50 Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids That Make the Tree Extra Special

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There’s something magical about decorating the tree with ornaments made by little hands. These Christmas ornament crafts for kids pack color, charm, and that personal, homemade touch that makes the holidays feel extra warm.

With everything from salt dough keepsakes to silly snowmen and sparkly stars, there’s something here for every age and skill level. Need more holiday ideas? Head over to our complete list of Christmas crafts for kids for even more festive fun.

Collage of kids’ Christmas ornament crafts including handmade decorations shaped like elves, reindeer, snowmen, and trees. Bold text in the center reads “50 Adorable Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids.”

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Christmas Ornament Crafts For Kids

orange haired and brown hair elf ornament craft

Buddy the Elf Ornament

Kids can create a mini version of their favorite Christmas elf to hang on the tree using simple paper shapes and a free printable template. The project encourages them to cut, glue, and assemble colorful pieces to recreate the character's iconic outfit and cheerful face.

Children will love recognizing the beloved elf from the holiday movie and showing off an ornament they made themselves.

fun-a-day.com

Beaded Name Candy Cane

Add your child's name with beads to turn a classic candy cane art into something personal. Kids string red and white alphabet letter beads onto a pipe cleaner, bending it into a candy cane shape to create a keepsake that spells their name.

Along the way, they practice fine motor skills and letter recognition, and they'll be proud to hang an ornament uniquely theirs.

kidscraftroom.com

Snowman Ornaments

Kids can build their little snowman on the tree using simple supplies around the house. They start with basic shapes and bring each snowman to life with fun details like old buttons, fabric scraps, and a tiny felt scarf or hat.

Even if it never snows where you live, making these ornaments lets kids enjoy some frosty fun indoors.

Related: Snowman Matching Worksheets

fromabcstoacts.com

Handprint Santa Ornament

This project turns a child's handprint into a cute Santa ornament that makes a wonderful keepsake. Instead of painting on little hands, kids press their hands into simple homemade dough or clay to capture the print, then decorate it to look like Santa's face with a fluffy beard and hat.

The project uses a few common ingredients, resulting in a special ornament reminding you of their tiny hands.

Also try: Torn Paper Santa Craft

Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Mix a batch of salt dough to capture a little handprint that can hang on the tree for years. Kids love squishing their hands into the dough to make the print, and once it hardens, you can paint it or leave it as-is for a rustic keepsake.

This simple art creates a lasting memory of how small their hand once was, making it extra special for parents and children.

www.theinspirationedit.com

Gingerbread House Ornament

Kids can create a mini gingerbread house ornament using popsicle sticks and foam instead of real gingerbread. They assemble and paint the wooden sticks to form a little house, then decorate it with fun details like a snowy white foam roof, tiny pom-poms, and pieces of red-and-white straw that look like candy.

This activity brings all the charm of a gingerbread house without the sticky mess, and the finished ornament will last for many Christmases.

www.projectswithkids.com

Wreath Ornaments with Paper Straws

Kids use festive paper straws to make miniature wreaths for a colorful twist on a homemade ornament. They cut the straws into pieces and string them onto a pipe cleaner to form a circle resembling a tiny wreath.

Even the little ones can handle this project, and threading the straw pieces helps them practice fine motor skills while the bright colors pop on the Christmas tree.

buggyandbuddy.com

Grinch Christmas Ornament

Kids create a fun ornament inspired by The Grinch by filling a clear plastic ball with fluffy green pom-poms. Even the little ones can help with this one, since all they need to do is stuff the ornament with different shades of Grinchy green (you can even pop in a tiny red heart as a nod to the story).

They'll love seeing a favorite holiday character hanging on the tree, and the mix of soft pom-poms and bright colors makes this activity especially engaging.

Also try: Torn Paper Grinch Craft

Egg Carton Snowman

This simple upcycled art turns an empty egg carton into a cute little snowman decoration. Kids cut or tear apart the carton cups and paint them white to create the snowman's body, then add fun touches like a paper carrot nose, googly eyes, and a tiny scarf.

This quick project uses minimal supplies and gives new life to recyclables, satisfying kids of all ages.

www.redtedart.com

Walnut Reindeer Ornament

Transform an ordinary walnut shell into an adorable Rudolph ornament with just a few art bits. Kids glue a red pom-pom onto the walnut for the nose and add little felt or paper pieces for ears and antlers. Then, they draw or stick on googly eyes to give their reindeer a face.

This rustic ornament project uses natural materials and is easy for kids to make, with each walnut reindeer having its own cute personality hanging on the tree.

