Candy Cane Reindeer

Candy cane reindeer are quick and easy to make and so cute. Make a whole stack of them to give out at your Christmas party. They also make adorable tree decorations.

Use browns and reds (as shown here) to make Santa's reindeer. Or, for fun, try berry- or bubble-gum-flavored candy canes and pink or blue pom poms and pipe cleaners to match.

Add them to Christmas goodie bags or set up a large bowl or container resting them on the edge all the way around. Make it your Christmas table centerpiece.

Or set up a small tree and put them all over it. Your guests can select one on their way out. Supply some plain candy canes too so no one is tempted to eat these cute little guys. (Probably best not to in case the glue gets on the candy.)

Stuff you'll need ...

candy canes small pompoms googly eyes (larger eyes make your reindeer more silly looking) pipe cleaners (use brown for a traditional look or a color that matches) ribbon low-temperature glue gun and glue sticks or white school glue scissors

What to do ...

1. Cut the pipe cleaner in half.
   
2. Cut one of the pipe cleaner halves in half.
   
3. Bend one piece of the pipe cleaner in the middle and twist it tightly around the top of the candy cane.
   
4. Twist one small piece of pipe cleaner around each "antler."
   
5. Glue on googly eyes and pom pom nose.
   
6. Tie a ribbon around the "neck" of the reindeer.

An alternate way to form the antlers ...

1. Use one entire pipe cleaner.
   
2. Bend it in the middle and twist tightly around the top of the candy cane.
   
3. Bend each antler in a zig zag pattern.