Free Penguin Handprint Printable for Christmas Crafts

A penguin handprint printable is a simple but memorable way for kids to get creative during the holidays.

With just a bit of paint and the free template, their handprints transform into cheerful penguins that make sweet keepsakes or festive classroom displays.

It’s one of those Christmas printable activities that feels low-prep for adults but magical for kids, giving them a chance to enjoy holiday crafting while creating something worth saving.

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Penguin Handprint Printable Craft for Kids

This penguin handprint printable is a sweet, easy way to capture your child’s creativity during the holidays.

It’s a fun, hands-on project, perfect for both family and classroom use.

Craft supplies needed:

• Cardstock (standard paper works too, but cardstock makes sturdier keepsakes)
• Washable paints (for easy cleanup)
• Coloring pens
• Paintbrush
• Googly eyes (optional, but fun)
• Wipes (a lifesaver for quick cleanups)

How to make

Start by printing the penguin template; regular paper works, but cardstock will hold up better if you’d like to keep the finished penguin as a holiday keepsake.

Set up a small craft space with paints, a brush, and wipes within easy reach, and if you’re working with a group, have a drying area ready so pages don’t smudge.

Paint a thin layer of color onto your child’s hand, using black on the fingers and yellow on the palm for a traditional penguin look, or let them choose their own colors to make it unique.

Guide them to press their hand onto the template with the fingers pointing down and the palm just below the penguin’s head.

Lifting the hand straight up helps keep the print clean and makes the reveal more exciting.

Once the paint is dry, children can add the finishing touches. Coloring in the beak, adding snowy details, or gluing on googly eyes will bring their penguin to life and give each craft its own personality.

Looking for more ways to keep little ones engaged? Explore these fun penguin activities for preschoolers!

Books About Penguins for Kids

After making their penguin handprint printable, children often want to know more about these amazing birds. These books are a great way to build on the craft, mixing fun storytelling with real penguin facts.

• If You Were A Penguin by Wendell and Florence Minor – A playful picture book that helps young children imagine life as a penguin, from sliding on ice to swimming underwater.
• Penguins by Gail Gibbons – A nonfiction favorite that introduces kids to different penguin species and their icy homes in a clear, engaging way.
• Be Brave Little Penguin by Giles Andreae – A sweet story about courage and friendship, perfect for younger readers who enjoy gentle lessons woven into a tale.

Each title adds something different, imagination, information, or encouragement, making them a meaningful follow-up to the craft.

More Christmas and Winter Crafts

If you’re looking for more holiday activities to go along with the penguin handprint printable, these ideas add both creativity and learning to the season:

• Festive printable placemats: Word searches, mazes, and coloring sections to keep kids busy during holiday meals.
• Handprint snow globe art: A simple template where kids design their own winter scene and turn it into a keepsake.
• Life cycle of a penguin printable: A learning activity that shows children how penguins grow from egg to adult.
• Christmas Tree Handprint Art: Kids decorate their handprint tree with ornaments, glitter, or markers to make a colorful holiday display.

These activities extend the fun beyond one craft, giving children more chances to create and explore through hands-on projects.

See all our handprint art projects for kids and keep the creativity going with easy, memorable crafts.

Get Your Free Penguin Handprint Template Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free handprint template.

Last Updated on 16 September 2025 by Clare Brown