Related: Reindeer Tracing Worksheets

www.thechaosandtheclutter.com

Plastic Cup Shrinky Dink Ornaments

You might not guess it, but a simple plastic cup can shrink into a tiny keepsake ornament. Kids draw festive designs on clear plastic cups with permanent markers, then an adult helps heat them in the oven so they magically curl and shrink into hard miniature charms.

Watching the plastic warp and flatten is like a mini science experiment, and the finished ornaments proudly display the kids' artwork in a shiny, durable way.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments

Turn those leftover bits of ribbon into a charming Christmas tree ornament that kids can make. They simply tie strips of green or colorful ribbon onto a small stick (like a cinnamon stick or twig), stacking the ribbons to resemble the branches of a tiny tree.

This ornament has a rustic, homespun feel, and kids will enjoy picking out different ribbons and watching their scraps turn into a festive little tree for the holidays.

Popsicle Stick Penguin Ornament

A few sticks and a little paint are all you need to make this adorable penguin ornament. Kids glue popsicle sticks together into a penguin shape (using one as the body and smaller pieces for the wings and feet), then paint it black and white and add cute details like googly eyes, an orange beak, and a little paper scarf.

Once it's dry, attach a ribbon, and this friendly penguin is ready to waddle onto the Christmas tree, bringing some Arctic fun to your holiday decor.

www.hellowonderful.co

Pom-Pom Tree Photo Ornament

Combine art time with a personal touch by making a pom-pom Christmas tree ornament that features your child's photo. They start with a simple cardboard tree shape and glue on many bright pom-poms as decorations, leaving a space in the center for their own picture.

The result is an adorable keepsake ornament with your child's smiling face, and kids love seeing themselves become part of the holiday decorations.

littlebinsforlittlehands.com

LEGO Wreath Ornament

Budding builders can celebrate the holidays by making a Christmas wreath from LEGO bricks. Using basic green and red LEGO pieces, kids build a small wreath shape and attach a bit of ribbon or string to hang it on the tree.

This project is a superb blend of holiday crafting and construction play, and kids love that they can take it apart and rebuild it again and again.

www.projectswithkids.com

Clay Pot Gingerbread House Ornaments

In this creative ornament art, tiny terracotta flower pots turn into the sweetest little gingerbread houses. Kids paint the small pots gingerbread-brown and decorate them with white “icing” squiggles and colorful little “candies” using beads, pom-poms, or paint.

Each one looks like a mini gingerbread cottage, and because real clay pots make them sturdy, the ornaments hold up well for many holidays to come.

Also try: Gingerbread House Name Craft

mommysbundle.com

Christmas Tree Salt Dough Ornament

Mix some salt dough to create a little Christmas tree ornament decorated with your child's fingerprints. Kids can cut out a tree shape from the dough (using a cookie cutter or by hand), and after it's baked, they dip their fingertips in paint to add colorful “lights” or ornaments all over the tree.

This project is fun and meaningful — you get a lovely keepsake that festively preserves those tiny fingerprints.

buggyandbuddy.com

Yarn Reindeer Ornament

Kids can create an adorable reindeer ornament by wrapping yarn around a simple stick frame. They form a triangle from popsicle sticks, then wind soft brown yarn around it to create the reindeer's face. Finally, they add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and little antlers.

Wrapping the yarn is a fun, hands-on activity that helps with fine motor skills, and the homemade Rudolph ornament looks extra charming hanging on the tree.

Also try: Fork Painted Reindeer Craft

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Pasta Christmas Ornaments

Dry pasta isn't just for eating — kids can turn noodles into festive Christmas ornaments with glue and paint. One cute idea is to glue macaroni pieces onto a cardboard ring to make a mini wreath (you can even put a family photo in the middle) and then paint it green with a red bow.

Kids can also arrange pasta into other holiday shapes like a Christmas tree or candy cane before painting, letting them get creative and enjoy the fun texture of art with noodles.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Button Star Ornament

Kids can turn a pile of spare buttons into a sparkling star ornament with this simple art. Using a wooden or cardboard star as the base, they glue on buttons of various sizes (often a bunch of yellow ones to look like a shining star) until the whole shape is covered.

The finished ornament is bright and textured and catches the light on the tree, and kids will be proud seeing their button creation hanging up for everyone to see.

www.redtedart.com

Sea Glass Salt Dough Tree Ornament

Combine treasures from the beach with a classic salt dough project to make beautiful keepsake ornaments. Kids shape salt dough into a flat Christmas tree (or other festive shape) and press smooth, colorful pieces of sea glass like a mosaic design.

