Making make ornaments for kids is a fun, festive tradition that sparks creativity, strengthens family bonds, and creates lasting holiday memories. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these handmade decorations will bring joy and excitement to the holiday season.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
🎨 Easy ornament crafts for different age groups
🌱 Eco-friendly ornaments made with upcycled materials
🎄 Classic and modern DIY Christmas ornaments
📌 Storage and preservation tips
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s first go over the materials you’ll need.
Table of Contents
Essential Craft Supplies for DIY Ornaments
Every great craft project starts with the right materials. Below is a list of common supplies you’ll need for these projects:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Popsicle sticks | Perfect for making stars, trees, and snowflakes |
| Salt dough or air-dry clay | Great for making handprint keepsakes |
| Recycled paper & cardboard | Ideal for eco-friendly crafting |
| Paint, glitter & glue | Adds color and sparkle to ornaments |
| Beads, ribbons & buttons | Perfect for adding finishing touches |
| Natural elements (pinecones, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges) | Adds a rustic holiday touch |
For an eco-friendly approach, check out recycled Christmas craft ideas that use upcycled materials to create stunning ornaments.
Part 1: Easy make Ornaments for Kids
Young children love hands-on crafts that are simple and fun. These beginner-friendly ornament ideas are mess-free and easy to make.
1. Handprint Keepsake Ornaments
👣 Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!
Materials:
- Salt dough or air-dry clay
- Acrylic paint
- Ribbon for hanging
Instructions:
- Roll out the salt dough and press your child’s hand into it.
- Cut around the handprint, leaving a small border.
- Use a straw to poke a hole for hanging.
- Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours or let air-dry.
- Paint and seal with Mod Podge.
For a step-by-step guide, visit how to make salt dough ornaments.
2. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
🎄 A fun and colorful craft!
Materials:
- Green-painted popsicle sticks
- Glue, sequins, and beads
- Gold star sticker for the top
Instructions:
- Form a triangle shape with popsicle sticks.
- Glue them together and let dry.
- Decorate with beads, sequins, and stickers.
- Attach a ribbon to hang on the tree.
3. Paper Plate Bauble Ornaments
🎨 A simple craft for toddlers!
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Markers, stickers, and glitter
- Hole punch and string
Instructions:
- Cut out circles from paper plates.
- Decorate using markers, paint, and stickers.
- Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon through.
These ornaments are lightweight and safe for small kids to handle.
Part 2: Handmade Ornaments for Older Kids
Older kids love more detailed crafts that allow them to express their creativity.
4. Melted Crayon Ornaments
🖍 A colorful and fun science-inspired craft!
Materials:
- Old crayons (shaved or grated)
- Clear plastic ornament balls
- Hairdryer
Instructions:
- Place crayon shavings inside a clear ornament.
- Use a hairdryer to melt the crayons.
- Rotate the ornament to mix colors.
- Let cool and seal with glue.
This craft teaches color blending and heat effects!
5. Mason Jar Lid Photo Ornaments
📸 A sentimental keepsake!
Materials:
- Mason jar lids
- Small printed photos
- Glue, ribbon, and glitter
Instructions:
- Cut photos to fit inside mason jar lids.
- Glue the photo inside and decorate the edges.
- Attach a ribbon to hang on the tree.
For more creative ideas, visit Fun Christmas Crafts for Kids.
Part 3: Upcycled & Eco-Friendly Ornaments
Sustainability is important! These eco-friendly ornaments use recycled materials to create beautiful, waste-free decorations.
6. Recycled Paper Stars
⭐ Great for reusing old magazines!
Materials:
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Scissors and glue
- Thread for hanging
Instructions:
- Cut out star shapes from paper.
- Layer them together and glue.
- Punch a hole and string with thread.
Crafting with Creativity and Care: Eco-Friendly Ornaments
Decorating your home for the holidays can be both magical and meaningful when you choose to make ornaments for kids using upcycled and eco-friendly materials. Instead of buying new decorations every year, why not turn household items into beautiful keepsakes that tell a story? With just a little imagination, you can transform everyday objects into stunning ornaments while teaching children the value of sustainability.
