The holiday season is the perfect time to add a personal touch to your decorations. DIY Christmas ornaments bring warmth, charm, and creativity to your tree. They can be fun to make, budget-friendly, and meaningful gifts. From simple designs to playful creations, these ornaments turn ordinary decorations into memorable pieces. With everyday materials and a little imagination, anyone can craft ornaments that make the holidays sparkle. Here are 27 DIY Christmas ornaments you’ll enjoy making and showing off every year.
1. Salt Dough Snowflakes
Salt dough is a classic, easy, and inexpensive material for ornaments. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to shape snowflakes or stars. Press in patterns with a toothpick or fork for texture. Bake until firm, then let cool. You can paint them with acrylic paints, add glitter, or leave them plain for a rustic feel. Punch a hole before baking to add a ribbon. These ornaments are lightweight, sturdy, and perfect for a personal touch.
2. Pinecone Glitter Ornaments
Collect pinecones from your backyard or a local park. Clean them and lightly brush with glue. Sprinkle glitter over the pinecones to make them shimmer. Attach a small loop of twine or ribbon at the top for hanging. These ornaments are simple but add a rustic, sparkling charm to your tree. They’re inexpensive, eco-friendly, and perfect for kids to help make. Pinecones naturally vary in shape and size, giving your decorations a unique, textured look that complements any tree theme.
3. Felt Candy Canes
Felt is soft, colorful, and easy to work with. Cut two strips of red and white felt and sew or glue them in a candy cane shape. Add a small ribbon loop for hanging. These ornaments are safe for children, lightweight, and can be customized with tiny embellishments like beads or buttons. Felt candy canes are perfect for a playful and festive look and make charming gifts for friends and family.
4. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
Repurpose mason jar lids to create mini holiday scenes. Glue small pine sprigs, buttons, beads, or tiny figurines inside. Cover the back with fabric or felt and attach a ribbon for hanging. These ornaments are small, budget-friendly, and highly customizable. They’re great for using leftover craft supplies, and each lid becomes a unique keepsake. You can make a whole set to give as gifts or decorate multiple trees.
5. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon sticks add a natural scent to your tree. Bundle 3–5 sticks together with twine and add a small pine sprig or ribbon. This is a simple, inexpensive project that fills your room with festive aroma. You can also paint or glitter the ends for extra sparkle. These ornaments are easy to make in large quantities and double as charming gifts. Their rustic charm complements both traditional and modern tree decorations.
6. Paper Origami Stars
Origami is an inexpensive way to make delicate, three-dimensional stars. Use patterned or metallic paper for a festive look. Fold stars in different sizes and thread them with ribbon for hanging. This craft is fun for kids and adults alike. Paper stars can also be glued into garlands for extra decoration. They’re lightweight and can be stored flat until next year. Personalize them by writing a holiday message inside before folding.
7. Beaded Snowflakes
Wire and beads create elegant, sparkling snowflakes. Bend thin craft wire into star shapes and thread beads along the edges. Twist the ends to secure the design. These ornaments catch the light beautifully and can be customized in different colors. Beaded snowflakes are lightweight, durable, and make a sophisticated addition to your tree. They’re perfect for gifting or hanging alongside other handmade decorations.
8. Bottle Cap Santa Faces
Recycle bottle caps into cute Santa ornaments. Paint a tiny face, add a red felt hat, and glue a cotton ball for the beard. Attach a ribbon for hanging. This is a fun, budget-friendly project that’s perfect for kids. Each Santa can be personalized with a different expression. Bottle cap ornaments are lightweight, durable, and add a playful charm to any tree.
9. Yarn-Wrapped Balls
Wrap foam or paper balls with leftover yarn to make soft, colorful ornaments. You can mix multiple yarn colors for stripes or patterns. Add a ribbon loop for hanging. Yarn-wrapped balls are easy to make, lightweight, and visually striking. They’re also great for using scrap yarn and adding a cozy, handmade feel to your tree. Kids can easily participate, making this a fun family activity.
10. Wooden Slice Ornaments
Use thin slices of wood as a base for your ornaments. Paint, burn, or engrave simple designs like snowflakes, stars, or names. Drill a small hole for a ribbon. Wooden slice ornaments are natural, rustic, and durable, giving your tree a charming, handmade touch. They’re also budget-friendly if you source wood from craft stores or fallen branches. Add glitter or metallic paint for a festive flair.
11. Hot Glue Snowflakes
Use hot glue to create clear, intricate snowflakes. Draw patterns on parchment paper and fill with glue. Let dry, then peel off carefully. You can dust with glitter or leave clear for a frosty effect. These ornaments are inexpensive and highly customizable. They catch the light beautifully and can hang individually or in garlands. Hot glue snowflakes are perfect for a crystal-like winter effect on your tree.
12. Fabric Scraps Baubles
Use leftover fabric to wrap or sew into small baubles. Add ribbons for hanging. Mixing patterns and textures creates a vibrant, eclectic look. This is a budget-friendly way to use fabric remnants. These ornaments are soft, kid-safe, and visually appealing. They can also double as tiny gift toppers. The variety of patterns ensures each piece is unique and adds a personal touch to your tree.
