Making DIY Christmas ornaments for kids is one of the easiest ways to turn holiday decorating into a hands-on family activity. Instead of buying every ornament, kids can help create decorations that feel personal, colorful, and meaningful.
The best kids’ ornament projects are simple enough to enjoy without becoming frustrating. They should use easy-to-handle materials, offer room for creativity, and produce something sturdy enough to hang on the tree.
Depending on the child’s age, you can make ornaments from paper, craft sticks, felt, salt dough, pom-poms, beads, ribbon, or natural materials such as pinecones. Younger children may need help with cutting, tying, or glue, while older kids can usually handle more detailed steps themselves.
The ideas below include quick crafts, keepsake ornaments, low-mess projects, and options that can work for classrooms, holiday parties, or a cozy afternoon at home.
1. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are popular because they can double as keepsakes.
A basic salt dough is typically made with flour, salt, and water. Roll the dough out, press a child’s hand gently into the surface, then cut around the print or use a large cookie cutter.
Make a hanging hole before baking or drying.
Once the ornament is completely dry and cool, children can decorate it with paint.
You can add:
- Name
- Year
- Glitter
- Ribbon
- Small painted details
If very young children are participating, remember that salt dough is a craft material rather than food and contains a high amount of salt. Supervise closely and keep it away from pets, especially dogs, because ingesting a large amount can be dangerous.
2. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
Craft sticks are inexpensive and easy for small hands to work with.
Arrange three sticks into a triangle to create the tree outline.
Glue them together and let the base dry.
Children can decorate the tree with:
- Pom-poms
- Buttons
- Sequins
- Foam shapes
- Paint
- Stickers
Add a small rectangle of craft stick or cardstock at the bottom for the trunk.
Glue ribbon or string to the back for hanging.
This project is especially easy to make in batches.
3. Pom-Pom Christmas Wreath Ornaments
A small wreath can be made with a cardboard ring and colorful pom-poms.
Cut a ring from sturdy cardboard.
Then let children glue pom-poms around the front.
Traditional colors such as red and green work well, but kids can use any combination they like.
Add a small ribbon bow at the bottom or top.
For younger children, prepare the cardboard rings in advance so they can focus on decorating.
Large pom-poms are also easier for small hands than tiny embellishments.
4. Paper Snowflake Ornaments
Paper snowflakes are inexpensive and offer endless variations.
Fold white or colored paper and cut simple shapes along the edges.
When the paper is unfolded, the cutouts create a snowflake pattern.
Younger children may need help with scissors.
For easier crafting, use safety scissors suitable for their age and start with simple folds.
Once complete, punch a hole near one point and add ribbon.
Kids can also decorate the snowflakes with glue and a small amount of glitter, stickers, or metallic markers.
5. Beaded Candy Cane Ornaments
Candy cane ornaments are easy to make with red and white beads threaded onto a flexible craft stem.
Alternate the colors to create stripes.
Once the stem is full, bend it gently into a candy cane shape.
For younger children, use larger beads that are easier to handle.
Beads can be a choking hazard, so this project is better suited to children old enough to use them safely with supervision.
You can also try:
- Red and green
- Pink and white
- Rainbow colors
The ornament does not have to look traditional to be festive.
6. Paper Plate Christmas Ornaments
Mini paper plates or circles cut from cardstock can become oversized ornament crafts.
Paint the surface in a favorite color.
Then decorate with:
- Dots
- Stripes
- Stars
- Stickers
- Pom-poms
- Washable markers
Cut a small rectangle from gray or silver cardstock and glue it to the top to look like the ornament cap.
Add ribbon for hanging.
This is a good choice when you want a simple craft with lots of room for individual decorating.
7. Pinecone Christmas Tree Ornaments
Small pinecones can become miniature Christmas trees.
Clean and dry the pinecones before crafting.
Children can brush the tips with green paint or leave the pinecones natural.
Decorate with tiny pom-poms or small paper dots.
Add a star-shaped piece of cardstock or felt to the top.
Tie ribbon around the upper portion for hanging.
If you gather pinecones outdoors, inspect them carefully for dirt, insects, sharp edges, or sap before giving them to children.
8. Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments
Felt is useful for kids’ crafts because it does not fray easily.
Cut a simple tree shape from green felt.
Then provide small felt circles, stars, or strips for decoration.
Children can glue the pieces on to create their own designs.
Older kids can layer two felt shapes together and stitch around the edge using a blunt, age-appropriate needle with adult supervision.
For younger children, glue is much easier.
9. Photo Frame Ornaments
A homemade photo ornament can become a meaningful keepsake.
Create a simple frame from:
- Craft sticks
- Cardboard
- Foam sheets
- Felt
Decorate the frame first.
Then attach a printed photo to the back once the glue is dry.
Add ribbon for hanging.
This can work especially well for:
- School pictures
- Family photos
- Pet photos
- Holiday snapshots
Write the year on the back so you can remember when it was made.
10. Fingerprint Christmas Ornaments
Fingerprint art turns simple ornament shapes into personalized keepsakes.
Start with a plain wood, clay, paper, or salt dough ornament.
