41 Cute DIY Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make at Home

Christmas morning magic happens when your little ones spot handmade ornaments they created hanging on the tree, their faces lighting up with pure joy and pride.

Finding fun, age-appropriate craft projects that actually turn out adorable (and don’t end in tears) can feel impossible when you’re planning holiday activities with young children.

Get ready to discover 41 absolutely precious Christmas ornament ideas specifically designed for little hands – from simple pom pom decorations to magical snow globes that will become treasured family keepsakes.

Save this collection and prepare to create the most memorable holiday crafting sessions your kids will talk about for years to come!

Our Best Picks

1 Pom Pom Ornaments

Colorful pom poms transform plain clear baubles into magical Christmas treasures with zero mess or fuss. Your little ones simply drop their favorite pom poms inside and watch their ornament come to life.

Try classic red and green for traditional Christmas vibes. White, silver, and blue pom poms create a beautiful winter wonderland theme.

The best part? Kids can change the colors anytime by opening the bauble and switching out the pom poms for a completely new look.

2 Painted Cardboard Ornaments

Free toilet paper rolls transform into stunning Christmas decorations with just a splash of paint. Your kids will love creating their own colorful masterpieces.

Cut the cardboard tubes into different shapes like stars, flowers, or simple rings. Let each family member pick their favorite colors and go wild with paintbrushes.

These sustainable ornaments cost almost nothing to make. Plus, you’re teaching kids about recycling while creating beautiful holiday memories together.

3 Leopard Print Ornaments

Wild spots transform ordinary ornaments into show-stopping decorations that make your Christmas tree roar with personality.

Your little ones get excited painting those distinctive leopard dots using simple sponges and brown paint. The messy, imperfect spots actually look more realistic and fun.

Start with plain gold or tan ball ornaments as your base. Kids love dabbing on the irregular spotted patterns while you help guide their creativity.

These fierce decorations add an unexpected twist that guests always notice and remember long after the holidays end.

4 Reindeer Christmas Ornaments

Antlers and big eyes make these reindeer ornaments instant favorites with little ones. You start with any plain Christmas ball and transform it into Rudolph’s cousin!

The best part? Kids can make the antlers any size they want. Pipe cleaners or small twigs work perfectly for creating those branching horns.

Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and you’re done! Make several different sizes – the biggest reindeer can even crown your tree as a special topper instead of a star.

5 Glitter Popsicle Snowflakes

Sparkly popsicle sticks transform into magical winter decorations that make kids’ eyes light up! Your little ones can create their own winter wonderland in minutes.

Simply glue popsicle sticks together in snowflake patterns, then let kids brush on glue and sprinkle glitter for that perfect shimmer. Each snowflake becomes a unique masterpiece.

Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth before starting – glitter has a way of finding every corner of your home! The cleanup is worth seeing their proud smiles.

6 Thumbprint Reindeer Ornaments

Brown thumbprints transform into adorable reindeer faces on wooden disc ornaments in just minutes. Your little ones press their thumbs into brown paint, then stamp directly onto the disc surface.

Add googly eyes and a tiny red pom-pom nose while the paint dries. Use a black marker to draw simple antler branches above each thumbprint.

These keepsake ornaments capture your child’s tiny thumbprint forever. You’ll treasure seeing how small their hands were each time you decorate the tree in years to come.

7 Acorn Wreaths

Your backyard acorn collection transforms into charming mini wreaths that kids absolutely love making. These tiny treasures work perfectly as tree ornaments or gift toppers.

Gather fallen acorns and arrange them in small circles. Hot glue each acorn to the next one, creating a continuous ring.

Adult supervision is essential when using the glue gun. Let kids pick their favorite acorns while you handle the hot gluing process for safety.

8 Snowflake Picture Frames

Photo memories turn into magical tree decorations when kids create their own winter wonderlands. These sparkly frames showcase favorite family moments while adding personal touches to your holiday display.

