DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids: 20+ Easy Crafts That Keep Little Hands Busy
DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids: 20+ Easy Crafts That Keep Little Hands Busy
Making Christmas ornaments with kids is one of those magical traditions that costs almost nothing but creates memories you’ll treasure forever. The best ornaments aren’t always the most elaborate, they’re the ones made with tiny, messy, determined hands.
The challenge?
Finding ornament ideas that don’t end in tears, tantrums, or a cleanup nightmare. I’ve rounded up a bunch of wonderfully creative projects that are genuinely doable for kids, actually look beautiful when finished.
What You’ll Discover In This Post:
- Ornaments kids can make almost entirely by themselves
- Projects perfect for messy, sensory play
- Ideas for every age: toddlers through tweens
- Minimal materials needed (mostly household items)
- Ornaments that look professional despite sticky fingers
- Handprint & keepsake ideas they’ll treasure forever
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Pro Tip: Let kids be gloriously messy with these projects. The imperfections are what make homemade ornaments beautiful. Plus, kids are way more likely to treasure something they made themselves, crooked snowflake and all.
SATL DOUGH ORNAMENTS (THE SENSORY GOLD STANDARD)
The Happiest Salt Dough Christmas Trees
We all love making our own ornaments and these are the happiest salt dough Christmas trees we have ever made! Easy to make and will last forever!
How to Make Cinnamon Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments
These DIY cinnamon salt dough Christmas ornaments are very easy to make with everyday ingredients. This is a great activity for children!
Salt Dough Ornament Recipe
This salt dough ornament recipe is so easy to make! Make the BEST salt dough ornaments with this easy recipe!
How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments
This classic salt dough recipe makes beautiful homemade salt dough ornaments every time. A lovely homemade Christmas gift.
PAPER MÂCHÉ & SENSORY CRAFTS
Homemade Christmas Tree Ornament Using Newspaper and Flour
These paper mache ornaments are the most unique homemade Christmas ornaments we've created yet. Don't let the paper mache scare you- they're actually fun (and pretty easy) to make!
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Ornaments
Simple DIY essential oil diffuser ornaments. You only need airdry clay, cookie cutters, Christmas essential oil blends.
QUICK & EASY (For Busy Days & Short Attention Spans)
Christmas Crafts - Easy Paper Bauble How To - YouTube
We love easy paper crafts ad here is a great paper craft for CHRISTMAS! Making Paper Baubles or Paper Balls. They are super easy and fun to make and can be m...
DIY Santa Claus Ornament Craft
This DIY Santa Ornament is so adorable! It's a fun craft you can do with the kids and it will create memories for the future.
Christmas Gnomes – Homemade Christmas Ornaments
These adorable gnome ornaments are so easy and fast to make you are going to enjoy creating them. Making Christmas ornaments is perfect for crafting with the kids. They will enjoy creating gnome ornaments for gifts, decor, tree ornaments, and just for fun. Using seasonal fabric and trims, you can make Mr. Gnome for any
Decorate Your Tree With Adorable 5 Minute Santa Gnome Ornaments
Make these cute DIY Santa Gnome ornaments for your Christmas decoration— quick, easy, and perfect for your tree or gifts.
HANDPRINT & KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS
hand print snowman ornaments
One week till Christmas. Can this really be right? 🙂 Well if your kids are home from school like ours are… maybe you are looking for a craft to try with them. These are the mini works of art we shared over at Ucreate with Kids. Maybe you’ll give them a try if you haven’t …
Salt Dough Recipe
Get this easy salt dough recipe! Using ingredients from your kitchen you can make salt dough handprints or salt dough ornaments.
How to Make a Handprint Tree Christmas Ornament
My little guy has so much fun making handprints on everything! This handprint Christmas tree ornament craft let him touch everything!
ORIGAMI & PAPER FOLDING (Great for Older Kids)
Easy Coffee Filter Angel Craft
Who knew coffee filters could be so elegant? Try this easy coffee filter angel ornaments to give a beautiful festive feel.
Paper Star Tutorial
Looking for an easy and fun paper craft? This simple paper star tutorial is the perfect project! With just a sheet of paper and a pair of scissors, you’ll create a beautiful star that’s great for decorating gifts, parties, or even your walls. If you're looking for a quick, satisfying project that feels a little […]
How To: Make Modern Paper Ornaments
Learn how to make modern paper ornaments for your Christmas tree this year. This tutorial will show you how to create lovely decorations quickly and affordably.