After it dries and hardens, the sea glass bits shine against the dough with a pretty stained-glass effect – it's a great way to turn summer beach finds into a special holiday decoration.

frugalfun4boys.com

Popsicle Stick Star Ornaments

Plain popsicle sticks turn into star ornaments that kids can decorate in various ways. With a bit of glue, they form five sticks into a star shape, then have fun painting it and adding whatever they like – glitter, sequins, buttons, or even wrapping it with yarn.

It's amazing how such simple materials can make something that looks so great on the tree, and every child's star will be one-of-a-kind.

buggyandbuddy.com

Puzzle Piece Frame Ornament

Don't toss out that old puzzle with missing pieces – turn it into a cute picture frame ornament instead. Kids glue loose puzzle pieces around a small square of cardboard to create a frame, then add a favorite photo in the middle once it's dry.

You can even paint the puzzle pieces in festive colors or leave them mixed-up for a fun look – either way, it's an easy, personal ornament that displays special memories on the tree.

theeducatorsspinonit.com

Fingerprint Gingerbread Man Ornament

Your child's fingerprints become the art in this adorable gingerbread man ornament. Kids press their paint-covered thumbs and fingertips onto a clear plastic ornament ball to form the gingerbread man's body (a thumbprint for the head and tummy, and finger prints for the arms and legs).

After it dries, you can help them add the finishing touches – tiny eyes, a smile, and icing details – using a little paint and a toothpick, creating a precious keepsake that showcases your little one's fingerprints each year.

www.momdot.com

Clothespin Angel Ornament DIY

Turn an old-fashioned wooden clothespin into a lovely little angel ornament with just a few simple touches. Kids paint the clothespin to give the angel a face and a white gown, then you glue on a pair of wings (the example uses a pretty snowflake cutout as the angel's wings for a sparkly touch).

Add a slight halo made from a loop of ribbon or pipe cleaner, and you have a sweet angel ornament – this project is easy enough for young kids to paint while an adult helps with the glue.

Also try: Angel Handprint Christmas Craft

www.projectswithkids.com

Clay Pot Christmas Tree Ornaments

You might not guess, but a tiny flower pot can become an adorable Christmas tree ornament. In this activity, kids paint a miniature terracotta pot green, flip it upside down, and decorate it with little pom-poms, sequins, or beads to look like a decorated tree.

They can add a star on top and a ribbon for hanging, and the sturdy clay pot means these mini trees will last for many holiday seasons.

Related: Christmas Tree Card Craft

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Marshmallow Snowman Ornament

Mini marshmallows turn a clear, fillable ornament into a plump little snowman, with a cheery face and playful earmuffs. Kids can help stuff the ornament with marshmallows and glue on tiny details like a paper carrot nose and button eyes, making decorating hands-on and fun.

The result is a sweet homemade decoration that looks adorable on the tree and even sneaks in a little treat (just be sure to have a few extra marshmallows for snacking!).

Also try: Snowman Counting Worksheets

lifeovercs.com

Fast and Easy Christmas Lights Ornament

A clear plastic ball becomes a vibrant decoration when children fill it with tiny plastic Christmas light bulbs. Kids will enjoy picking up each miniature bulb and dropping it into the ornament, a fun fine-motor activity that keeps little hands busy.

Ultimately, you get a bright pop of holiday color to hang on the tree, and the project takes only minutes.

www.darcyandbrian.com

Reindeer Clay Pot Ornament

With just a bit of paint and creativity, a mini terracotta flower pot becomes an adorable reindeer for the Christmas tree. Kids paint the pot brown, add a red button nose and googly eyes to the front, and twist light brown pipe cleaners into antlers, turning a simple flower pot into Rudolph in about half an hour.

They'll love giving it a gentle shake to hear the tiny jingle bell hanging from inside and see their handmade reindeer ornament shine on the tree.

Related: Reindeer Cutting Worksheets

www.giftofcuriosity.com

Sand-Filled Christmas Ornament

Kids can turn plain sand into a beautiful ornament by pouring it into a clear ball and creating colorful layers or patterns. They'll practice steady hands and creativity as they funnel in the sand, making this activity a sneaky fine motor exercise.

Each ornament is unique—some families even use beach sand from a memorable trip—making it a special way for children to decorate the tree with a personal touch.

lifeovercs.com

Candy Cane Christmas Ornament

A clear ornament, a mini candy cane, and some pretend snow are all it takes to create this sweet candy-themed decoration. Little ones can fill the ornament with white foam beads or faux snow, then help tuck a small candy cane inside to look like it's floating in a snowy globe.