Your little ones can glue white popsicle sticks into snowflake shapes, then add glitter, sequins, or cotton balls for extra winter magic. The center opening holds small photos perfectly.

Kids love seeing their artwork hanging on the tree next to store-bought ornaments. Plus, grandparents absolutely melt when they receive these handmade treasures filled with precious family photos.

9 Wooden Bead Snowman

Wooden beads transform into the cutest little snowmen with just a few simple supplies you probably have at home.

Grab some white wooden beads in different sizes, black markers for dots and smiles, and natural jute twine for hanging. Stack the beads from largest to smallest to create that classic snowman shape.

The rustic texture gives these ornaments a cozy, farmhouse feel that looks amazing on any Christmas tree. Kids love drawing the tiny faces and watching their creations come to life.

10 Painted Reindeer Ornaments

Brown paint transforms clear glass ornaments into adorable reindeer faces that kids absolutely love making. Simply pour acrylic paint inside and swirl it around until the entire interior gets coated.

Once dry, your little ones can add googly eyes and tiny antlers cut from brown paper or felt. A small red pom-pom makes the perfect Rudolph nose.

These handmade treasures become instant family favorites on your Christmas tree. Kids feel so proud seeing their painted reindeer hanging alongside store-bought decorations.

11 Fabric Bell Ornaments

Tiny bells transform simple fabric scraps into magical Christmas ornaments that dance and jingle on your tree. Kids love the gentle tinkling sounds these create with every breeze.

Stuff small fabric pouches with a handful of mini bells for instant charm. The golden shimmer adds sparkle while the soft jingling brings your tree to life.

These work perfectly as beginner sewing projects too. Let little ones help choose colorful fabrics and listen to the bells rattle as you work together.

12 Glass Globe Ornaments

Clear glass ornaments turn into magical miniature worlds that spark children’s imagination every time they catch the light.

Fill these transparent treasures with tiny figurines, fake snow, or colorful beads. Your kids can recreate their favorite Christmas movie scenes inside each globe.

Try using different shapes like lightbulb ornaments or mini snow globes. Each one becomes a unique storytelling opportunity that makes decorating feel like playtime.

Let children choose what goes inside their glass creations. They’ll treasure these personalized ornaments for years to come.

13 Wooden Scroll Ornaments

Tiny wooden spools transform into magical Christmas list holders that roll up and down like real scrolls. Your kids write their holiday wishes on paper strips, then wind them around the spool.

These miniature scroll ornaments hang beautifully on tree branches. Kids love unrolling them to add new gift ideas throughout December.

You get sneaky access to their latest Christmas requests without asking directly. Simply unroll the scroll when they’re not looking to see what’s on their current wish list.

14 Beaded Candy Canes

No paint or glue needed makes these beaded candy canes perfect for young crafters who love to create without the mess.

Kids simply thread red and white beads onto pipe cleaners in alternating patterns. The repetitive motion helps develop fine motor skills while they focus on creating their festive design.

Bend the top into that classic candy cane hook shape once all beads are in place. These sparkly ornaments catch the light beautifully on your Christmas tree and give kids a real sense of accomplishment.

15 Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

Cinnamon sticks create ornaments that smell amazing and look beautiful on your tree. Your kids will love the sweet, spicy scent every time they walk by.

Simply tie colorful ribbons around cinnamon sticks and add small decorations like tiny bells or dried orange slices. The natural brown color matches any Christmas theme perfectly.

These ornaments cost almost nothing to make and use eco-friendly materials. Plus, you can compost them after the holidays for a truly sustainable celebration.

16 Yarn Ball Faces

Transform clear ornaments into adorable characters with just yarn and googly eyes. Kids love creating these silly faces that look back at them from the Christmas tree.

Simply stuff colorful yarn inside clear plastic ornaments to create the base. The yarn fills the entire ball and gives each ornament its personality.

Add googly eyes and tiny features to bring the faces to life. Your little ones can make happy, surprised, or sleepy expressions using different eye sizes and positions.

