President’s Day Decorations to Ignite Kids’ Interest in History
President’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February. This federal holiday honors all past Presidents of the United States, with an emphasis on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Decorating for President’s Day is a wonderful tradition that allows us to recognize the contributions of our nation’s leaders, while also celebrating democracy, freedom and American history.
When planning your President’s Day decorations, keep things lively and engaging for the whole family. Incorporate classic red, white and blue accents for a patriotic feel, highlight inspirational quotes and portraits of past presidents, and get creative with fun do-it-yourself crafts. Educational activities are also a great way to pique kids’ interest in civics and American history. And don’t forget to add personal touches that make the day special for your family!
Contents
Simple and Festive Patriotic Decor in Red, White and Blue
The classic Americana color palette of red, white and blue is perfect for President’s Day. Incorporate these signature shades into your decorating to infuse a spirited patriotic feel. Here are some easy ideas:
Fly the Flag with Pride
There’s no more iconic patriotic symbol than the American flag. Drape flags over railings and furniture, or hang them on walls inside and outside your home. Use red, white and blue tablecloths or placemats made from flags. You can also look for flag-inspired napkins, cups, plates, and other President’s Day decorations.
Festive and Frugal Balloon Arches
Balloon arches are totally trendy and perfect for President’s Day. Pick up a pack of red, white and blue balloons from a dollar store or warehouse retailer. Inflate them with a small helium tank or air pump, then arrange into a curved arch shape. Secure it in a doorway or hallway entrance using a fishing line or curling ribbon. For a fuller look, attach curling ribbon streamers.
Patriotic Streamers and Garlands
Streamers and garlands crafted from red, white and blue curling ribbons are another budget-friendly option. Hang curling ribbon streamers from doorways, staircase railings, mantles or windows. You can also tie ribbons into bows to create a festive garland. For a personalized touch, alternate ribbons with letter cutouts spelling “USA” or “Land of the Free”.
Confetti and Tableware for Instant Style
Sprinkle shiny star-shaped confetti onto tables, counters and flat surfaces for a cheerful pop of color. Or fill clear vases and jars with red, white and blue beads, grains or confetti. At meal times, use disposable patriotic plates, napkins and cups. Lay out a plastic red, white and blue tablecloth and scatter star confetti for easy dining table decor.
Honor Past Presidents with Portraits, Sculptures and Quotes
In addition to festive President’s Day decorations, this is an opportunity to help kids learn about the leaders who shaped American history. Here are some ideas for incorporating presidents into your decor:
Gallery Wall of Presidential Portraits
Create a dedicated presidential gallery wall showcasing portraits of past Commanders in Chief. Use prints of famous presidential paintings, or vintage-looking poster reproductions. Arrange portraits chronologically, or group by presidential era. Leave space to add new ones each year.
DIY Portraits and Silhouettes
For a more hands-on activity, have kids help create portraits or silhouettes of presidents using craft supplies. Cut presidential profiles out of colored paper or foam. Make collages using fabric scraps for clothing and magazine cutouts for facial features. Or paint simple portraits of presidents on canvas paper.
Inspirational Presidential Quotes
Find inspiring quotes from renowned presidents like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan. Print out the quotes in a large font and frame them individually. Or make a patriotic collage featuring different presidential quotes.
Mini Presidential Monuments
Use air-dry clay, model magic or aluminum foil to construct mini monuments or busts of famous presidents. Let the kids help sculpt the figures and paint them once dry. Display them on shelves or use them in centerpieces.
Get Creative with Patriotic DIY Crafts
Involving kids in making President’s Day crafts helps reinforce the significance of the day in a hands-on way. DIY projects also allow for personalization and creativity. Consider these ideas for fun and patriotic President’s Day decorations:
Fabric Portraits with Heat Erasable Pens
A fun project is creating presidential portraits on fabric using Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens from MadamSew. Simply sketch line drawings of the presidents using the pens. Cut fabric for clothing details. The best part is you can erase any mistakes with an iron and redo parts! Display the finished portraits or incorporate them into other crafts. Be sure to use these MadamSew coupons to get the best deals on these handy pens.
