22 Adorable DIY Kids Ornaments to Hang on Your Tree

DIY kids ornaments bring creative sparkle to holiday decorating. Each ornament becomes a keepsake full of color, glitter, and imagination. Parents and kids can transform simple materials into heartfelt treasures that brighten any Christmas tree. These crafts are fun, easy to make, and budget-friendly, turning quiet afternoons into family memories that last far beyond the holidays.

1. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Salt dough handprints are timeless. Mix flour, salt, and water, roll out the dough, and press your child’s hand firmly to create the print. Once baked and cooled, paint and seal the ornament with a glossy finish. Add a ribbon loop for hanging. Kids love seeing their tiny handprints transform into sparkling keepsakes. This craft costs next to nothing just pantry staples and creativity. Write the year on the back for a cherished reminder of how little those hands once were.

2. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Popsicle sticks make perfect snowflakes. Arrange sticks in crisscross patterns, glue them together, and decorate with glitter, beads, or stickers. Paint each flake in icy blues or shimmering silvers. For a personal touch, let kids add names or initials before the paint dries. Hang these lightweight snowflakes on the tree or in windows. It’s a simple project that brings sparkle to any space without spending more than a few dollars on supplies.

3. Mason Jar Lid Wreaths

Turn mason jar lids into mini wreaths. Wrap each lid with green yarn or ribbon, then glue small pom-poms or buttons for decoration. Finish with a red bow and twine loop for hanging. It’s an adorable way to repurpose old lids. Kids enjoy wrapping the yarn and picking decorations, giving each wreath its own charm. This quick, zero-waste craft looks beautiful on both big and mini trees.

4. Felt Gingerbread People

Felt ornaments are soft and safe for little hands. Cut gingerbread shapes from brown felt, then use glue or thread to attach eyes, buttons, and smiles. Add small bows or sequins for festive detail. These felt friends can hang on the tree, decorate gift boxes, or even become part of a homemade garland. This simple, no-sew project keeps kids happily crafting for hours and adds warm, handmade charm to your holiday decor.

5. Glitter Pinecone Ornaments

Pinecones make perfect ornaments with just a touch of glitter. Brush glue on the tips and sprinkle silver, gold, or red glitter for a frosty look. Add a ribbon loop and let dry. These nature-inspired crafts cost almost nothing and sparkle beautifully under twinkling lights. Kids can collect pinecones during outdoor walks, turning it into a fun winter adventure before crafting.

6. Button Christmas Trees

Use assorted buttons in green shades to make little Christmas trees. Glue them onto cardstock or felt, then attach a small star button on top. Add a loop or clothespin to hang. This quick craft uses leftover buttons and lets kids design their own tree pattern. Each one turns out unique—bright, cheerful, and full of color.

7. Cinnamon Stick Stars

Glue cinnamon sticks into a star pattern for a sweet-smelling ornament. Wrap twine around the joints for strength and rustic style. These smell like Christmas itself and last for years. Kids love making them and hanging them right away. They’re perfect for natural-themed trees or homemade gifts tied to wrapped presents.

8. Beaded Candy Cane Ornaments

Twist red and white beads onto a pipe cleaner to form candy canes. Bend one end into a hook and secure the other. These simple, colorful ornaments are easy for toddlers and preschoolers. They also strengthen fine motor skills while creating beautiful decorations. Hang them on the tree or gift bags for an instant festive touch.

9. Paper Snow Globe Ornaments

Print family photos and glue them inside circles of cardstock shaped like snow globes. Add cotton or paper “snow,” then seal with clear plastic. This project turns simple materials into personalized ornaments that capture memories. Kids love picking photos and adding glittery “snow.” It’s an affordable keepsake that families treasure for years.

10. Pom-Pom Reindeer Faces

Create Rudolph’s face using brown felt circles, googly eyes, and red pom-poms for noses. Add antlers cut from cardboard or pipe cleaners. These silly reindeer ornaments make kids giggle and look adorable hanging on the tree. You can even add name tags for personalized touches.

11. Painted Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slices make beautiful rustic ornaments. Paint them with festive designs like snowmen or stars, then seal with clear varnish. Drill a small hole and tie on twine. Kids enjoy painting freehand or using stencils. Each slice tells its own story, turning simple wood into mini art pieces.

12. Clothespin Angels

Turn wooden clothespins into sweet little angels. Paint them white, add lace wings, and use pipe cleaners for halos. Draw tiny faces and attach ribbons to hang. These charming angels are lightweight and easy for small kids to make. They also make perfect teacher or neighbor gifts.

13. Glitter Glue Stars

Draw stars on parchment paper with glitter glue, let them dry, then peel and attach strings. Kids can create rainbow stars or stick to classic gold and silver. It’s a zero-mess, no-scissors craft that even toddlers can enjoy. These stars catch the light beautifully on the tree.

14. Yarn-Wrapped Baubles

Wrap yarn tightly around foam or plastic baubles until covered. Use multicolored yarn for a playful look. These ornaments are soft, durable, and perfect for little hands. It’s also a great way to use up leftover yarn scraps.

15. Cupcake Liner Angels

Fold cupcake liners to form wings, add a paper circle for the head, and decorate with glitter. Attach a loop to hang. Kids can mix colors and add sequins for sparkle. This affordable craft uses everyday items in a creative new way.

16. Scrabble Tile Initials

Glue Scrabble tiles to form initials or short words on small ribbons. Perfect for labeling stockings or trees. Kids can spell names or festive words like “JOY” or “LOVE.” It’s educational and fun!

17. Paper Chain Ornaments

Paper chains never go out of style. Cut colored strips and link them with glue or tape. Hang them on trees or mantels. Simple, cheerful, and nostalgic—perfect for all ages.

18. Glitter Jar Ornaments

Fill clear plastic ornaments with glitter, confetti, or fake snow. Screw the top back on and tie a ribbon. Each one sparkles differently, and kids love shaking them like snow globes.

19. Sock Snowmen

Cut white socks, fill with rice, and tie sections to form a snowman body. Add button eyes, a felt nose, and a scarf. These plush ornaments look cute and smell cozy if you add cinnamon inside.

20. Fingerprint Light Bulb Garland

Have kids dip fingers in paint and press them onto a paper garland to create light bulbs. Add black lines between bulbs to finish the look. It’s easy, quick, and captures those tiny prints forever.

21. Jingle Bell Ribbons

String jingle bells onto red or green ribbon and tie into loops. These cheerful ornaments make a soft sound when moved. Perfect for toddlers who love sound and sparkle.

22. Glitter Foam Stars

Cut star shapes from glitter foam sheets, punch a hole at the top, and add ribbon. These bright, shimmery ornaments are quick, safe, and perfect for bulk crafting with groups or classrooms.

Conclusion

DIY kids ornaments fill your tree with warmth, creativity, and family fun. Each handmade piece tells a story, capturing laughter and imagination in every color and sparkle. These simple, affordable projects turn your living room into a workshop of holiday joy, where kids create memories as bright as the ornaments they hang. Grab your glue, glitter, and a little holiday music—it’s time to craft Christmas magic together.