With just a few simple supplies, this easy ornament captures the classic candy cane cheer and gives preschoolers a fun way to decorate the tree.

littlepinelearners.com

Red Truck Clay Ornament

Kids can sculpt a little vintage-style red truck from clay and turn it into an ornament, even adding a tiny green Christmas tree in the back for extra holiday charm. Sculpting and painting the car allows them to get creative, from adding fun details to brushing on a bright red finish once the clay dries.

The finished piece is an adorable keepsake that captures a classic holiday scene and makes a special addition to the tree.

www.hellowonderful.co

Glitter Unicorn Ornament

This easy art transforms With this easy art, clear ball ornaments into shimmering unicorns. Kids swirl glittery paint or varnish inside the ornament to make it sparkle, then help transform it by adding a golden horn, little ears, and a sweet unicorn face on the outside.

Each ornament turns out uniquely adorable and brings a fun, whimsical touch of fantasy to the Christmas tree.

Also try: Unicorn Toilet Roll Craft

themomentsathome.com

I-Spy Ornament

A clear plastic ornament filled with faux snow becomes a mini I-Spy game that kids will adore. Little holiday-themed trinkets or button shapes hide among the tiny foam snowballs.

Children can shake or turn the ornament to spot each item peeking out. Not only does it decorate the tree, but it also doubles as an engaging seek-and-find activity that keeps curious kids entertained.

theeducatorsspinonit.com

Olaf Salt Dough Ornament

Baking up a batch of salt dough is all it takes for kids to create their own Olaf the Snowman ornament (inspired by Frozen). Little hands can roll three dough balls to build a mini snowman, add a tiny carrot nose and twig arms, and paint and decorate him after it's baked.

It's hands-on art that combines kitchen fun with creativity, letting young Frozen fans bring their favorite snowman to life as a Christmas keepsake.

Related: Snowglobe Olaf Craft

artsycraftsymom.com

Cupcake Liner Tree Ornament

Regular cupcake liners turn into a charming little Christmas tree ornament with just some folding and gluing. Kids stack folded cupcake liners onto a popsicle stick, starting with larger liners at the bottom and a tiny one at the top to form a layered tree.

They can even use a mini liner as the tree trunk, making the whole design come together playfully. This project is easy and clever, using everyday materials to let children practice fine motor skills while creating a cute handmade ornament for the tree.

thepinterestedparent.com

Snowman Ornament

Two foam balls combine to create a classic snowman that can dangle from the tree. Kids stack a small foam ball for the head on a larger one for the body, then add a carrot nose, coal-like eyes, and buttons, and a cozy felt scarf around the “neck” to bring their snowman to life.

The snowy texture and cute details make it a fun project that results in a charming snowman decoration to hang on the tree year after year.

Also try: Snowman Pattern Worksheets

crystalandcomp.com

Candy Sprinkles Ornament

A clear ornament filled with bright candy sprinkles creates a fun and colorful decoration that kids will be excited to make. Children can pour in their favorite rainbow sprinkles (with some help) and watch as the tiny candies coat the inside, turning a plain ornament into a sweet, speckled work of art.

The result is a vibrant ornament that looks like a giant sprinkle party on the tree and cleverly uses up any extra candy sprinkles you have on hand.

wondermomwannabe.com

Jolly Rancher Ornament

In this sweet science-meets-art project, kids melt hard candy into a beautiful, stained–glass–like ornament. They arrange colorful Jolly Rancher candies in cookie cutters or on a lined baking sheet, and with an adult's help, in the oven, the pieces gently fuse into a single translucent ornament.

Once cooled, the candy ornament is smooth and sturdy, catching the light like stained glass on the tree and providing a fun way to use up extra sweets from Halloween.

tinkerlab.com

Pom-Pom Bauble Ornament

For a zero-mess, toddler-friendly art, kids can simply fill a clear plastic ornament with bright pom-pom balls to create a cheery bauble. Even the little ones love picking up the soft, fuzzy pom-poms and dropping them into the ornament, making it a perfect fine motor activity.

The finished ornament is colorful, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable — a fun, easy way to add a pop of color to the tree.

littlepinelearners.com

Cardboard and Nature Ornament

Kids can combine recycled cardboard and natural treasures to make a rustic, eco-friendly ornament. They start by cutting a simple shape out of cardboard (like a circle or star) and then decorating it with collected items like dried leaves, tiny pine sprigs, acorn caps, or pressed flowers.

