Top 10 Easy Presidents’ Day Crafts for Kids, Students, and Preschoolers

Presidents’ Day is more than just a day off from school—it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce children to American history and celebrate the lives and contributions of the nation’s leaders.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or babysitter, these simple and engaging crafts are sure to captivate young minds and bring history to life.

Below are ten easy Presidents’ Day craft ideas that you can try with your kids or students—perfect for preschoolers, elementary students, and beyond!

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1. Paper Plate Abraham Lincoln Hat

Why It’s Great:

• Simple materials (paper plate, construction paper)
• Perfect for preschoolers who can practice coloring and gluing
• Teaches about Abraham Lincoln and his iconic top hat

Materials Needed:

• Paper plate
• Black construction paper
• Glue or tape
• Scissors
• Crayons or markers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the center out of a paper plate, leaving the outer ring.
2. Measure and cut a rectangle from black construction paper—large enough to stand upright in the middle of the plate ring.
3. Glue or tape the rectangle to the ring to form Lincoln’s top hat.
4. Have kids color or decorate the paper plate ring if desired.

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2. George Washington Wig Headband

Why It’s Great:

• Fun, dress-up style activity
• Teaches about George Washington and the powdered wigs from his era
• Helps kids practice cutting and assembling

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock or construction paper
• Cotton balls or rolled-up tissue paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Stapler or tape

Instructions:

1. Measure a strip of white paper long enough to wrap around each child’s head; staple or tape it into a circle.
2. Have children glue cotton balls or rolled-up tissue paper all around the headband to create the “wig.”
3. Let the wig dry and then have a photo session or mini “dress like a president” event!

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3. Presidents’ Day Penny Rubbing

Why It’s Great:

• Simple, no mess, and perfect for fine motor skill development
• Introduces the concept of coin rubbings and President Lincoln’s portrait on the penny
• Encourages observational skills

Materials Needed:

• Paper
• Crayons (with wrappers removed)
• Pennies

Instructions:

1. Place a penny under a sheet of paper.
2. Using the side of a crayon, gently rub over the penny to reveal Abraham Lincoln’s portrait and other details.
3. Repeat with multiple pennies or even other coins featuring different figures.
4. Discuss who Abraham Lincoln was and why he’s on the penny.

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4. Patriotic Popsicle Stick Flags

Why It’s Great:

• Bright and patriotic
• Reinforces color recognition (red, white, and blue)
• Encourages fine motor skills with painting or coloring

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks (large craft sticks if possible)
• Red, white, and blue paint or markers
• Glue
• White stars (optional: cut them out of paper or use stickers)

Instructions:

1. Glue 6–7 popsicle sticks side by side to form a flat surface.
2. Paint or color the top left corner blue and the remaining sticks in alternating red and white stripes.
3. Add small white stars (stickers or paper cutouts) in the blue section.
4. You can display these mini flags or tape them to a small dowel rod for a handheld flag.

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5. Presidential Silhouette Art

Why It’s Great:

• Classic, historical look—silhouettes were popular in early American history
• Encourages creativity and attention to detail
• Easy to adapt for older students or younger learners

Materials Needed:

• Black construction paper
• White paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Trace a child’s profile lightly onto black construction paper (or you can print a silhouette of a president like Washington or Lincoln).
2. Carefully cut out the silhouette.
3. Glue the black silhouette onto white paper for contrast.
4. Add a frame or decorative border—kids can label it with the president’s name, or their own name if it’s their silhouette.

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6. Paper Bag Presidential Puppets

Why It’s Great:

• Sparks imaginative play
• Encourages storytelling and roleplay about American history
• Affordable—uses basic craft supplies

Materials Needed:

• Paper lunch bags
• Construction paper
• Glue or tape
• Markers
• Optional: cotton balls, yarn, or googly eyes

Instructions:

1. Decide which president to create (Washington, Lincoln, or another).
2. Draw or cut out facial features and clothing accessories from construction paper—like a black top hat for Lincoln or a white wig for Washington.
3. Glue the pieces onto the paper bag.
4. Add details like a bow tie or coat. Encourage kids to put on a short “presidential address” puppet show!

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7. Lincoln Log Cabin with Popsicle Sticks

Why It’s Great:

• Hands-on project related to Abraham Lincoln’s early life
• Fosters imaginative building and problem-solving
• Reinforces historical context

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks
• Glue
• Brown or green construction paper
• Markers (optional for details)

Instructions:

1. On a sheet of construction paper, outline a small log cabin shape.
2. Glue popsicle sticks horizontally to mimic a wooden log texture.
3. Add details like a roof, doors, or windows made of paper or more popsicle sticks.
4. Write a fun fact about Lincoln and his log cabin upbringing to go along with the craft.

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8. Cherry Tree Finger Painting (George Washington Myth)

Why It’s Great:

• Uses the famous (though mostly mythical) story of George Washington and the cherry tree
• Engages toddlers and preschoolers who love finger painting
• Encourages color mixing and fine motor skills

Materials Needed:

• White or light-colored paper
• Brown, green, and red paint
• Pencil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lightly sketch a tree trunk and branches on a piece of paper or just paint them freehand.
2. Have kids use their fingers to create small red dots (cherries) on the branches.
3. Once the paint dries, older students can write a short sentence about George Washington and the cherry tree story.

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9. DIY Mount Rushmore Collage

Why It’s Great:

• Highlights four famous presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln)
• Fun group project—each child can focus on one president
• Combines art and history

Materials Needed:

• Printed pictures of the four presidents’ faces (or drawn silhouettes)
• Gray or brown construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers or crayons for labeling

Instructions:

1. Cut out the presidents’ faces and glue them onto a gray or brown background that represents the mountain face.
2. Label each president below their face.
3. Talk about why each is on Mount Rushmore and what they contributed to the country.

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10. Paper Coin Necklaces

Why It’s Great:

• Reinforces the idea of presidents on currency (Lincoln on penny, Washington on quarter)
• Engaging cutting and decorating practice
• Quick and easy for short art sessions

Materials Needed:

• Cardstock (for durability)
• Markers or crayons
• String or yarn
• Hole punch

Instructions:

1. Draw or trace a large circle (for a penny or quarter) on cardstock.
2. Have kids color it bronze for a penny or gray for a quarter, and sketch or glue an image of Abraham Lincoln or George Washington in the center.
3. Punch a hole at the top and thread yarn or string through to create a necklace.
4. Encourage the children to parade around with their “presidential coin necklaces” proudly!

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Helpful Tips for Craft Time

• Safety First: Always supervise children when using scissors, glue, or small objects.
• Age-Appropriate: Adapt the difficulty of each craft to the child’s age. Preschoolers might need simpler versions or more hands-on help, while older students can handle more detailed projects.
• Educational Tie-Ins: Incorporate short historical facts or stories about the president or symbol they’re crafting. This not only keeps them engaged but also enhances their learning.
• Creative Expression: Allow kids to personalize their crafts with their own touches—extra decorations, favorite colors, or fun designs—while still honoring the Presidents’ Day theme.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a teacher in a classroom or a parent at home, these simple, budget-friendly ideas will keep kids entertained, educated, and excited about this important holiday.

Encourage them to learn, create, and have fun exploring the stories behind some of America’s most influential figures. Happy crafting—and Happy Presidents’ Day!