Every year we make popsicle stick Christmas ornaments, and it has become one of our favorite family traditions. Grandparents receive a handmade ornament featuring our son so we can mark each year as he grows. This year we created popsicle stick storefront ornaments — a playful, customizable project that’s perfect for gifting.
What makes the storefront ornament so fun is how personal it can be. Kids can design a shop that reflects their interests: a bookshop for readers, an ice cream parlor for those with a sweet tooth, a toy shop, a sports store — the choices are endless. Our son, who adores Christmas, chose a classic Christmas shop. It turned out adorable and is simple to make with just popsicle sticks, paint and a favorite photo.
Supplies Needed
Gather the following supplies to make one ornament:
- 7 regular popsicle sticks
- 7 jumbo popsicle sticks
- 1 small wood bead (for the door handle)
- Hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Paint in your chosen colors
- Paintbrushes
- Sharpie or white brush pen for the sign
- Photo (wallet size or a trimmed 4×6 printed on photo paper or laminated for durability)
- Felt (optional, to cover the back)
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Optional decorations: small wreaths, mini Santa hats, tiny lights or candy canes
- Scissors
Popsicle Stick Ornament Storefront Step-by-Step Tutorial
Follow these steps to assemble your storefront ornament:
- Glue six regular popsicle sticks to one jumbo stick with hot glue: five aligned on one side and one on the opposite side to form the base.
- Glue a regular popsicle stick across the top of the six sticks to secure the structure.
- Cut a jumbo popsicle stick to fit the opening left in the frame and glue it above the other jumbo stick to complete the storefront shape.
- Paint the storefront. The three center regular sticks can act as the door — paint them a different color than the surrounding facade. Also paint one additional jumbo stick to become your storefront sign.
- Paint the jumbo sticks that will form the awning: paint two in one color and two in a contrasting color.
- After they dry, cut each painted jumbo stick in half. Trim each piece to the desired awning length — around 2″ works well.
- Hot glue the awning pieces along the top cross stick of your storefront, alternating colors if desired.
- Write the shop name on the painted jumbo stick to create the sign. Trim the rounded edges for a clean look. A white brush pen may look clear when applied but will dry white.
- Glue the sign over the awning.
- Hot glue your photo to the back of the ornament, securing it in the opening.
- Add embellishments: glue a wood bead as a door handle, attach a mini wreath, string tiny lights on the sign, or glue a small candy cane or Santa hat near the photo.
- Cut a 5″ piece of twine or ribbon, tie a loop, and glue the knot to the back of the ornament for hanging.
- Optionally, cut a rectangle of felt to cover the back and glue it in place for a neat finish.
How To Gift Popsicle Stick Ornaments
For keepsakes, write the year, the child’s age and their name(s) on the back of the ornament. This helps preserve the memory for years to come.
Make one ornament for each family member you plan to gift. Choose colors and decorations that suit each recipient. Wrap the ornament or place it in a small gift bag and add a tag “From the kids.” Children beam with pride when they give a handmade ornament they helped create.
More Popsicle Stick Ornament Ideas to Try
This is our sixth year making popsicle stick ornaments. If you want more ideas or plan a crafting party, try other styles like a fireplace, train, gingerbread house or a Christmas window. Let each child pick their favorite design and customize it.
- Popsicle Stick Fireplace Ornament
- Popsicle Stick Train Ornament Craft
- DIY Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House Ornaments
- Christmas Window Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft
Enjoy this simple holiday project with your family. These personalized storefront ornaments are charming, meaningful, and easy to store and display every year — they quickly become favorites pulled from the ornament box each season.