diy holiday ornament crafts for kids

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12+ DIY Holiday Ornament Crafts for Kids

Holiday ornaments are some of the most fun and memorable crafts for kids. 

They’re colorful, festive, and perfect for decorating the Christmas tree, gifting to family, or creating keepsakes that last for years. 

These DIY ornament ideas are simple, kid-friendly, and use easy materials like paper, felt, popsicle sticks, and salt dough.

1. Paper Snowflake Ornaments

Kids can fold and cut white or colored paper to make unique snowflakes they can hang on the tree.

Pro Tip: Add glitter glue around the edges for a frosty sparkle.

2. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Create lasting memories by pressing kids’ hands into salt dough circles and decorating them once dry.

Pro Tip: Paint the handprints in bright Christmas colors like red and green.

3. Popsicle Stick Stars

Glue three or five sticks together to form simple stars, then decorate with paint, sequins, or buttons.

Pro Tip: Use gold or silver paint for a classic holiday look.

4. Felt Gingerbread Men

Cut gingerbread shapes from brown felt and let kids decorate with buttons, ribbons, and fabric scraps.

Pro Tip: Use puffy paint for “icing” details that stand out.

5. Pom-Pom Christmas Balls

Glue colorful pom-poms onto round cardboard shapes to make bright, fluffy ornaments.

Pro Tip: Stick to one color family (like pastels or reds) for a polished finish.

6. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments

Decorate the inside of a jar lid with felt shapes, tiny trees, or paper cutouts for a mini holiday scene.

Pro Tip: Add fake snow using cotton or glitter for extra charm.

7. Beaded Candy Cane Ornaments

Kids can string red and white beads onto pipe cleaners and bend them into candy cane shapes.

Pro Tip: Add a tiny ribbon bow to make them look store-bought.

8. Handprint Reindeer Ornament

Trace a hand onto brown paper, add eyes and a red nose, and turn it into a cute reindeer face.

Pro Tip: Use googly eyes to make your reindeer more expressive.

9. Foam Christmas Trees

Cut foam sheets into tree shapes and let kids decorate with sequins, stickers, and colorful dots.

Pro Tip: Add a sparkly foam star on top to complete the tree.

10. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments

Kids can wrap yarn around cardboard circles or stars to create soft, cozy ornaments.

Pro Tip: Use two or three yarn colors together for a textured look.

11. Glitter Pinecone Ornaments

Collect pinecones and decorate them with glitter, paint, or pom-poms for easy natural ornaments.

Pro Tip: Tie ribbon around the top so they’re easy to hang.

12. Paper Strip Baubles

Form loops from paper strips and glue them together to make colorful 3D hanging ornaments.

Pro Tip: Use patterned scrapbook paper for a festive, decorative effect.

13. Button Wreath Ornaments

Glue green buttons in a circle shape to create a tiny wreath ornament kids can personalize.

Pro Tip: Add a mini red bow at the bottom for the perfect finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

Holiday ornament crafts are a wonderful way for kids to celebrate the season creatively. 

With just simple supplies, they can make adorable keepsakes, brighten the Christmas tree, and enjoy festive hands-on fun. 

These crafts are perfect for family nights, school projects, or handmade gift-giving — and they create memories that last long after the holidays end.

FAQs

1. What materials are best for kids’ ornaments?
Paper, felt, foam, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, salt dough, beads, and ribbon all work great.

2. Can younger kids make these ornaments?
Yes, just choose simpler designs and assist with cutting or gluing.

3. Are these ornaments durable?
Most can last for years if stored gently in a box after the holidays.

4. What glue works best?
School glue works for paper crafts; tacky glue works better for felt, foam, and heavier items.

5. Can these be used as handmade gifts?
Absolutely — grandparents, teachers, and family members love receiving kid-made ornaments.

Jerry
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