Red Xmas Bows: Kids Plan Christmas Tree Decorations

Give your kids a drawing with 3 possible spots for red xmas bows, then ask which location they would pick and why. A small set of choices makes their ideas easier to discuss without turning decorating into a race. Their favorite arrangement can be playful, uneven, and still feel like a family decision.

Houseland's Christmas Bow Ornaments include 1 bow per order, so count your bows before inviting everyone to plan. Use that number on the drawing, and keep the children's role focused on choosing while an adult handles the actual hanging.

How can kids help decide where red xmas bows go?

Start with a paper tree map so kids can move pretend bows and choose their spots before an adult attaches anything.

1. Draw 1 large tree outline on paper and divide it into 3 bands: top, middle, and bottom.
2. Cut out paper bow shapes, matching their count to the bows you plan to use for your christmas decorating.
3. Let children slide the shapes around, choosing where their christmas tree decorations should go. Ask, “Which spot would you pick next?” rather than directing every move.
4. Take 1 photo of their finished map to use as a placement guide beside the tree.

Let children own the bow layout while an adult approves branches, attaches bows, and makes any changes needed for safety. Give each child 2 choices at a time, such as a spot in the middle or near the bottom, and let their answer guide the christmas decor plan. Explain 3 adult jobs before starting: checking each proposed branch, fastening the bows, and moving anything that creates a hazard. Children can point from the floor while the adult handles the christmas ornaments. If a chosen spot needs changing, offer 2 nearby alternatives so the child still helps make the final decision.

What should we check before choosing bow spots?

An adult should check tree stability, branch support, light instructions, and access before marking areas kids can choose from without touching or climbing the tree.

• Check that the christmas tree stand is secure and the tree does not lean.
• Inspect each proposed branch for damage or sagging; exclude spots that cannot support the planned decoration.
• Read the christmas lights instructions for placement restrictions, and keep access to the plug clear.
• Check 2 routes around the tree for cords and obstacles, then mark 3 eligible areas on the map. Review Hanging Xmas Lights: Safer Christmas Decor for Kids before finalizing those areas.

Look from your family's usual viewing position and identify open branches where bows would stay visible without crowding nearby decorations. Sit on the sofa or stand in the doorway, whichever gives you the view you enjoy most. Compare 2 viewpoints if your family gathers on different sides of the room. Look for gaps between christmas tree ornaments rather than squeezing another christmas decoration into an already busy patch. Pick 3 possible openings and have the children point to their favorites from where they are standing. Notice whether nearby ornaments would hide a bow or overlap its outline from that everyday viewing angle.

Which bow-placement activity suits our kids?

Choose pointing, a paper-tree activity, or one-spot turns to match how your kids enjoy making decisions.

• For children who prefer talking to drawing, offer 2 adult-approved branch choices and ask them to point to their favorite. This keeps christmas decorating focused on a manageable decision.
• For kids who enjoy crafts, offer 3 paper bow shapes to arrange on a tree drawing. Ask which arrangement they like, without requiring a finished design.
• For siblings who want equal input, rotate turns so each child chooses 1 spot before anyone chooses again. Keep other christmas decor decisions outside this round so everyone knows what their turn includes.

Make spot-finding a noticing game, with credit for spotting open branches rather than finishing first or reaching higher. Try a round called “Find a Bow Window”: give everyone 30 seconds to look quietly, then invite each child to describe 1 opening on the christmas tree. Accept clues such as “beside the round ornament” or “under the long branch.” Unlike racing-style christmas games, this challenge has no fastest-player prize. Celebrate a clear description or a thoughtful reason for a choice. After 2 rounds, let the children invent a name for their favorite opening, keeping the fun in observing rather than competing.

How do we choose between scattered bows and little groups?

Compare scattered paper bows with small paper-bow groups on the drawing, then let each child explain which arrangement they prefer.

1. Use 6 paper bows for both versions so you compare spacing rather than quantity. First, spread them across separate parts of the drawing.
2. Next, rearrange the same bows into 2 groups of 3. Leave clear gaps between the groups.
3. Mark nearby christmas ornaments with simple circles so children can see how the shapes sit together.
4. Give each child 1 minute to explain a favorite detail. Keep both christmas tree decorating ideas in consideration until everyone has shared a reason.

