Did you know that families who craft together have higher levels of bonding and shared memories?
Yeah I know…
It’s not easy to get my man to craft either, alas I got him to craft unique Christmas ornaments this year! Awesome.
My mum still uses ornaments that my sister and I crafted as kids!
So this has been a heart project of mine. DIY Christmas ornaments not only fill your home with unique and personal decor but also create special moments that you and your little one will cherish for years to come.
So, let’s dive into why these crafts are perfect for toddlers and explore some fun, easy-to-make DIY Handmade Christmas Ornaments.
- Why DIY Ornaments Are Perfect for Toddlers
- 1. Fingerprint Snowmen Balls
- 2. Salt Dough Handprint Keepsakes
- 3. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
- 4. Pom-Pom Wreaths
- 5. Cinnamon Stick Stars
- 6. Button and Ribbon Baubles
- 7. Paper Plate Angel Ornaments
- 8. Felt Christmas Trees
- 9. Yarn-Wrapped Candy Canes
- 10. Beaded Snowflakes
- 11. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
- 12. Glitter Pinecones
- 13. Handprint Reindeer
- 14. Tissue Paper Stained Glass Baubles
- 15. Jingle Bell DIY Handmade Christmas Ornaments
- 16. Unique Metal Sheet Christmas Trees
- Wrapping Up DIY Christmas Ornaments
Why DIY Ornaments Are Perfect for Toddlers
Crafting isn’t just fun; it’s a mini workout for your toddler’s mind and body. When your little one paints, glues, or threads beads he/she improves:
- fine motor skills,
- enhances hand-eye coordination
- develops cognitive abilities.
- and the best part you connect with your child.
Handmade ornaments bring a personal touch that store-bought decorations can’t match. Whether it’s a smudge of glitter or a tiny thumbprint, every ornament carries a story. And you can give them away as gifts!
📌 Pin now, read later! Save our guide on Pinterest or share the joy of crafting with your friends and family.
Top 15 Unique Handmade Christmas Ornaments
1. Fingerprint Snowmen Balls
Colorful baubles + a bit of paint = adorable snowmen made from tiny fingerprints. Simply dip your toddler’s fingers in white paint and press them on colored baubles to form the bodies. Once dry, draw faces and details with markers.
2. Salt Dough Handprint Keepsakes
Mix up a simple salt dough (salt, flour, water, for smell you can add a bit of cinnamon), press your toddler’s hand in it, and bake. Paint it once cooled and voila – a lifelong keepsake!
You can also use cookie cutters and paint them.
Here is a simple Salt Dough Recipe you can print:
3. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
Glue three popsicle sticks into a triangle, then let your toddler go wild with paint, beads, and sequins to make a festive mini-tree.
4. Pom-Pom Wreaths
Glue green and red pom-poms in a circle for a cute, fluffy wreath that’s simple enough for tiny hands to handle.
For more pom pom chritsmas ideas check this post on pom pom christmas decoration it’s awesome.
Looking for more fun with pom-poms? Check out our guide on creative pom-pom activities for toddlers that will be super simple to set up and keep your toddler entertained for a while!
5. Cinnamon Stick Stars
Arrange cinnamon sticks into star shapes and tie them together with twine. Not only do they look lovely, but they also bring a natural, festive scent to your home.
Still looking for a Christmas Present? Check this post on my personal must-have items for one year olds.
6. Button and Ribbon Baubles
Have some spare buttons and ribbon lying around? String them onto an ornament or bauble for a colorful, unique touch.
7. Paper Plate Angel Ornaments
- Fold a paper plate into a kegel shape.
- Use a second plate for wings.
- Cut out a circle for the head.
- Assemple the angel.
- Let your toddler decorate.
- Attach a string for hanging.
8. Felt Christmas Trees
Pre-cut felt trees your toddler can decorate with pom-poms, buttons or stickers. Bonus: these are unbreakable and perfect for little fingers.
9. Yarn-Wrapped Candy Canes
Wrap pipe cleaners in red and white yarn for a soft, colorful candy cane that adds a playful look to your tree.
10. Beaded Snowflakes
Twist pipe cleaners into snowflake shapes and let your toddler thread beads onto the ends. They’ll sparkle on your tree!
11. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
Repurpose old lids with paint, stickers, and small festive items inside to create mini framed scenes.
12. Glitter Pinecones
Collect pinecones during your next outdoor adventure and coat them with toddler-safe glitter for a sparkling effect.
13. Handprint Reindeer
Use brown paint to turn their handprint into a reindeer face, complete with googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose.
14. Tissue Paper Stained Glass Baubles
Glue bits of colorful tissue paper onto clear plastic ornaments to create a faux stained-glass look.
15. Jingle Bell DIY Handmade Christmas Ornaments
Thread jingle bells onto a ribbon for a musical ornament your toddler can shake and enjoy even off the tree.
16. Unique Metal Sheet Christmas Trees
For a special twist on traditional crafting, we made stunning Christmas tree ornaments using thin metal sheets.
Safety and Material Insight: While working with thin metal sheets might sound intimidating, many craft-friendly sheets, like aluminum embossing foil or craft metal, are safe and soft enough for simple projects. They’re flexible, allowing young children (with supervision) to handle them safely. These sheets typically have dulled edges and are easy to cut or scratch with blunt tools, making them ideal for toddler crafts that look high-end without the risk.
How We Did It:
- Designs: Toddlers can draw lines, stars, or swirls with the help of a stylus or a blunt pen onto the foil.
- Assembly: Once decorated, the sheets were attached to a piece of cardboard using child-safe glue for added support.
- Finishing Touch: A small hole was punched at the top, and we threaded a ribbon for hanging.
Wrapping Up DIY Christmas Ornaments
Holiday crafting isn’t just about making decorations; it’s about creating moments that matter. From toddler giggles to the joy of seeing their handiwork on the tree, these DIY Handmade Christmas Ornaments are perfect for sparking joy. So, grab those craft supplies, start creating, and don’t forget to share your favorite ornament creations with friends and family. And when you need more toddler-friendly holiday activities, check out my other posts on seasonal crafts and sensory fun!
Would you like to see a visual guide or need more detailed steps for any of these crafts? Please leave a comment.
PS.: Do you have an advent calendar yet? If not check this post on 8 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas to try this year.
Pin it for Later
Latest Posts:
15 Easy DIY Handmade Christmas Ornaments To Craft With Toddlers
Did you know that families who craft together have higher levels of bonding and shared…
My Best 16 Must-Have Toddler Items for Your One-Year-Old
As a first time mum I am still getting the hang of which toddler items…
9 Fun DIY Advent Calendar Ideas for Toddlers 🎄
With the holiday season (almost) around the corner, creating a DIY advent calendar for your…
Leave a Reply