Apple Handprint Craft
You know those days when your preschooler is bouncing off the walls before you’ve even had a sip of coffee, and you’re thinking, “I need something cute, quick, and not covered in glitter”?
This is that something.
This apple handprint craft is an easy 15-minute activity for preschoolers ages 3–5. Children turn a traced paper handprint into a smiling apple using construction paper, scissors, glue, and the free printable template.
Handprint crafts are sneaky.
Today, you’re tracing a wiggly little hand onto construction paper while its owner asks if you’re finished approximately fourteen times.
A few years from now, someone will pull that same craft out of a box and wonder how that hand was ever so tiny.
Use it during apple week, add it to a fall bulletin board, or send it home as a beginning-of-the-year keepsake.
It’s easy enough for a preschool classroom and uses supplies you probably already have tucked inside the craft cabinet.
If your apple theme needs more than one craft, this apple popsicle stick craft gives you another simple option using basic classroom supplies.
Jump to Supplies Steps More crafts
Apple Handprint Craft Supplies
Grab the free apple handprint craft template with the leaf, stem, eyes and apple details.
How to Make an Apple Handprint Craft
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your supplies.
Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces
Trace your child’s hand on red construction paper and cut it out.
Cut a small brown stem and a green leaf.
Step 3: Assemble the Stem and Leaf
Glue together the apple stem.
Step 4: Attach the Stem and Leaf
Glue the stem and leaf to the top of the handprint.
Step 5: Add the Shine
Cut out a white curved shape to look like a shine mark and glue it on.
Step 6: Add the Eyes
Cut two white circles for eyes and glue them on the apple’s face.
Step 7: Draw the Face
Use a black marker to draw pupils and a smile.
All done!
Your happy apple is ready to display!
We'd love to see yours! Snap a photo and share it in the comments.
Tips for Teachers
Doing this craft with a whole class? Trace hands during centers instead of all at once, write each child’s name and year on the back right after tracing, and prep one set of template pieces per child. Glue sponges or glue dots help, and let kids arrange everything before they glue.
For younger children, an adult can trace and cut the handprint while the child glues pre-cut pieces, and big googly eyes can replace paper eyes. Kids ready for more independence can trace a partner’s hand, cut the template pieces, and design and name their own apple face.
Pair the craft with one of these apple books for young children for an easy read-aloud.
Apple Handprint Craft FAQs
What age is this craft for? Preschool and pre-K, about ages 3 to 5. Younger kids can glue precut pieces, and older preschoolers can do most of it on their own.
Can preschoolers cut out their own handprints? Some can, but cutting around fingers is tricky, so an adult usually cuts the handprint. Kids can cut the stem and leaf, arrange the face, and glue.
How long does it take? About 15 minutes of craft time per child, plus any prep.
What can I use instead of paper eyes? Googly eyes, eye stickers, or draw the face right on the apple.
What paper works best? Cardstock makes a sturdier keepsake. Construction paper is cheaper and easier for little hands to cut.
More Apple Crafts for Kids
See all Apple Activities for Kids →
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