Posted by Ewnice on 23rd Dec 2025

School Holiday Survival Kit (Christmas Edition)?

How to keep kids busy in December - without losing your sanity

December school holidays are magical… and a little chaotic.

The kids are home.
Christmas excitement is at an all-time high.
You’re juggling wrapping, cooking, work, end-of-year everything... and somehow someone is still bored five minutes after breakfast.

If you’ve ever thought “I just need 20 minutes of quiet”, this one’s for you.

At Peekaboo Baby, we’ve put together a School Holiday Survival Kit (Christmas Edition) — a collection of low-mess, high-focus activities that genuinely keep kids busy while you get things done (or drink a hot coffee for once).

Why December School Holidays Need a Survival Kit

The Christmas school holidays are different to every other break.

There’s:

  • More excitement (and sugar)

  • More time at home

  • Less structure

  • A lot of “Mum, I’m bored”

The best school holiday activities for children during December need to be:

  • Low mess

  • Easy to set up

  • Engaging for different ages

  • Suitable for independent play

These are the activities parents come back to every year.

⭐Galt Activity Packs

Quiet, Creative School Holiday Activities

Galt activity packs are a school-holiday essential. Compact and engaging, they’re ideal for:

  • Quiet mornings at home

  • Car trips and travel

  • Café visits

  • Independent creative play

They support fine motor skills and creativity without creating a mess, making them perfect Christmas school holiday activities for kids who love hands-on play.

?View the Galt Flower Rings Activity Pack

⭐Little Brian Paint Sticks

No-Mess Painting for Kids

Painting is a favourite school holiday activity — but December isn’t the time for paint spills.

Little Brian Paint Sticks offer all the fun of painting with none of the stress:

  • No water

  • No brushes

  • No spills

They’re perfect for:

  • Christmas craft activities

  • Holiday artwork

  • Rainy school holiday days

Parents love them because they’re low-mess art supplies for kids, and kids love them because they feel like “real painting.

? Shop Little Brian Paint Sticks – Day Glow

⭐Aquabeads

Calm, Focused Craft Activities for Kids

Aquabeads are one of the quietest and most engaging kids' craft activities available.

Using water-activated beads (no ironing required), children can design pictures and patterns independently, making Aquabeads ideal for:

  • Calm afternoons

  • Independent school holiday play

  • Reducing screen time during holidays

If you’re looking for quiet activities for kids during school holidays, Aquabeads are a favourite for good reason.

? Check out the Aquabeads Day on the Farm Craft Set

⭐Scratch Art Sets

Easy, No-Prep Holiday Activities

Scratch art is a go-to for instant engagement with zero setup.

The Melissa & Doug Paw Patrol Scratch Art – Marshall set is especially popular for:

  • Entertaining kids at parties

  • Travel and outings

  • Quiet play at home

Kids love the surprise of revealing colours, and parents love that scratch art requires no glue, paint or cleanup.

? Check out the Melissa & Doug Scratch Art

⭐Sticker WOW! Activity Pads

Portable, Low-Mess Fun for Busy Days

Sticker WOW! Activity Padsare perfect for December when you’re on the go. These are my toddlers' absolute favourites.

They’re:

  • Reusable

  • Compact

  • Easy for kids to manage independently

Great for:

  • Errands

  • Car trips

  • Waiting rooms

  • Busy Christmas days

If you’re searching for low-mess sticker activities for kids, this is a parent favourite.

? View Sticker WOW! Dog Activity Pad

Why These School Holiday Activities Actually Work

Every product in this School Holiday Survival Kit was chosen because it ticks the boxes parents care about:

✔ Low mess
✔ High engagement
✔ Easy to pull out anytime
✔ Suitable for different ages
✔ Encourages creativity and focus

They’re not just fun. They’re practical. And during school holidays, practicality matters.

A Calmer Christmas Starts with the Right Activities

You don’t need to plan every minute of the school holidays.

You need a few reliable school holiday boredom busters that buy you time, calm and flexibility.

Whether you’re wrapping gifts, preparing Christmas lunch, or simply taking a breather, these kids' activity packs and craft sets make December (and January) more manageable and more enjoyable.

Because a calmer parent usually means a happier Christmas✨

school holiday activities for kids

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Frequently Asked Questions About School Holiday Activities

What are the best low-mess school holiday activities for kids?

Low-mess school holiday activities include sticker activity pads, paint sticks, scratch art, and water-activated craft kits like Aquabeads. These options keep kids engaged without creating a big clean-up — perfect for busy holiday periods.

How can I keep kids busy during the Christmas school holidays?

A simple way is to create a small “school holiday survival kit” with a few reliable activities you can rotate throughout the week. Craft kits, sticker pads and creative sets help reduce boredom while encouraging independent play.

What are good quiet activities for kids during school holidays?

Quiet activities include Aquabeads, scratch art sets, and sticker activity pads. These encourage focus and creativity and are ideal for independent play, travel, or calmer moments at home.

Are paint sticks less messy than regular paint?

Yes. Paint sticks don’t require water or brushes, making them a popular low-mess alternative to traditional paints. They’re easier for kids to control and ideal for school holiday craft time.

What ages are these school holiday activity kits best for?

These activities suit a range of ages, depending on the child’s interests and abilities. Sticker pads and scratch art are often great for younger kids, while Aquabeads and more detailed craft kits work well for older children. Always check the age guide on each product page.

What activities are included in Peekaboo Baby’s School Holiday Survival Kit?

This guide features five parent-approved boredom busters: Sticker WOW! Sticker Stamper & Activity Pad (Dog), Galt Flower Rings Activity Pack, Aquabeads Day on the Farm Craft Set, Little Brian Paint Sticks Day Glow 6 Pack, and Melissa & Doug Paw Patrol Scratch Art (Marshall).

What are good screen-free activities for kids during the holidays?

Screen-free activities like craft kits, sticker activities, scratch art and paint sticks encourage creativity, fine motor skills and independent play while giving kids a break from screens.