20 Kids-Friendly DIY Ornament Ideas for a Joyful Christmas

The holiday season is not just about lights, gifts, and festive meals—it’s about creating moments that stay in our hearts forever. One of the most magical traditions is decorating the Christmas tree, and nothing makes it more personal than kids-friendly DIY ornament ideas. Handmade ornaments carry a special kind of warmth because they reflect love, creativity, and the little imperfections that make them beautiful. When kids get involved, the tree becomes a gallery of memories, each ornament holding a story.

DIY ornaments are more than crafts; they’re life lessons wrapped in glitter and glue. They teach patience, teamwork, and joy in simple things. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and often far more meaningful than store-bought ones. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 simple, safe, and fun ornament ideas perfect for children. These projects are colorful, creative, and designed to spark imagination. So grab some supplies, put on holiday music, and let’s dive into the world of kids-friendly ornament crafts!

1. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Salt dough is one of the easiest and most classic kids-friendly DIY ornament ideas. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough, roll it out, and let kids press their handprints into it. Once baked and cooled, children can paint their handprints in festive colors—think red, green, gold, or even a rainbow. Adding the year with a marker or paint makes it a keepsake for years to come.

These ornaments capture a snapshot of your child’s growth, almost like freezing time in clay. Every year, when you hang it on the tree, you’ll remember just how tiny those little fingers once were. Parents often find themselves tearing up at the sight. The process is simple, safe, and filled with joy, and the result is both durable and precious. A tree filled with these handprints becomes a true timeline of family history.

2. Paper Snowflakes With Glitter

Remember cutting folded paper into snowflakes as a kid? This tradition never gets old, and it’s one of the easiest crafts for children. All you need are scissors, paper, and glitter glue. Kids can fold paper, cut little shapes, and open them to reveal their unique snowflake designs. Adding glitter on the edges makes them sparkle under Christmas lights.

Snowflakes are perfect because there’s no right or wrong way to make them. Each one is unique, just like every child. This project teaches kids creativity and patience while keeping them engaged for hours. Hang them with thread or tape them to windows for a snowy effect indoors. The best part? Paper snowflakes cost next to nothing but fill your home with holiday cheer.

3. Popsicle Stick Stars

Popsicle sticks are a must-have for Christmas crafts. With some glue, paint, and sequins, kids can turn them into star-shaped ornaments. Arrange five sticks in a star pattern, secure with glue, and let the kids paint them gold, silver, or even multi-color. Sequins, beads, or stickers can be added for extra shine.

This is one of those kids-friendly DIY ornament ideas that’s safe, fun, and versatile. Younger kids can focus on painting, while older ones can experiment with patterns. The stars look charming on both big and small trees, and they’re lightweight, making them easy to hang. Every child beams with pride when they see their star glowing among the twinkling lights.

4. Felt Christmas Trees

Felt is soft, safe, and easy for kids to cut. You can pre-cut simple tree shapes and let your kids decorate them with buttons, beads, or small pom-poms as ornaments. Add a ribbon at the top for hanging.

The great thing about this project is its flexibility. Children can create trees in traditional green or go bold with pink, purple, or even neon. They can also personalize their trees with names or initials. It’s a fantastic sensory craft, especially for younger kids, since felt has a nice texture. Plus, felt ornaments are durable—you can pack them away and use them year after year.

5. Beaded Candy Canes

Kids love beads, and candy cane ornaments made from red and white beads are always a hit. Take a pipe cleaner, let kids string beads in alternating colors, and then bend it into a candy cane shape.

This project helps with fine motor skills as children carefully place beads onto the pipe cleaner. They’ll feel proud watching their candy canes sparkle on the tree. If you want variety, try different color schemes like gold and silver or even rainbow. These ornaments are sturdy and last for many holidays, making them a rewarding DIY for kids.

6. Pinecone Reindeers

Nature gives us some of the best craft supplies. Collect pinecones during a winter walk and turn them into reindeers. Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaner antlers. Kids will love naming each reindeer after Santa’s crew.

Pinecone crafts connect children with nature while giving them the joy of turning something simple into something magical. They also add a rustic charm to your Christmas tree. Watching your kids laugh as they decide which pinecone is Rudolph is priceless.

7. Button Wreath Ornaments

With a bunch of green buttons, a piece of wire, and some ribbon, kids can make miniature wreaths. Simply thread buttons onto the wire, shape it into a circle, and finish with a bow.

Button wreaths are charming because each one looks different depending on the buttons you use. Kids will enjoy sorting and choosing their favorite shapes and shades of green. This ornament doubles as a math lesson—counting, sorting, and pattern-making all come into play.

8. Glittery Cardboard Stars

Cardboard is always handy in a family home. Cut star shapes from old boxes, let kids cover them in glue, and sprinkle glitter generously. The result is a sparkling ornament that shines under Christmas lights.