17 Pipe Cleaner Trees

Fluffy pipe cleaners transform into miniature Christmas trees that make your little ones giggle with delight. These tiny treasures look absolutely adorable hanging on your main tree.

You only need green pipe cleaners and leftover popsicle sticks from your craft box. Kids love twisting and shaping the fuzzy material into perfect little tree forms.

The best part? These ornaments go anywhere around your home. Hang them on doorknobs, attach to gift packages, or create a mini forest on your mantel for extra holiday magic.

18 Wooden Bead Stars

Wooden beads transform into magical shooting stars that sparkle on your Christmas tree. This simple craft brings Scandinavian charm to your holiday decorating.

Thread beads onto wire or string to create the star’s body. Add flowing ribbon tails at the end to mimic a shooting star’s trail across the night sky.

Kids love arranging different sized beads to make each star unique. The natural wood texture adds warmth and complements any ornament collection perfectly.

19 Toilet Paper Roll Ornaments

Transform your empty toilet paper rolls into magical Christmas decorations! Your kids will love turning everyday trash into festive treasures.

Simply cut the rolls into rings, then shape them into stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. A little paint and glitter make them sparkle like store-bought ornaments.

This eco-friendly craft costs almost nothing and keeps recyclables out of the trash. Plus, you can make dozens of ornaments from just a few rolls!

Your little ones get to be creative heroes while helping the planet. It’s the perfect rainy afternoon activity that actually decorates your tree.

20 Handprint Ornaments

Your child’s tiny handprints become precious keepsakes that capture this moment in time forever. These ornaments take just minutes to make but create memories that last a lifetime.

Press little hands into clay, paint, or salt dough to create the perfect impression. Let kids add glitter, ribbons, or paint to make each ornament uniquely theirs.

Hang these treasures on your tree and watch your child’s face light up with pride. Years from now, you’ll smile remembering how small those little hands once were.

21 Popsicle Stick Fairies

Tiny dancers come to life with just a few craft supplies and your child’s imagination!

These magical fairies start with simple popsicle sticks as bodies. Add colorful tissue paper or fabric scraps for flowing tutus that catch the light beautifully.

Your kids can paint faces, glue on yarn hair, and create sparkly wings using glitter and clear paper. Each fairy becomes completely unique.

Hang them on Christmas trees or bedroom walls. They bring enchanting holiday magic that lasts all year long.

22 White Painted Pinecones

White paint transforms ordinary pinecones into magical snowy ornaments that kids absolutely love making. This simple craft creates beautiful winter decorations without spending much money.

Gather pinecones from your yard or local park, then let your little ones brush on white paint to create that fresh snowfall effect. The natural texture of pinecones makes every ornament unique and special.

These snowy treasures dry quickly and look stunning hanging on your Christmas tree or scattered around your holiday display.

23 Melted Crayon Ornaments

Colorful magic happens when you melt old crayons into stunning Christmas ornaments. Your kids will love watching the waxy colors swirl together like a mini science experiment.

Grab a box of broken or old crayons in different colors. You don’t need perfect ones – those stubby pieces work great!

The melting process creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns that no store-bought ornament can match. Each ornament becomes a unique masterpiece your child helped create.

These make wonderful keepsakes that capture your little artist’s creativity forever.

24 Cinnamon Salt Dough

Your tree gets that cozy gingerbread look without attracting hungry ants to your living room. This clever dough smells amazing and creates ornaments that last for years.

Mix flour, salt, and cinnamon to make a bug-free alternative to real cookies. The warm spice scent fills your home while kids roll and cut their favorite shapes.

These ornaments never go stale and store perfectly in a box. You’ll save money and create new family traditions that smell like Christmas morning.

25 Donut Ornaments

Colorful donut ornaments bring sweetness to your Christmas tree without the calories! Kids love creating these tasty-looking decorations that look good enough to eat.