Using glue or clear contact paper to hold everything in place, children create one-of-a-kind ornaments that celebrate the outdoors and add a natural touch to the Christmas tree.

pintsizedtreasures.com

Snowball Fight Ornament

Capture the fun of a winter snowball fight with an ornament filled with mini “snowballs.” For this playful project, kids stuff a clear ornament with small white pom-poms that look like tiny snowballs (you could even use mini marshmallows for a silly twist).

Every time they see it hanging on the tree, it brings back giggles and memories of tossing snowballs, making this ornament a cute keepsake of winter fun.

Related: Snowman Math Worksheets

www.darcyandbrian.com

Elf Clay Pot Ornament

A mini clay flower pot transforms into an adorable elf ornament with just some paint and felt. Kids paint the upside-down pot to give the elf a smiling face and a bright green hat brim, then add fun details like googly eyes, rosy pink cheeks (painted with a dab of a pencil eraser), and little pointy felt ears on the sides.

A fringed felt collar around the base and a tiny felt hat wrapped around the top complete this cute Christmas elf, making an entertaining handmade ornament to hang on the tree.

Also try: Torn Paper Elf Craft

www.theinspirationedit.com

Rudolph Reindeer Ornament

A simple wood slice becomes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with just a few artsy touches. Kids paint the wooden circle brown, then glue on a sparkly red nose and two glittery antlers cut from paper or foam, before drawing on friendly eyes and a little smile.

Thread a bit of string through the wood slice, and you will have a charming handmade reindeer ornament, complete with its iconic bright red nose, ready to hang on the tree.

www.mommymadethat.com

Wood Slice Snowman Ornament

Kids stack small wood slices to create an adorable snowman ornament with a rustic twist. They paint the wooden circles white, glue three in a row for the snowman's head and body, and decorate with classic details like a carrot nose, coal eyes, buttons, and cozy accessories made from ribbon or pom-poms.

The result combines natural materials with imaginative touches, creating a charming snowman ornament that brings homemade warmth to the Christmas tree.

Also try: Snowman Activity Sheets

kidscraftroom.com

Cork Elf Ornament

Old wine corks turn into a posse of cheeky little elves with this fun upcycled ornament art. Each cork gets a tiny elf makeover with a painted face, little felt ears, and even a pointy hat on top (the tutorial cleverly uses a candy like a Hershey's Kiss as the hat!).

Kids will love how these mini elves come together with googly eyes and big smiles, creating adorable ornaments that bring a mischievous touch to the Christmas tree.

Related: Elf Photo Craft

www.theottoolbox.com

Bear Christmas Ornament

Kids can make an adorable bear ornament by wrapping yarn around a bear-shaped template, creating a cute, fuzzy decoration. This project is fun and sneaks in some great motor-skill practice, since children use both hands to wind twine or yarn around a cardboard cutout to form the bear's round head and ears.

After wrapping, they can add finishing touches like googly eyes, a button nose, and a loop of string to hang their cozy little bear on the Christmas tree.

Also try: Polar Bear Christmas Craft

fun-a-day.com

Grinch’s Heart Ornament

Celebrate the Grinch's change of heart with a special ornament inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Kids can form a heart out of salt dough or cut one from foam, then paint it a vibrant red (since the Grinch's small heart famously grew three sizes and glowed bright red with love).

Add a sprinkle of glitter or even write a kind message on the ornament, and you've got a meaningful decoration that reminds everyone of the Grinch's lesson about the true spirit of Christmas.

Related: Grinch Snowman Craft

moneywisemoms.com

Tea Light Snowman Ornament

For this cute activity, a battery-operated tea light becomes the glowing face of a bit of a snowman ornament. The tea light's flame-shaped bulb cleverly serves as the snowman's carrot nose (just color it orange!), while kids draw on a coal smile and eyes right onto the plastic.

They can then dress up their mini snowman with a tiny hat or earmuffs made of felt and a ribbon scarf, and when you switch the tea light on, the “nose” lights up, bringing the snowman to life on your Christmas tree.

Also try: Snowman Tracing Worksheets

artsycraftsymom.com

Pipe Cleaner Wreath Ornament

A mini wreath ornament comes together in a snap with just a few green pipe cleaners. Kids coil and twist the pipe cleaners into a small circle (using a round object like a roll of tape as a guide) to form the wreath's shape.

Once kids make the fluffy pipe cleaner wreath, they can decorate it with a little red bow or a few bead “berries,” creating a festive ornament that takes only minutes to craft but looks merry and bright on the tree.

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

20 Easy + Fun Grinch Activities For Kids
30 Fun Reindeer Activities For Kids
31 Cute Gingerbread Man Activities For Kids

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photograph of found of Simple Everyday Mom, Sam

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