What makes this project so fun is how messy it can get. Kids love dipping their fingers in glitter, and the laughter that follows is part of the magic. Plus, these stars are lightweight and eco-friendly, making them a perfect sustainable choice.

9. Pom-Pom Garland Ornaments

Pom-poms are colorful, fluffy, and easy for kids to handle. Using yarn or pre-made pom-poms, children can glue them onto cardboard circles to make wreath-like ornaments or string them together for mini garlands.

This idea adds a burst of color to your Christmas tree. It’s one of those kids-friendly DIY ornament ideas that brightens the entire room. Kids will giggle as they choose colors and patterns, and parents will love how cheerful the ornaments look.

10. Cinnamon Stick Bundles

Cinnamon sticks smell like Christmas. Tie three together with ribbon and decorate with small beads or charms. Kids can handle the tying and decorating while parents help with cutting ribbon.

These ornaments not only look festive but also fill your home with a cozy, warm scent. It’s a sensory experience for kids, combining sight, touch, and smell. And when you hang them on the tree, the whole room feels more Christmassy.

11. Yarn-Wrapped Stars

Take cardboard star cutouts, and let kids wrap them with colorful yarn. This craft is soothing, almost meditative, and children love watching the star change as they go around with the yarn.

It’s a wonderful way to teach patience and focus while keeping the process fun. Plus, yarn stars are durable and look soft and cozy, fitting perfectly with holiday vibes.

12. Paper Plate Angels

Paper plates are so versatile for kids’ crafts. Cut one into wings, use another half as the body, and let kids decorate their angels with markers, stickers, and glitter.

These ornaments remind children of the story of Christmas, adding meaning to the craft. Each angel can have a different personality, and kids love deciding on details like faces, clothes, and halos.

13. Clothespin Santas

Paint wooden clothespins red, add cotton balls for a beard, and a small triangle hat. Suddenly, you have mini Santas ready to hang on the tree.

This ornament idea is full of character. Kids enjoy painting and gluing, while parents enjoy the nostalgia of old-fashioned crafts. Clothespin Santas look charming clipped onto tree branches or even gift packages.

14. Egg Carton Bells

Instead of tossing egg cartons, cut out the cups, paint them in shiny colors, and add a small bead or jingle bell inside. Kids will love shaking them to hear the sound.

Egg carton bells are eco-friendly and creative, proving that everyday items can become treasures. They also encourage kids to see value in reusing and recycling.

15. Ribbon Tree Ornaments

With a stick, some ribbon, and string, kids can create ribbon trees. Tie pieces of ribbon onto the stick in a descending order, making it look like a Christmas tree.

This simple craft is elegant and teaches kids how shapes can form familiar images. The mix of textures and colors makes the tree ornaments eye-catching and festive.

16. Cookie Cutter Clay Ornaments

Air-dry clay and cookie cutters are a match made in heaven. Roll out the clay, let kids cut shapes, and decorate them with paint or stamps once dry.

These ornaments look professional yet are completely handmade. Children will beam with pride seeing their clay stars, hearts, or gingerbread men on the tree.

17. Stained Glass Tissue Paper Ornaments

Using wax paper and tissue paper, kids can make faux stained glass ornaments. Cut out shapes, glue colorful tissue onto wax paper, and hang them near lights.

When the lights shine through, these ornaments glow beautifully. Kids love choosing colors, and parents enjoy the stunning effect on the tree.

18. Thumbprint Christmas Lights

Draw a string of lights on cardstock, then let kids dip their thumbs in paint and press along the line. Cut it out and laminate if you want to keep it long-term.

This project is quick, colorful, and very personal since each light bulb is made from your child’s thumbprint. It’s one of those keepsake crafts you’ll treasure forever.

19. Storybook Ornaments

Cut pictures or quotes from old, damaged storybooks and place them inside clear ornaments. Kids can choose their favorite characters to feature.

These ornaments feel magical because they bring stories to life. They’re also a great way to recycle books that are too worn to keep. Kids enjoy picking characters they love, making the tree a reflection of their imagination.

20. Glitter Pinecone Ornaments

Finally, let’s circle back to pinecones but add sparkle. Kids can dip pinecone tips in glue and then roll them in glitter. The effect is stunning under Christmas lights.

This simple project combines nature with shimmer, a perfect balance of rustic and festive. Kids will love watching their pinecones transform from plain brown to dazzling gems.

Final Thoughts: Crafting With Heart

These 20 kids-friendly DIY ornament ideas are more than just crafts—they are pathways to connection. Every ornament carries laughter, paint-stained fingers, and glittery messes that remind us what family truly means. The best ornaments aren’t the ones that cost the most but the ones that carry the most love. So this Christmas, gather your kids, spread out the supplies, and start crafting. You’ll not only decorate a tree—you’ll create stories, smiles, and traditions that last for generations.