How to Make 3D Paper Christmas Tree Decoration Featuring: FishMamaStudio
Subscribe to FishMamaStudio! Looking for a Christmas tree paper craft using the most familiar folds? Learn…
PAINT & DECORATING (Low Stress, High Creativity)
Shaving Cream Marbled Christmas Trees
These marbled Christmas trees are so pretty and fun to make! Use paint and shaving cream to make this super easy winter and Christmas craft!
DIY Sequin Christmas Ornaments
These pretty DIY ornaments are made with metallic sequins and beads simply pinned all over a foam ball. A fun craft to do for a Ladies Craft Day!
NATURE & FOUND MATERIALS (Great for Outdoor Exploration)
Easy String Art Christmas Tree Ornament
This simple and easy string art Christmas Tree Ornament makes for the perfect addition to your Christmas tree this year (and the trees of grandparents and family)!
Yarn and Twig Star Ornaments for Kids to Make
These gorgeous yarn and twig star ornaments are great for kids of all ages to make. Just look at how gorgeous they are!
Popsicle Stick and Twigs Christmas Tree Ornaments
Do you have your Christmas tree out yet? Let’s make wonderful popsicle stick and twigs Christmas tree ornaments to decorate the tree (or your home with). Making Christmas ornaments together is making memories that will last ;). Popsicle Stick and Twigs Christmas Tree Ornaments This is such a fun craft to make and you really ... Read more
Pine Cone Gnome Ornament
Make this adorable pine cone gnome ornament with some pine cones, felt, cotton balls, string and wooden beads.
CHARACTER & NOVELTY ORNAMENTS (Because Kids Love Personality)
DIY Yarn-filled Christmas Ornaments – Snowman, Santa and Reindeer
These DIY yarn-filled clear Christmas ornaments make great holiday craft projects for those who love to knit or crochet and have yarn available at home!
Burlap Reindeer Ornament
Kids will love making this reindeer ornament inspired by a favorite Christmastime character, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for the Christmas tree.
Tea Light Snowman Ornaments
These tea light snowman ornaments are really easy to make and they look ADORABLE! Turn on the tea light and the "flame" becomes the snowman's carrot nose!
Easy DIY Gnome Christmas Ornaments
These adorable DIY Gnome Christmas Ornaments are simple to make in just 5 minutes! Perfect ornament craft for kids and adults alike!
WHY THESE ORNAMENTS WORK FOR KIDS
Sensory Play: Salt dough and paper mâché engage multiple senses—touch, smell, sight. Kids learn while playing.
Success-Guaranteed: Each project is designed so kids can’t really “fail.” Crooked snowflakes? Beautiful. Messy handprints? Treasured. This builds confidence.
Age Flexibility: The list spans toddler through tween—you can choose based on your child’s developmental stage and patience level.
Minimal Setup: No special tools, no hard-to-find supplies. Most come from your kitchen cupboard or recycling bin.
Keepsake Value: Kids treasure things they made. These ornaments become family heirlooms that spark “remember when?” conversations years later.
TIPS FOR CRAFTING WITH KIDS
Prep Is Everything: Lay out all supplies BEFORE you start. Saves tears and frustration mid-craft.
Embrace the Mess: Old newspapers, aprons, and towels are your friends. Let them get messy—it’s part of the fun.
Lower Your Perfectionism Expectations: The crooked snowflake your 5-year-old made is more beautiful than any store-bought bauble. Mean it when you say so.
Work Alongside Them: Kids craft better when you’re crafting too. It’s not about babysitting—it’s about shared time.
Display Proudly: Hang these ornaments front and center on your tree. Kids remember that you valued what they made.
FAQS
What age can kids start making ornaments? Toddlers (2+) can do salt dough with supervision. Paper and paint projects work from age 4+. Origami is best for age 7+.
How do I make salt dough kid-friendly? The basic recipe is just flour, salt, and water—all non-toxic. Make it together, let them shape it, then you bake it. They love the whole process.
Can I make these ornaments ahead? Yes! Make them in November, decorate in December. Salt dough and paper mâché last for years if stored in a dry place.
What if my child loses interest halfway through? That’s totally normal. Crafting with kids isn’t about finishing—it’s about the time together. Finish it yourself later, or let it be.
How do I preserve handprint ornaments? Salt dough handprints last for years. Paint them, seal with varnish, and store flat in a box between layers of tissue paper.
Related: 38 Beautiful homemade Christmas card ideas for kids to make
For more seasonal projects, explore our Christmas crafts and decorations.