Turn Everyday Trash into Holiday Treasure
Got old buttons, fabric scraps, or leftover wrapping paper? These small bits and pieces can be the perfect ingredients for crafting unique ornaments with kids. Empty toilet paper rolls become adorable reindeer, old puzzle pieces turn into shimmering snowflakes, and mason jar lids transform into tiny winter wonderlands. By using what you already have at home, you’re not only saving money but also giving a second life to items that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Teach Kids the Joy of Sustainable Crafting
Making ornaments for kids isn’t just about getting creative—it’s also a great opportunity to teach them about reducing waste. When children see how easy it is to craft something beautiful from recycled materials, they begin to understand the importance of taking care of the planet. Plus, these hands-on activities encourage problem-solving, patience, and fine motor skills, making them both fun and educational.
Handmade Memories that Last a Lifetime
There’s something truly special about hanging an ornament on the tree that was made by little hands with love and laughter. Unlike store-bought decorations, these homemade treasures hold sentimental value and can be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s a glittery cardboard star, a hand-painted pinecone, or a snowman made from old socks, every ornament tells a story and brings back warm holiday memories.
🦌 A great way to reuse bottle caps!
Materials:
- Bottle caps (painted brown)
- Googly eyes & red pom-poms
- Glue and ribbon
Instructions:
- Glue eyes and a red nose onto the bottle cap.
- Attach ribbon for hanging.
This is a great craft for school classrooms!
Part 4: How to Store & Preserve Handmade Ornaments
To keep DIY ornaments looking great for years, follow these tips:
✅ Store in airtight containers
✅ Wrap fragile ornaments in tissue paper
✅ Use clear sealant spray for durability
✅ Avoid storing in humid areas
How to Store & Preserve Handmade Ornaments
Handmade ornaments hold special memories, and whether you make ornaments for kids or craft them yourself, proper storage is key. Without the right care, delicate designs can break, colors may fade, and sentimental keepsakes could get lost in the chaos of holiday decorations. Here’s how to keep your cherished ornaments safe, so they last for years to come!
Use Sturdy Containers with Dividers to Prevent Damage
When storing handmade ornaments, avoid tossing them into random boxes where they can bump into each other and break. Instead, use sturdy plastic or cardboard containers with individual compartments to keep each piece secure. If you don’t have dividers, egg cartons, cupcake liners, or even tissue-wrapped ornaments placed in small boxes work well. This simple step prevents scratches, tangles, and accidental damage while keeping your collection organized.
Wrap Each Ornament Carefully to Protect Fragile Details
Some handmade ornaments, especially those with glitter, paint, or small glued-on details, can be delicate and easily damaged. Wrapping each piece in tissue paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloth before placing it in storage keeps it safe from dust, moisture, and accidental chipping. If you make ornaments for kids using paper or felt, adding a silica gel packet to the box helps absorb excess moisture and prevents mold or warping.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place Away from Sunlight
Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can fade colors, weaken glue, and cause ornaments to lose their shape over time. To keep them looking as good as new, store them in a cool, dry place like a closet, attic, or under-bed storage bin. If your handmade ornaments include edible elements like dried fruit or cinnamon dough, sealing them in airtight containers adds extra protection against pests while preserving their scent and appearance.
By taking a little extra care, you can keep your handmade ornaments looking beautiful and ready to brighten up the holidays year after year. Whether you make ornaments for kids or collect them over time, proper storage ensures that these special decorations remain part of your family’s traditions for generations to come!
Part 5: Fun Ornament-Making Ideas for Groups & Classrooms
Hosting a craft day? These are the best group-friendly ornaments:
🎨 Paper Snowflakes – Easy and mess-free
🎁 Felt Christmas Trees – Simple cut-and-glue activity
🌟 Clay Star Ornaments – Great for large groups
Pre-cutting materials can save time and keep kids engaged.
Part 6: FAQs About Make Ornaments for Kids
What are the easiest ornaments for kids to make?
Paper plate baubles, popsicle stick crafts, and handprint ornaments are simple and fun.
How do I make homemade ornaments last for years?
Seal them with Mod Podge and store in airtight containers.
Can I use air-dry clay instead of salt dough?
Yes! Air-dry clay is a great alternative and doesn’t require baking.