Use washable, child-safe paint to create fingerprints.
The prints can become:
- Reindeer faces
- Christmas lights
- Snowmen
- Berries
- Tree ornaments
Once the fingerprints dry, an adult or older child can add small details with a fine marker or paintbrush.
Always make sure the paint is suitable for the child’s age and wash hands afterward.
11. Reindeer Craft Stick Ornaments
Arrange craft sticks into a simple triangular reindeer face.
Paint them brown if desired.
Then add:
- Paper or felt ears
- Googly eyes
- Red pom-pom nose
- Pipe-cleaner antlers
If you are crafting with toddlers or preschoolers, larger paper eyes may be preferable to tiny loose pieces.
Add a loop of ribbon behind the top.
These are fun for making several ornaments that still look slightly different because each child can choose their own expression and decorations.
12. Button Christmas Tree Ornaments
Buttons can be stacked or glued into a Christmas tree shape.
For a simple version, glue green buttons onto a triangular piece of cardstock.
Use larger buttons near the bottom and smaller ones toward the top.
Add a star and ribbon loop.
Another version uses string or wire to stack the buttons vertically, but that is better for older children and should be supervised carefully.
Tiny buttons are choking hazards, so choose materials appropriate for the child’s age.
13. Paper Straw Star Ornaments
Decorative paper straws can be cut into shorter pieces and arranged into star or snowflake patterns.
Lay the pieces on a flat surface and glue them together.
Once dry, add string.
Choose:
- Red and white stripes
- Kraft paper
- Green patterns
- Metallic designs
Older children may enjoy experimenting with more complicated geometric shapes.
For younger kids, prepare the cut straw pieces in advance.
14. Yarn-Wrapped Star Ornaments
Cut sturdy star shapes from cardboard.
Tape or glue one end of yarn to the back.
Then let children wrap the yarn around the star repeatedly.
Use:
- Red yarn
- Green yarn
- White yarn
- Multicolored yarn
The uneven wrapping is part of the charm.
When the star is covered, secure the end at the back and add a loop for hanging.
This is a nice low-mess project for kids who enjoy repetitive hands-on activities.
15. Clear Ornament Fillers
Clear fillable ornaments allow kids to decorate without having to construct the entire ornament.
Choose shatter-resistant fillable ornaments rather than glass for children’s crafts.
Fill them with lightweight materials such as:
- Pom-poms
- Ribbon
- Paper confetti
- Faux snow
- Small pieces of tissue paper
Avoid filling them with tiny objects for very young children.
Close the ornament securely and add ribbon.
Children can choose their own colors, making each ornament different.
16. Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornaments
Cinnamon sticks can form the trunk of a small Christmas tree.
Attach short pieces of ribbon, fabric, or faux greenery across the cinnamon stick in gradually smaller lengths.
The longest piece goes near the bottom.
Finish with a hanging loop at the top.
This creates a simple rustic ornament.
Cinnamon can irritate sensitive skin or eyes, so children should wash their hands afterward and avoid rubbing their faces during the craft.
Do not let young children chew on craft materials.
17. Paper Christmas Light Ornaments
Cut oversized Christmas-light bulb shapes from cardstock.
Let children decorate them with crayons, paint, stickers, or markers.
Add a darker paper rectangle at the top to represent the bulb base.
Punch a hole and attach ribbon.
Make several in different colors and hang them individually on the tree.
You can also string several together into a homemade paper-light garland.
Easy DIY Christmas Ornaments for Toddlers
For toddlers, keep projects large, simple, and closely supervised.
Good options include:
- Fingerprint ornaments
- Large pom-pom decorations
- Paper ornaments
- Felt shapes
- Shatter-resistant fillable ornaments
Avoid tiny beads, buttons, sequins, or other choking hazards.
You may also want to pre-cut materials so toddlers can focus on painting, sticking, and arranging pieces.
Washable paint and glue are helpful when mess is likely.
The goal at this age is the experience, not a perfect finished ornament.
DIY Christmas Ornaments for Preschoolers
Preschoolers often enjoy projects that involve several simple steps.
Try:
- Craft stick trees
- Pom-pom wreaths
- Paper snowflakes
- Reindeer ornaments
- Yarn-wrapped stars
They may be able to choose colors, arrange decorations, and apply glue independently while an adult handles more difficult cutting or tying.
Give them enough freedom that the finished ornament still feels like their own work.
DIY Christmas Ornaments for Older Kids
Older children can handle projects that require more patience and precision.
Consider:
- Detailed salt dough ornaments
- Beaded candy canes
- Felt stitching
- Paper straw stars
- Painted wood ornaments
- Photo keepsakes
They may also enjoy making ornaments as gifts for grandparents, teachers, or friends.
Letting kids choose the design and color palette can make the craft feel less like an assignment and more like a creative project.
How to Set Up a Kids’ Christmas Ornament Craft Station
A little preparation can keep holiday crafting from becoming chaotic.
Cover the table with:
- Washable tablecloth
- Kraft paper
- Newspaper
- Reusable craft mat
Then divide materials into small containers.