Red, White and Blue Wreaths
Make a patriotic wreath using a straw or cardboard ring base. Cut strips from red, white and blue construction paper. Curl and fringe the strips, then take turns gluing them onto the ring. Use President’s Day decorations with star stickers or die-cut paper shapes.
Map and Flag Placemats
Print out black and white U.S. maps and American flags on printable fabric sheets. Follow package instructions to seal and laminate the placemats. Use permanent markers to color the maps and flags.
Presidential Bunting Banners
Cut out triangle “pennants” from red, white and blue fabric or felt. Join them together using fabric glue and hang them up with string across a doorway or fireplace. Add mini presidential portraits or silhouettes.
Patriotic Wind Chimes
Make wind chimes using painted wooden stars, and beads painted red, white or blue. For the chime tubes, use transparent colored straws cut to size. Secure with string and hang by windows or outside.
Star-Spangled Pinwheels
Cut paper star shapes from red, white and blue construction paper. Glue to the ends of wooden craft sticks. Push sticks through a foam block or straws poked into a potato. Let the spinning fun begin!
Educational Activities for Kids of All Ages
Incorporate learning opportunities into your President’s Day decorations to help kids gain knowledge and appreciation for American history. Tailor activities to your child’s age and interests with ideas like:
Presidential Biography Posters
After reading a book about a president, have your child create a biography poster highlighting interesting facts. Include pictures, illustrations and a timeline of the president’s life. Display the posters to reinforce learning.
Presidential Trading Cards
Use index cards or printable business card templates to make presidential trading cards. Include stats like birthplace, term dates, accomplishments and fun facts. Let kids trade cards and quiz each other.
Historical Timeline Craft
Work together to make a timeline of past presidents using string, clothespins and printed photos. Take turns hanging each new commander-in-chief while sharing facts. Leave space at the end for kids to add future presidents.
State Capital Memory Game
Print out blank U.S. maps and presidential portraits. Make it a game to work together matching each president to their home state’s capital. Use as a jumping-off point to discuss state geography.
Presidential Trivia Game
Make a simple trivia game using index cards with questions about presidents on one side and answers on the reverse. Quiz each other while decorating and see who gets the most right!
Personalized Touches for Meaningful President’s Day Decorations
While national pride and patriotism are central to the day, it’s also nice to impart personal significance through your President’s Day decorations. Have everyone contribute ideas to make the day special for your family.
Focus on Favorite Presidents
Let each family member decorate an area focused on their most admired president. Share facts on why you are inspired by that particular leader.
Highlight Historical Eras
Decorate different rooms to reflect various time periods, such as the American Revolution, the Civil War era, World War II, and the Space Age. Discuss how each president contributed.
Honor Your Heritage
Celebrate your family’s cultural heritage along with American presidents. Display flags, crafts, artwork or playlists from your background.
Kid-Made Decorations
Let your children take the lead on crafts and arranging President’s Day decorations. Make sure to prominently display their handiwork and homemade ornaments.
Share Family Traditions
Talk about favorite family stories and President’s Day traditions while decorating together. Pass down meaningful decor heirlooms to continue traditions.
Ignite the American Spirit Through President’s Day Decorations
However you choose to create your President’s Day decorations, think of the holiday as an opportunity to kindle patriotism and national pride. Bring history to life for kids by highlighting how presidents helped shape our democracy. Showcase the diversity of leadership reflected in the Oval Office.
Most importantly, have fun while paying tribute to the leaders entrusted with guiding America forward through the centuries.
Take time to reflect on the contributions of presidents past and present. Consider how we can uphold their ideals and build upon their legacy. And remember that the future of democracy lies in the hands of today’s children – use the ideas above to inspire them to be informed, involved citizens.