13. Cork Reindeer
Repurpose wine corks into adorable reindeer. Use small beads for eyes, pipe cleaners for antlers, and glue a tiny red pom-pom for the nose. These ornaments are simple, fun, and eco-friendly. Cork reindeer are lightweight and easy to make in batches. They add a playful, rustic charm to your tree and make excellent handmade gifts for friends and family.
14. Mini Felt Mittens
Cut and sew small felt mittens. Decorate with stitching, beads, or small buttons. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging. Mini mittens are charming, playful, and easy to make. They look especially cute paired with other felt ornaments or hung on a garland. This project is perfect for using leftover felt and allows for endless color combinations. Kids can join in too, making this a fun family craft.
15. Bottle Brush Trees
Bottle brush trees are classic mini ornaments. Add small beads or glitter for decorations. They’re lightweight and perfect for creating miniature winter scenes on your tree or mantel. These ornaments are inexpensive and easy to replicate in different colors or sizes. Pair with snowflake ornaments or tiny animals for a whimsical, handcrafted look.
16. Beaded Candy Ornaments
Use beads and wire to create candy-shaped ornaments. Twist the wire to form ends and thread beads in the middle. These ornaments are bright, playful, and easy to customize with favorite colors. They’re perfect for adding a sweet, cheerful touch to your tree. Make a few different shapes for variety, and tie small ribbons for extra flair. Kids love helping with this project.
17. Paper Rolled Trees
Cut green paper into strips, roll into cone shapes, and secure with glue. Add glitter, beads, or stars for decoration. These paper trees are lightweight, budget-friendly, and cute. They’re perfect for tabletop displays or as hanging ornaments. The folding and rolling technique is simple, making this a quick and satisfying craft for beginners.
18. Pom-Pom Snowmen
Glue three white pom-poms together to form a snowman. Add felt for hats and scarves, and draw eyes and buttons with markers. These ornaments are soft, fun, and kid-friendly. You can make multiple snowmen in different sizes and styles. They add a playful charm to any tree or garland. Pom-pom snowmen are easy to store and reuse year after year.
19. Twine Wrapped Stars
Wrap twine around small wire or cardboard star shapes. Add beads or glitter if desired. These ornaments are simple, eco-friendly, and rustic, perfect for a natural-themed tree. Twine stars are lightweight and inexpensive to make. They can also double as gift decorations or garlands. Kids and adults can make these together quickly, making them a satisfying craft.
20. Painted Wooden Pegs
Repurpose wooden pegs into mini holiday figures. Paint them with festive designs and attach a small loop for hanging. These ornaments are inexpensive, easy, and fun for kids to personalize. Wooden peg ornaments add a playful, handcrafted touch and can be displayed individually or in groups. They also make charming additions to wrapped gifts.
21. Ice Cream Stick Sleighs
Glue popsicle sticks together to form tiny sleighs. Paint them red or green and add small decorative touches like beads or glitter. These ornaments are lightweight, simple, and fun to make. Ice cream stick sleighs are perfect for hanging or as part of a holiday centerpiece. Kids enjoy assembling them, making this a joyful family activity.
22. Mini Wreaths
Use faux evergreen branches or craft wire to make mini wreaths. Decorate with beads, tiny bells, or ribbon. Add a ribbon loop for hanging. Mini wreaths are classic and charming, adding a festive touch to any space. They’re small, lightweight, and perfect for using leftover craft materials. Hang them individually or in clusters for visual impact.
23. Clay Ornament Discs
Use air-dry clay to create round ornaments. Flatten the clay, punch a hole, and decorate with paint, glitter, or stamps. These ornaments are durable, customizable, and easy to store. Clay discs can feature names, dates, or holiday motifs, making them perfect as keepsakes or gifts. Simple tools and inexpensive materials make this a fun, affordable craft.
24. Pine Needle Stars
Weave fresh pine needles into star shapes using thin wire or thread. Pine needle stars are natural, aromatic, and rustic. They can be used fresh or dried for longevity. These ornaments bring the forest indoors and are a creative, budget-friendly alternative to traditional decorations. Add a ribbon loop for easy hanging and enjoy the subtle scent of pine.
25. Button Tree Ornaments
Stack colorful buttons in a triangular shape to form miniature trees. Glue them together and add a bead or star on top. These ornaments are simple, fun, and great for using spare buttons. Kids enjoy arranging the colors. Button tree ornaments are lightweight, cheerful, and perfect for a quirky, handmade vibe on your tree.
26. Jingle Bell Chains
Thread small jingle bells onto ribbon or string to create mini chains. Hang them on branches for a musical touch to your tree. Jingle bell chains are inexpensive, easy to make, and festive. They also make charming garlands or gift embellishments. Kids love shaking them, adding an interactive element to your decorations.
27. Recycled Paper Ornaments
Use old magazines, newspapers, or wrapping paper to cut and fold ornaments. Stars, hearts, or circles can be assembled with glue or string. These are eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and creative. Each ornament is unique and adds a splash of color to your tree. Recycled paper ornaments are perfect for crafting with kids and reducing holiday waste.
Conclusion
Handmade ornaments transform your holiday decorations into personal, memorable creations. These 27 DIY ideas are easy, affordable, and fun for all ages. From natural pinecones to playful felt shapes, each ornament brings a unique touch to your tree. Gather your materials, try a few projects, and enjoy the joy of crafting as part of your festive tradition. Every ornament you make will add charm and personality to your holiday celebrations.