This craft needs adult supervision since it involves multiple steps and materials. You’ll work with clay or dough to shape the donut base, then add colorful "frosting" and sprinkles.

Don’t forget to apply a quality acrylic sealant once everything dries. This protects your child’s artwork and keeps these adorable ornaments looking fresh for many holiday seasons ahead.

26 Nativity Scene Ornaments

Colorful printouts and popsicle sticks transform into a magical stable scene that tells Jesus’s birth story. Your little ones color wise men, angels, and baby Jesus however they imagine them.

Popsicle sticks create the perfect triangular stable frame. Simply glue the colored figures inside this cozy shelter.

Don’t forget the golden star shining bright at the top! This ornament becomes a beautiful reminder of Christmas’s true meaning while showcasing your child’s artistic creativity.

27 Christmas List Ornaments

Clear acrylic balls turn your child’s Christmas wishes into beautiful keepsakes that hang right on the tree.

Your little ones write their Christmas lists on colorful paper, then carefully roll them up to fit inside the transparent ornaments. Each wish becomes visible through the clear surface, creating excitement every time they walk by.

Christmas morning becomes extra special when kids can unroll their lists and check off which dreams came true. These ornaments preserve childhood memories for years to come.

28 Clear Globe Ornaments

Transform ordinary clear ornaments into magical snow globes that your kids will love making and you’ll proudly display on your tree.

Start with basic clear plastic ornaments from any craft store. Your little ones can fill them with glitter, tiny beads, or miniature holiday figures to create their own winter wonderlands.

The best part? These ornaments blend seamlessly with any décor style while giving kids complete creative control over their designs.

Shake them gently to watch the magic happen as sparkles swirl around like fresh snowfall.

29 Popsicle Stick Houses

Colorful popsicle sticks transform into magical mini houses without the mess of traditional gingerbread. Your kids get all the fun of building their dream home with zero sticky fingers.

These easy-to-handle wooden sticks snap together perfectly for little hands. Kids can paint them festive colors before assembly or decorate the finished house with glitter and small ornaments.

Best part? No sugar crashes here! Your children stay focused and calm while creating their masterpiece ornament that actually lasts through the holidays.

30 Fabric Unicorn Ornaments

Fluffy fabric unicorns bring magical sparkle to any Christmas tree. Kids love these whimsical creatures hanging among the branches.

This beginner-friendly sewing project requires just basic stitches and soft fabric scraps. You don’t need fancy skills to create adorable results.

The best part? You can customize everything about your unicorns. Choose bright pink, rainbow colors, or classic white fabric to match your tree’s theme.

Make them tiny for delicate branches or chunky for bold statement pieces. Each unicorn becomes a unique treasure your family will cherish for years.

31 Paper Sweater Crafts

Colorful paper cutouts transform into adorable miniature sweaters that kids love decorating. These charming ornaments bring cozy winter vibes to any Christmas tree.

Simply print sweater templates and hand them to your little artists. They can color wild patterns using crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

The best part? No actual knitting skills required! Kids create their own unique designs while developing fine motor skills and creativity.

32 Perler Bead Frames

Transform favorite holiday photos into treasured keepsakes with these colorful plastic beads that kids absolutely love working with.

Your little ones can create custom picture frames by arranging the beads on pegboards in festive patterns like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or candy canes. Once they’re happy with their design, a quick iron seals everything permanently.

Slip a special Christmas photo right into the center opening. These durable ornaments become instant family heirlooms that survive years of holiday decorating.

The best part? Kids feel incredibly proud seeing their handmade creations hanging prominently on the tree each December.

33 Handprint Ornaments

Your child’s tiny handprints become precious keepsakes that capture this moment in time forever. These sweet ornaments make grandparents smile every single Christmas.

Press your little one’s hand into clay or salt dough, then let them add colorful paint or glitter. The messier, the better!

Allow ornaments to dry completely for 24-48 hours before handling. This prevents cracking and ensures they last for years to come.

