Make the holidays more memorable with these fun and easy DIY Christmas ornament ideas for kids. These projects are perfect for family crafting time, school activities, or gifts for grandparents and teachers. Many of the ornaments are simple enough for young children with adult supervision and can be personalized to preserve special memories year after year.
Christmas Ornament Ideas for Kids
Winter break is a great opportunity for craft days. Below are a variety of ornament projects ranging from quick and simple to a bit more detailed, so kids of all ages can participate and create keepsakes.
Popsicle Stick Trains
Popsicle stick train ornaments are a charming way for kids to leave a little piece of their childhood on the tree. They’re easy to paint and decorate—adults may want to handle the hot glue for younger children. These make thoughtful gifts for family members.
Popsicle Gingerbread Houses
These little gingerbread houses are made with popsicle sticks and a handful of craft supplies. They’re perfect for classroom projects or holiday gifts that kids can proudly bring home to their families.
Circus Animal Cookies
Made with lightweight modeling clay, these circus animal cookie ornaments are adorable and family-friendly. They’re a great way for kids to sculpt, paint, and customize small animal shapes without worry.
Popsicle Stick Christmas Windows
Christmas window ornaments can be adapted for many ages — from simple painting to adding a photo for a personalized touch. Photo-filled ornaments often become treasured favorites for children and parents alike.
Donut Ornaments
Donut-shaped ornaments let kids paint fun frosting and sprinkle designs. They’re a sweet, playful project that works well for classroom gifts or holiday exchanges.
Seashell Angels
If you have collected seashells, transform them into delicate angel ornaments. This project encourages creative color choices and embellishments, and repurposes natural finds into meaningful decorations.
Clothespin People Ornaments
Vintage-inspired clothespin people are charming and slightly more detailed, making them ideal for older kids who enjoy painting and fine decorating. Imperfection adds to their character.
Salt Dough Santa Handprint Ornaments
Salt dough is inexpensive and bakes into a durable keepsake. Using a child’s handprint to form a Santa ornament creates a precious memory that shows how much they grow each year.
Rudolph Ornaments
Simple Rudolph ornaments use just a few supplies and are ideal for group activities or preschool classrooms. They’re quick to assemble and instantly festive.
Shell Mosaics
Seashell or rock collectors will love creating mosaics from their finds. These ornaments celebrate nature and turn small treasures into beautiful holiday décor.
Snow Globes
Snow globe ornaments are a fun canvas for kids learning to draw or for showcasing tiny photos. They make heartfelt gifts for relatives and help preserve a moment in time.
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
These snowflake ornaments are versatile and kid-friendly. Painting, gluing pom-poms, and adding glitter allow children to express their style while creating a classic winter motif.
Ballerinas
Delicate ballerina ornaments are delightful for older children who enjoy more detailed crafting. They offer a chance to practice fine motor skills while creating keepsake decorations.
Clay Christmas Tree Ornaments
Air-dry clay ornaments are simple to shape and decorate. Fingerprint impressions and dated markings make each piece a personal record of the year and the child who made it.
Elf & Reindeer Handprint Ornaments
Turn tiny handprints into elves or reindeer using salt dough or paint. These projects are especially sweet for younger children and make excellent keepsakes for families.
Gingerbread Ornaments
Scented gingerbread-style ornaments add an extra sensory element to decorations. The cozy aroma brings holiday warmth—just remind children these are for display, not eating.
Rudolph the Reindeer Frames
Photo frame ornaments decorated as Rudolph are a delightful way to include a child’s picture on the tree. Kids enjoy arranging pipe cleaners, cotton balls, and a red nose around their photo for a playful result.
Snow Globe Ornaments
For kids who love mini toys, try snow globe ornaments that showcase small figures like cars topped with a tiny tree. These playful designs are sure to excite young collectors.
Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
Popsicle stick trees are a classic craft—easy to customize with paint, pom-poms, and pipe cleaners. Use pre-colored sticks or let the kids paint their own for maximum creativity.
Snowman Ornaments
Sock snowmen are charming and easy to assemble. Starting with a baby sock, kids can add scarves, buttons, and faces to create unique, cuddly ornaments.
Salt Dough Melted Snowmen
Melted snowman ornaments made from salt dough are simple to decorate with painted faces, carrot noses, and twig arms. They’re a family-friendly craft that captures whimsical holiday spirit.
More Ornament Ideas to Try
- Ornament pillows
- Ornament exchange ideas
- Gifts for grandparents
- Ornament donut holes
These DIY ornament ideas are a wonderful way to bring family and friends together during the holidays. Whether you’re crafting with preschoolers or older children, creating homemade decorations becomes a yearly tradition full of memories. Pick a few projects, gather your supplies, and enjoy making festive keepsakes that will be treasured for years to come.