Keep similar supplies together:
- Pom-poms
- Ribbon
- Paper shapes
- Craft sticks
- Markers
Place glue in the center where it can be shared.
Keep scissors, hot glue, craft knives, and other adult-use tools in a separate area.
For younger children, prepare any difficult cuts beforehand.
It can also help to create a finished sample, but remind children that they do not need to copy it exactly.
How to Make Kids’ Ornaments Look Cute Without Taking Over the Project
It can be tempting to correct every uneven pom-pom or crooked sticker.
Try not to.
The charm of children’s ornaments comes from the fact that children made them.
Instead, make the setup visually cohesive.
For example, provide:
- Three or four coordinating colors
- Similar ribbon
- Matching ornament bases
Then let kids decorate however they want within those materials.
You can also help with the final practical steps, such as attaching hanging loops or writing the year on the back.
That keeps the ornaments functional without taking away their handmade character.
DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas for a Classroom
Classroom crafts need to be inexpensive, easy to explain, and manageable for a group.
Good choices include:
- Paper ornaments
- Craft stick trees
- Yarn stars
- Paper plate ornaments
- Pom-pom wreaths
Pre-portion materials before the activity.
Give each child a small tray, paper plate, or bag containing what they need.
This can reduce time spent passing supplies around.
Avoid projects that rely heavily on hot glue, tiny beads, complicated cutting, or long drying times when working with a large group.
Christmas Ornament Gifts Kids Can Make
Handmade ornaments can make sweet gifts for:
- Grandparents
- Parents
- Teachers
- Aunts and uncles
- Family friends
Keepsake projects work especially well.
Try:
- Handprints
- Fingerprints
- Photos
- Child’s handwriting
- Name and year
Place the finished ornament in a small box or paper gift bag.
You can also have the child decorate the wrapping.
Common Mistakes With Kids’ Christmas Crafts
Choosing a Project That Is Too Complicated
If the adult has to complete most of the craft, the project may not be appropriate for the child’s age.
Using Too Many Tiny Pieces
Small embellishments are difficult for little hands and can create choking hazards.
Expecting the Ornament to Look Perfect
Children’s crafts are supposed to look handmade.
Let them make creative decisions.
Starting Without Preparing
Pre-cut difficult shapes and organize supplies before children sit down.
Using Fragile Ornament Bases
Choose shatter-resistant materials whenever possible.
Using Hot Glue Around Young Children
Hot glue can cause burns.
Adults should handle hot-glue tools when a project requires them, or choose a child-safe adhesive alternative.
Forgetting Drying Time
Some ornaments need to dry completely before they can be moved or hung.
Plan a safe drying area in advance.
Safety Tips for Making Christmas Ornaments With Kids
Choose materials appropriate for the child’s age and ability.
Watch for choking hazards such as:
- Beads
- Buttons
- Sequins
- Tiny bells
- Small pom-poms
Supervise scissors and choose age-appropriate versions.
Keep hot-glue guns, craft knives, sharp wire, and other potentially hazardous tools in adult hands.
Use paints, glues, and markers according to their labels.
Provide ventilation when a product requires it.
If you are using natural materials such as pinecones or sticks, inspect them for sharp edges, dirt, insects, or splinters first.
For salt dough, supervise young children and pets so the dough is not eaten.
FAQ About DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids
What are the easiest Christmas ornaments for kids to make?
Paper ornaments, craft stick trees, pom-pom wreaths, yarn stars, and fingerprint ornaments are all relatively simple.
What can toddlers make for Christmas ornaments?
Toddlers can help with large paper shapes, fingerprints, handprints, large pom-poms, felt pieces, and shatter-resistant fillable ornaments with close adult supervision.
What can I use instead of glass ornaments?
Try paper, felt, craft sticks, cardboard, salt dough, wood, plastic fillable ornaments, or pinecones.
What can kids make as Christmas gifts?
Handprint ornaments, photo ornaments, fingerprint designs, and personalized salt dough ornaments make meaningful keepsakes.
How can I make Christmas crafts less messy?
Pre-portion materials, cover the table, use washable products, limit the number of supplies, and choose projects with little or no glitter.
Are salt dough ornaments safe for kids?
They are popular craft projects, but the dough is not intended to be eaten. Young children should be supervised, and salt dough should be kept away from pets.
What should I write on a keepsake ornament?
A child’s name, age, year, short holiday message, or family name can help turn the ornament into a memory you will recognize years later.
Final Thoughts
Making DIY Christmas ornaments for kids does not need to involve complicated supplies or perfect results.
Some of the best holiday crafts are made from simple materials already found in a basic craft box: paper, cardboard, craft sticks, felt, yarn, pom-poms, ribbon, and washable paint.
Choose projects that match the child’s age, prepare tricky steps in advance, and let kids make their own decorating choices.
A crooked pom-pom or unusually colored Christmas tree is not a mistake. Those little details are what make handmade ornaments worth keeping.
Whether you make one special keepsake or spend an afternoon filling the tree with homemade decorations, these projects give kids a chance to be part of the holiday decorating—and create ornaments your family may enjoy pulling out year after year.
