anything fluffy, silly, and monster-cute, this yeti is going to be a hit. With cotton-ball fur, wiggly eyes, and bright little horns, this friendly “abominable snow buddy” comes together easily—and the whole craft helps with fine motor skills, cutting, counting, and following steps. Win-win.
So grab a paper plate, a handful of cotton balls, and a warm drink for yourself. Let’s make some winter magic!
Check out more fun paper plate crafts for kids:
- Snowy Owl
- Walrus
- and this adorable heart holding frog
Why You’ll Love This Paper Plate Yeti Craft
- Made with Dollar Store supplies — budget- and mom-approved.
- Kid-friendly and low-mess — no glitter, no chaos.
- Great for all ages — preschoolers to early elementary kids can all join in.
- Perfect for winter, snow days, and classroom activities.
- Full of sensory and motor-skill building moments — cotton balls to squish, shapes to cut, and textures to explore.
Paper Plate Yeti Supplies
All from the Dollar Store or already in your craft bin:
How to Make a Paper Plate Yeti
This is a wonderful winter craft for kids 4 and up—little ones love sticking the cotton balls and eyes on, with adult supervision for cutting and hot glue to keep things safe.
STEP ONE — Paint the Face
Gather all your supplies so you’re ready to go. Paint the inside circle of the paper plate with light blue acrylic paint. Let it dry completely and add a second coat if needed.
STEP TWO — Prepare Your Patterns
Download and print the yeti patterns. Cut them out, then trace:
- Nose – once on bright blue cardstock
- Horns – twice on bright blue cardstock
- Teeth – small triangles from white cardstock
- Cut six thin strips from light blue cardstock for the horn accents.
(You can also use craft foam or felt if that’s what you have on hand.)
STEP THREE — Cut the Shapes
Cut out all your traced yeti pieces, making sure to cut inside the lines for clean edges.
STEP FOUR — Build the Horns
Glue the light-blue strips onto each horn to create a cute striped look. Trim any excess.
STEP FIVE — Add the Yeti’s Fur
Glue cotton balls around the edge of the paper plate. This will be the yeti’s fluffy, wintry fur—and it’s a great sensory moment for kids!
STEP SIX — Add the Facial Features
Use a black marker to draw a crooked, friendly smile on the blue face. Outline the nose pattern with the marker, then glue the nose right in the center. (Liquid craft glue works too—just allow for drying time.)
STEP SEVEN — Eyes + Horns
Glue the horns at the top left and right of the plate. Then attach the wiggle eyes just above the nose.
STEP EIGHT — Finish With Teeth
Use the white paint pen to draw little teeth inside the smile. Or glue the white cardstock triangles you cut earlier onto the white cardstock. Your adorable, smiley, fluff-covered yeti is complete!
Once your yeti is finished, display him on the fridge, tape him to the playroom door, or use him on a winter-themed bulletin board. Kids love seeing their creations “come to life,” and this cheerful yeti adds a little joy to even the chilliest days.
It’s the perfect cozy afternoon craft—simple enough for busy moms, fun enough for little ones, and cute enough to keep out all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use school glue instead of a glue gun? Yes! School glue works great for kids—just allow extra drying time, especially for the cotton balls.
Can younger kids make this? Absolutely. Toddlers and preschoolers may need help with cutting and gluing the horns or teeth, but they love sticking on the cotton balls and eyes.
Can this be a classroom craft? Yes. Swap hot glue for bottled glue and pre-cut the pattern pieces to make it classroom-friendly.
What if I don’t have cardstock? Construction paper, craft foam, or felt all work beautifully.
Can I skip the paint? Sure! You can glue on a circle of blue paper instead of painting.
One Last Thing
This Dollar Store Yeti Craft is one of those easy winter activities that brings out big smiles with very little prep. Whether you’re snowed in, crafting in the classroom, or just trying to keep little hands busy while dinner cooks, this friendly fluffball is a fun, cozy project you’ll want to recreate every year.
Make a whole family of yetis… because winter crafting should be simple, joyful, and a little bit silly.
Dollar Store Paper Plate Yeti Craft
Create an adorable Paper Plate Yeti using simple craft supplies and a bit of imagination! This easy winter craft is perfect for kids and makes a cute mixed-media project using paint, paper, and soft snow-like textures. It’s great for holiday crafting, classroom fun, or a cozy afternoon at home.
Materials
- Paper plate (Dollar Store)
- Googly eyes
- Cotton balls
- Bright blue, light blue, and white cardstock
- Light blue craft paint
- Glue gun + glue sticks (or liquid craft glue)
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Black permanent marker
- White paint marker
- Free Yeti Pattern Printable
Instructions
- Paint the Face Paint the center of the paper plate light blue. Let it dry and add a second coat if needed.
- Prepare the Patterns Print and cut out the yeti patterns. Trace the nose and horns on bright blue cardstock. Cut teeth from white cardstock and six thin strips from light blue cardstock.
- Cut the Shapes Cut out all the traced pieces, trimming inside the lines for clean edges.
- Build the Horns Glue the light blue strips onto the horns to create striped accents. Trim any excess.
- Add the Fur Glue cotton balls around the edge of the plate for the yeti’s fluffy fur.
- Add the Facial Features Draw a friendly smile with a black marker. Outline and glue on the nose.
- Attach Eyes + Horns Glue the horns to the top left and right of the plate, then attach the googly eyes above the nose.
- Finish With Teeth Draw teeth with a white paint marker, or glue on the white cardstock triangles.
Notes
- Perfect for kids ages 4+ with adult assistance for cutting and gluing.
- Construction paper, craft foam, or felt can be used in place of cardstock.
- School glue works great if you want to avoid hot glue—just allow for extra drying time.
Kids’ Winter Crafts
Pin this cute craft for Later