Choose the layout that fits the available branch spaces and your family's favorite view, not one that makes every gap equal. A drawing divided into 3 areas can help you compare where scattered accents or 2 little groups would fit. If one area is crowded with christmas tree ornaments, leave it quieter rather than forcing in another bow. For a closer look at quantity, Xmas Tree Bows: How Many Christmas Tree Decorations Fit? can guide your next discussion. Let the family's preferred view settle the choice; your christmas decor does not need matching bow counts on every side.

From the shop

Christmas Bow Ornaments, Reusable Flocked Velvet Xmas Bows in Red or Wine Red, 1 Piece

These reusable cloth bows have a soft flocked velvet finish and a hanging lanyard for attachment after layout planning. Each order includes 1 bow in the selected size and color.

View the flocked velvet christmas bow — 6 sizes & current price

What if the kids' choices make the tree look uneven?

Accept uneven spacing if participation matters most, or agree on a few shared layout boundaries before the children choose. Decide what success means for your christmas tree: a polished arrangement, a record of the kids' ideas, or something between the two. Keep any agreement short, with 2 boundaries at most, such as keeping a favorite christmas decoration visible and leaving one chosen area unchanged. Give yourselves 5 minutes to settle those priorities together. If everyone values creative freedom more than symmetry, a bow-heavy patch can stay. Uneven does not automatically mean unfinished, and children need not defend every unexpected choice.

1. Give each child a turn to resolve competing choices, and ask them to approve any optional move rather than rearranging their work later. Let each child nominate 1 spot for the christmas tree decorations before anyone makes a second choice.
2. If two children want the same location, give each 30 seconds to explain the idea. Invite them to agree on who uses it now and who gets the next disputed choice.
3. Before changing the christmas decor for appearance alone, ask, 'Would you keep this bow here or try your other spot?' Treat keeping it as a genuine option, not a wrong answer.

How should an adult attach the bows after kids choose?

For any bow ornament, an adult should follow its attachment instructions, select a supporting branch, and keep children on the floor while attaching it.

1. Read the fastening directions before handling the first bow. Check whether its attachment needs a particular branch position rather than assuming all christmas tree ornaments attach alike.
2. Work with 1 bow at a time, keeping unused fasteners out of children's reach.
3. Support the chosen branch with 1 hand while securing the bow as directed, without pulling nearby christmas tree lights.
4. If attachment requires awkward reaching, stop and use suitable access equipment while children remain clear.

After attaching each bow, an adult should check that it stays in place and leaves lights and wiring unobstructed before inviting the child's next choice.

1. Release the bow slowly, then watch it for 5 seconds to see whether it slips or turns. If it moves, refasten it according to its instructions.
2. Make 1 visual check around the attachment for trapped wires, strained cables, or contact with bulbs. Follow the christmas lights manufacturer's clearance instructions rather than guessing a safe distance.
3. Confirm nearby christmas tree decorations remain secure, then invite the child to choose the next spot from the floor.

Are these flocked velvet bows a fit for our family plan?

These Christmas bow ornaments have a soft flocked velvet finish that adds a textured red accent to your family's chosen christmas tree layout. The classic bow shape gives children a recognizable christmas decoration to include in their plan. With 2 color options, red and wine red, your family can choose 1 shared shade or discuss using both. Let the children describe which color they imagine alongside decorations you already own, without expecting everyone to agree immediately. For another styling direction, explore Red Christmas Bows: Refresh Your Christmas Tree Decor together before settling on your family's preferred look.

These bows hang using their lanyard, so an adult can handle attachment after the children have chosen suitable positions. No additional tools or accessories are needed to hang these christmas ornaments. That makes them worth considering for christmas decorating with 2 distinct roles: children make placement decisions, and an adult handles the bows. Before choosing them, ask 1 practical question: does your family want decorations the children plan rather than attach themselves? If the answer is yes, the lanyard suits that division of tasks. If hands-on attachment is the children's priority, explain the adult's role before making these bows part of the activity.

Shop indoor christmas decorations & christmas ornaments from Houseland

-21%Dove Christmas Ornaments, 2-Piece Acrylic Peace Dove Ornaments for Christmas Tree and Mantel Decorfrom $34.99$44.24-19%Foam Half Ball, White Polystyrene, 15–25 cm, 1 Piece for DIY Crafts, Wedding and Christmas Decorationsfrom $29.99$36.81-17%Christmas Window Lights, Battery-Powered Hangable Lights with Warm LED Glow, 55 cm Holiday Ornamentsfrom $34.99$42.39-23%Fairy Costume Wings, Lightweight Organza Fairy Wings with Flexible Straps for Adults and Childrenfrom $34.99$45.26

See all indoor christmas decorations & christmas ornaments →