DIY Santa Boot Gift Cup Craft

Looking for a DIY Santa Boot Cup that’s both a festive craft and an adorable gift basket? This project is quick, fun, and perfect for filling with candy, gift cards, tiny toys, or stocking stuffers for friends, teachers, or neighbors. With just a clear plastic cup, tissue paper, ribbon, and a glittery foam buckle, you can create the cutest Santa boot that looks like it walked right out of the North Pole.

This Santa Boot Gift Cup is such a charming way to spread holiday cheer without spending a lot of time or money. Whether you’re crafting with kids, prepping teacher gifts, or making something special for neighbors, this simple little project adds joy to every Christmas celebration. If you are looking for more fun, budget-friendly gifts to give, then you’ll love this soda pop Christmas tree, this Rudolph Gift Bag, and this Santa’s Belt Cup.

What You’ll Love About this Christmas Craft

Quick & inexpensive — Perfect for last-minute gifting.

Kid-friendly — Easy enough for classrooms, parties, or family crafting.

Customizable — Change colors, fill with themed goodies, or personalize with names.

Doubles as a gift basket — Cute and functional.

Supplies You’ll Need

9 oz. clear plastic cup

Red tissue paper

1 small piece of tissue paper (any color) to create the boot “toe”

Black ribbon

Glittery yellow adhesive foam sheet (or plain yellow foam + glue)

Scissors

Glue – My favorite crafting glue is Beacon 3-in-1 – I use it for all of my crafts.

Candy, gift cards, small toys, or other fillers

How to Make this Santa Boot Gift Cup

Create the Boot Toe

Start by taking a small piece of tissue paper and balling it up.

Glue the ball to the outside of the cup, toward the lower front.
This creates the rounded, lifted “toe” that makes the cup look like a Santa boot.

Wrap the Cup in Red Tissue Paper

Next, tuck a piece of red tissue paper inside the cup and fold the edges down around the outside.

Smooth it out so the entire cup is covered, including over the bump you created.

This becomes Santa’s classic red boot.

Add Santa’s Belt

Wrap a piece of black ribbon around the cup—right over the bump created by the balled tissue paper—and secure it in the back.
You can tie it in a small knot or glue it into place.

This makes the belt sit in the perfect spot to mimic Santa’s iconic outfit.

Attach the Belt Buckle

Cut a small square of glittery yellow adhesive foam and stick it right on the front, centered over the ribbon.

Instant Santa buckle!

Fill Your Santa Boot

Now the fun part—add your goodies! Some ideas include:

• Mini candy canes
• Wrapped chocolates
• Hot cocoa packets
• Lip balm
• Tiny toys
• Gift cards
• Teacher treats
• Homemade cookies

You can leave the cup open or stuff it with extra tissue on top for a more finished look.

Expert Tips

If the tissue paper slips, secure it with a tiny piece of tape inside the cup.

For a cleaner buckle look, cut a second, smaller square out of the middle to create a hollow frame.

Using a matte black ribbon makes the belt pop against the red tissue.

Want it to stand sturdier? Place the cup on a small cardboard circle or coaster.

Variations

• Add Names: Use letter stickers or a paint pen to personalize each boot.
• Add Fur Trim: Add a strip of white pom-pom trim around the top for a Santa suit look.
• Color Variations: Use green tissue and a gold ribbon for an “Elf Boot” version.
• Classroom Craft: Pre-prep the cup bump and let kids decorate the rest.
• Gift Theme Ideas:
  • “Santa’s Spa Boot”—lip balm, lotion, candy cane sugar scrub
  • “Cozy Night Boot”—hot cocoa packet, mini marshmallows, chocolate
  • “Teacher Boot”—gift card, fancy pen, chocolates

More Christmas Crafts You’ll Enjoy

Printable Instructions