15 Christmas Ornament Ideas: DIY, Handmade and Kid Friendly

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The best ornaments on any tree are never the shiny store ones. They’re the lumpy salt dough star from when a child was four.

Handmade ornaments hold memories. Every year you unwrap them, and you remember the afternoon you made them, who sat at the table and how much glitter ended up on the floor.

So this year, why not start a few new ones? I’ve gathered 15 Christmas ornament ideas, from simple clay and salt dough to painted wood slices, felt, fillable balls and a few that look surprisingly fancy.

There are easy ones for little kids, projects for older kids, and a few relaxing ones just for you.

1. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough is the classic homemade ornament, and it’s made from things you already have in the kitchen. Flour, salt and water. That’s it. Cut shapes with cookie cutters, bake them hard, then paint.

Honestly, the handprint ones are the real treasure. Write the year on the back with a fine marker, and they become the ornaments everyone fights to hang first.

⏱ 30 minutes plus baking💲 Very low🛠 Easy

2. Air Dry Clay Stamped Ornaments

These are my favorite ornaments to make. White clay with pressed textures looks so elegant, like something from a boutique. And there’s no oven needed.

Press in a sprig of real pine, a piece of lace or a rubber stamp to make the pattern. A little gold paint around the edge makes them shine. White air dry clay gives the cleanest look.

⏱ 1 hour plus drying💲 Low🛠 Easy

3. Polymer Clay Ornaments

Polymer clay comes in bright colors, so you don’t even need to paint it. It’s perfect for tiny detailed shapes like gingerbread houses, mittens and candy canes.

Bake it in the oven at the temperature on the package, on a tray you only use for crafts. A tip I picked up: insert a small eye pin before baking, so the hanger is locked in solid.

You’ll need: a polymer clay set, eye pins, gold cord, a craft only baking tray

Best for: tiny detailed ornaments and older kids

4. Painted Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slices give your tree a cozy, rustic feel. Each round is like a tiny canvas. Paint a little winter scene, a name or just a simple snowflake.

You don’t need to be an artist. Paint pens make it easy, and simple shapes look charming. A pack of wood slices with holes saves you the drilling.

⏱ 1 hour💲 Low🛠 Easy

5. Hand Painted Ceramic Ornaments

Love the look of pottery ornaments but don’t have a kiln? Buy plain white ceramic ornaments and paint them yourself. They look like something from a pottery studio.

I like simple blue and white designs. They feel timeless and match any tree. Use porcelain paint pens for crisp lines, and follow the label for curing.

Best for: elegant ornaments and thoughtful gifts

6. Clear Fillable Ornaments

Clear fillable ornaments are the easiest ornament for little kids. Pull off the cap, drop in whatever you like, and put it back. Every one turns out pretty.

Fill them with pompoms, fake snow, tinsel, mini pinecones or tiny photos. For kids, choose clear plastic fillable ornaments instead of glass. They look the same but won’t shatter.

Best for: young kids and quick crafting

7. Faux Stained Glass Ornaments

Fused glass ornaments are stunning, but they need a kiln. This is the easy way to get a similar glowing look at home. Outline a design on clear flat ornaments, then fill the sections with glass paint.

Hang them in a sunny window, and they glow like little jewels. Work in a well aired room with glass paint with liquid outliner, and let each layer dry fully.

Best for: sunny windows and colorful trees

8. Felt Ornaments

Felt ornaments are soft, unbreakable and so cozy. Cut two matching shapes, stitch around the edge, and stuff them lightly. Even beginners get lovely results.

Blanket stitch in a contrasting color makes them look extra handmade. In my experience, wool blend felt holds its shape far better than cheap craft felt.

You’ll need: wool blend felt, embroidery thread, a needle, a little stuffing

Best for: homes with pets and toddlers

9. Cutting Machine Vinyl Name Ornaments

If you own a home cutting machine, personalized ornaments are quick and look store bought. Cut names, the year or a short word in vinyl, then smooth it onto a plain ornament.

Make one for each family member, and they become a yearly tradition. Use permanent adhesive vinyl so the letters stay put on curved surfaces.

Best for: family name ornaments and gifts

10. Vintage Inspired Ornaments

Love that nostalgic grandma’s tree look? Paint plain plastic balls in soft pastel shades and add stripes, dots and a little tinsel around the middle. They feel retro but look fresh and new.

Pink, mint and aqua are the classic colors. Hang them on a white or flocked tree for that cheerful mid century style.

Best for: retro lovers and pastel trees

11. Kids Handprint and Craft Stick Ornaments

Little ones love making ornaments they can point to on the tree. Craft stick stars, snowmen and paper handprint reindeer are easy enough for preschoolers.

Use school glue instead of hot glue for kids, and let them go wild with paint and glitter. Write the child’s name and the year on the back. You’ll love seeing them again in ten years.

You’ll need: craft sticks, school glue, washable paint, ribbon

Best for: preschoolers and young kids at home

12. Pinecone Ornaments

Pinecones are free, natural and so pretty on a tree. Dab white paint on the tips for a snowy look, then glue a ribbon loop and a small bow at the top.

If you collect them outside, bake them on a lined tray at a low heat for about 30 minutes, watching closely. It opens them up and clears out any bugs.

Best for: rustic trees and nature walks with kids

13. Cinnamon Scented Dough Ornaments

These ornaments make your whole house smell like Christmas. Mix 1 cup of ground cinnamon with three quarters of a cup of applesauce and 2 tablespoons of white school glue into a dough.

Roll, cut and let them air dry for 2 to 3 days, flipping daily. They look like cookies, so tell little ones clearly that they’re not for eating, and keep them away from pets.

Best for: a cozy holiday scent

14. Wooden Bead Snowflake Ornaments

Wooden bead snowflakes have a calm Scandinavian feel. Twist three pieces of craft wire together in the middle to make six arms, then thread beads onto each arm.

Bend the wire tips into tiny loops so they’re not sharp. A tip I picked up: mix natural and white beads for a soft, snowy look. Keep loose beads away from toddlers.

You’ll need: natural wooden beads, craft wire, small pliers, ribbon

Best for: Scandinavian style trees

15. 3D Paper Star Ornaments for Older Kids

Older kids, around 9 to 12, love a project with a bit of challenge. Folded 3D paper stars look impressive, and they only need paper, scissors and glue.

Each star uses two folded squares glued together. Once they get the hang of it, they’ll want to make a dozen. Patterned scrapbook paper makes them extra pretty.

You’ll need: Christmas scrapbook paper, scissors, a glue stick, thin string

Best for: older kids and tweens

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Christmas Ornament Ideas

Pick one or two ideas and make a little ornament session part of your holiday. Write names and the year on the back of each one. In a few years, your tree will tell the story of every Christmas.

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