🎄 10 DIY Christmas Ornaments For Kids

Got crafty kiddos and a tree that needs extra sparkle? Perfect combo. These easy ornaments use simple supplies, minimal cleanup, and maximum bragging rights. Let’s make your tree look like Santa hired your children as decorators.

1. Cinnamon Applesauce Stars

Smells like holiday magic and looks adorable. Mix applesauce and ground cinnamon, roll it out, and cut star shapes.

• Air-dry or bake low and slow.
• Use a straw to poke a ribbon hole before drying.
• Decorate edges with puffy paint or glitter glue.

Pro tip: Add a dash of nutmeg for extra scent without extra effort. These last for years and make the whole room cozy.

Why it works: It’s sensory play with a side of nostalgia.

2. Salt Dough Handprints

Capture tiny hands before they become car keys and sarcasm. Classic salt dough keeps forever.

• Mix 2 parts flour, 1 part salt, 1 part water.
• Press hand, cut a circle, and poke a ribbon hole.
• Paint after baking and seal with Mod Podge.

Pro tip: Write their name and date with a paint pen on the back. Instant heirloom status.

Why it works: Personal, sturdy, and ridiculously cute.

3. Pom Pom Wreath Mini

A tiny wreath that looks like candy and steals the show. Just glue pom poms to a mini cardboard ring.

• Use a jar lid as a template for the ring.
• Alternate colors for a cheerful pop.
• Finish with a ribbon bow at the top.

Pro tip: Add a few jingle bells so it softly jingles when the cat judges your tree.

Why it works: Zero precision, maximum color blast.

4. Paper Straw Snowflakes

Minimal tools, major impact. Cut paper straws, glue into snowflake shapes on wax paper.

• Layer pieces for dimension.
• Brush with white paint or fake snow paste.
• Finish with a sparkly gem center.

Pro tip: Use hot glue with supervision for instant hold; cool temp for kid safety.

Why it works: Geometric, lightweight, and chic without trying.

5. Clear Bauble Nature Fill

Take a walk, make an ornament. Fill clear plastic baubles with tiny pinecones, twigs, and faux snow.

• Let kids choose and sort textures.
• Pop the top back on and tie a ribbon.
• Add a tag with where you found the treasures.

Pro tip: Drop in a pinch of glitter for sparkle that doesn’t take over your house.

Why it works: Easy, naturey, and totally customizable.

6. Felt Gingerbread Friends

No sewing required, unless you’re feeling fancy. Cut felt cookie shapes and decorate with puffy paint.

• Glue on googly eyes, buttons, and scarves.
• Add a ribbon loop between two felt layers.
• Stuff lightly with cotton for dimension.

Pro tip: Outline “icing” with white ric rac trim for instant bakery vibes.

Why it works: Soft, sturdy, and adorable chaos.

7. Bead Candy Canes

Fine-motor win disguised as decor. Thread red and white pony beads on a pipe cleaner.

• Bend one end to keep beads from escaping.
• Curve into a candy cane shape.
• Twist the ends for a clean finish.

Pro tip: Add a green ribbon tie so it doubles as a gift topper.

Why it works: Fast, sparkly, and secretly educational.

8. Sticker Stained Glass Stars

Zero mess, all glow. Use contact paper and tissue paper for faux stained glass.

• Cut star frames from black construction paper.
• Stick onto contact paper; fill with tissue bits and star stickers.
• Seal with another contact layer and trim.

Pro tip: Sprinkle a little iridescent glitter between layers for frosty sparkle.

Why it works: Sun-catching magic and kid-proof process.

9. Lego Mini Tree Charm

Turn loose bricks into décor before you step on them. Build a tiny Lego tree or gift box and add a ribbon.

• Use a 2×2 brick as the base.
• Thread ribbon through a Technic brick hole or tie around the build.
• Keep it lightweight for sturdy branches.

Pro tip: Glue the final build if it’ll travel; otherwise, keep it rebuildable for fun.

Why it works: Familiar toys, instant pride, no extra shopping.

10. Painted Walnut Penguins

Small, silly, and ridiculously charming. Paint walmuts black and white, add tiny felt beaks and scarves.

• Use acrylic paint for quick drying.
• Hot glue a ribbon loop on the shell.
• Dot on eyes with a toothpick.

Pro tip: Add a dab of matte sealant to protect from chipping and snack thieves.

Why it works: Textured, eco-friendly, and cute from any angle.

Conclusion

There you go—ten kid-powered ornaments that look legit on the tree and in photos grandma will frame. You get memory-making, they get creative chaos, and the tree gets personality. Grab the glue, claim the table, and let the holiday crafting begin.