I often find myself searching for simple, creative, and meaningful activities to do with my children—or with children at Church—especially as we prepare for special celebrations or our summer Bible Camp in July. Recently, a video popped up on my social media feed showing beautifully painted peg dolls—the same kind many of us remember from the 80s and 90s, or still use in classrooms today.
A growing trend connected to these is the peg doll exchange. In this activity, participants paint wooden peg dolls based on a shared theme—such as the Nativity, Easter, Saints, or Bible stories—and then exchange them with others in the group. Each person paints one assigned figure, often praying for the recipient, and in return receives a full set created by the community.
Peg doll exchanges are simple, affordable, and accessible for all ages, making them a wonderful option for families, classrooms, and parish groups. They encourage creativity, prayer, and connection, while leaving children with a meaningful, handmade faith keepsake.
If you’re interested in learning more or hosting your own Catholic peg doll exchange, resources and inspiration can be found through sites like Catholic Icing, along with other Catholic family and parish blogs that share ideas, planning tips, and faith-based craft inspiration.
Links for more information: Catholic Kids & Craft Resource Sites
- CatholicMom.com – Ideas, Sunday Mass activities, printables, and family faith resources.
- CatholicIcing.com – Crafts, peg doll ideas, printables, and liturgical year projects for families.
- Crafty Catholic Moms (craftycatholicmoms.com) – Catholic craft projects, saint resources, lesson plans, and seasonal activities.