34 Melted Snowman Ornaments

Your kids can enjoy snowman magic even if you live in sunny Florida! These adorable ornaments capture the silly moment when Frosty meets warm weather.

Create this funny twist using white clay or foam that looks like it’s dripping. Add tiny black buttons, an orange carrot nose, and a little hat sitting on top.

Kids giggle every time they spot their melted friend on the tree. It’s the perfect ornament for families who dream of snowy winters but live where palm trees grow.

35 Salt Dough Ornaments

Your little ones can create custom ornaments using just flour, salt, and water from your kitchen pantry. This simple mixture transforms into moldable dough that’s perfect for tiny hands.

Kids love rolling, cutting, and shaping their own designs — from handprints to cookie-cutter stars. The dough stays soft long enough for multiple attempts without frustration.

Once dried, these ornaments become keepsake treasures you’ll cherish for years. Paint them together for extra bonding time and let your toddler’s creativity shine on your Christmas tree.

36 Craft Stick Snowmen

Jumbo craft sticks transform into adorable snowmen with just a few simple supplies. Your kids can create these charming ornaments in minutes.

Glue three craft sticks together to form the snowman’s body. Add orange foam triangles for carrots noses and black buttons down the front.

Wrap tiny fabric scraps around the neck for cozy scarves. Draw on smiling faces with markers to bring your snowmen to life.

These quick ornaments work perfectly for classroom parties or last-minute decorating. Kids love making whole families of stick snowmen!

37 Handprint Reindeer Ornaments

Your child’s tiny handprint transforms into the most adorable reindeer ornament you’ll ever see. This craft captures those precious little fingers while creating a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.

Use non-toxic acrylic paints to press your toddler’s hand onto a clear glass ornament. The palm becomes the reindeer’s face, and those sweet little fingers turn into antlers.

Add googly eyes and a red nose to complete your handprint reindeer. This ornament becomes a beautiful reminder of how small those hands once were.

38 Pom Pom Letters

Fluffy yarn balls transform ordinary cardboard letters into magical Christmas decorations that kids absolutely love making.

Your little ones simply glue colorful pom poms onto cardboard letter shapes to create their own personalized ornaments. They can spell out their names, favorite words, or even "JOY" and "LOVE."

The soft, bouncy texture makes these ornaments extra special to touch. Plus, kids feel so proud seeing their handmade letters hanging on the tree alongside store-bought decorations.

39 Handprint Clay Ornaments

Tiny handprints pressed into soft clay create magical keepsakes that capture your child’s size right now. These sweet ornaments become treasured memories you’ll pull out every Christmas for years to come.

Homemade flour dough works perfectly for this project, or grab some air-dry clay from the craft store. Simply roll it flat, press your little one’s hand down gently, and cut around the print.

Add a small hole at the top before the clay dries. Once hardened, thread ribbon through and watch their eyes light up when they spot their tiny handprint on the tree.

40 Grinch Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

Your fuzzy green pipe cleaners transform into the most lovable Christmas villain in minutes. Kids twist and bend the soft material to create the Grinch’s furry texture perfectly.

Add a tiny red heart to the outside for that magical moment when his heart grows three sizes. The contrast between green fur and bright red makes these ornaments pop on any tree.

These budget-friendly crafts use supplies you probably have at home already. Little hands can easily shape and reshape the pipe cleaners until they get their Grinch just right.

41 Popsicle Stick Ornaments

Bright green paint transforms ordinary popsicle sticks into adorable mini Christmas trees that kids absolutely love making. Your little ones can create an entire forest of festive decorations in just one afternoon.

Simply glue three sticks together in a tree shape, then let kids paint and decorate however they want. Add sequins, glitter, or tiny star stickers for extra sparkle.

These lightweight ornaments hang perfectly on lower tree branches where small hands can reach. Plus, they make wonderful keepsakes that capture your child’s creativity year after year.