Festive Kids Ornament Craft Ideas for Lasting Memories

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Enduring Magic of Handmade Ornaments
3. Getting Started: Your Essential Crafting Toolkit
4. Simple & Sweet: Easy Ornament Crafts for Little Hands (Ages 3-6)
5. Creative Explorations: Engaging Ornaments for Growing Minds (Ages 7-10)
6. Mastering the Craft: Advanced Ornament Projects for Budding Artists (Ages 10+)
7. Crafting with Purpose: Beyond Decoration
8. Tips for a Smooth & Joyful Crafting Experience
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ Section

Remember the scent of pine needles mixing with cinnamon, the quiet hum of holiday music, and the excited chatter of little voices? These are the moments that weave the rich tapestry of our holiday memories. As parents and educators, we constantly seek meaningful, screen-free activities that not only entertain but also enlighten and engage our children. And what better way to capture these fleeting treasures than with handmade ornaments? Each tiny creation, whether delightfully lopsided or perfectly intricate, becomes a tangible piece of your family's story, hanging proudly on the tree year after year.

Introduction

In a world brimming with digital distractions, the simple act of creating something with our hands offers a powerful antidote, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection. This blog post is your ultimate guide to unlocking a world of creative possibilities with kids ornament craft ideas. We’ll dive into an extensive collection of projects, ranging from delightfully simple for the youngest crafters to more intricate designs for budding artists. Our journey will highlight how these hands-on activities are not just about festive decoration; they are invaluable opportunities for skill development, fostering creativity, and building cherished family memories. At I'm the Chef Too!, our mission is to blend food, STEM, and the arts into one-of-a-kind "edutainment" experiences, sparking curiosity and creativity in children. We believe in learning through doing, and crafting ornaments is a perfect example of this philosophy in action—a fun, tangible way to engage young minds and make learning delicious and delightful.

The Enduring Magic of Handmade Ornaments

There's something truly magical about pulling out a box of holiday decorations and finding an ornament your child made years ago. Suddenly, you're transported back to that moment: the glitter, the glue, the focused little frown of concentration. These aren't just baubles; they're time capsules, each telling a unique story of growth, joy, and shared family time.

The appeal of handmade ornaments extends far beyond their nostalgic charm. For children, the process of crafting offers a wealth of developmental benefits that are crucial for their overall growth:

• Fine Motor Skill Development: From squeezing glue bottles and snipping paper with scissors to threading beads and painting intricate details, ornament crafting is a fantastic workout for small hands. These precise movements strengthen hand-eye coordination and dexterity, preparing them for writing, drawing, and other essential tasks.
• Boosting Creativity and Imagination: Without strict rules or "right" answers, crafting encourages children to think outside the box, experiment with colors and textures, and bring their unique visions to life. This open-ended play is vital for developing imaginative problem-solving skills and self-expression.
• Cognitive Skill Enhancement: Following step-by-step instructions, understanding spatial relationships (how pieces fit together), and even basic counting or pattern recognition are all part of the crafting process. It's a fun way to practice sequencing and critical thinking.
• Emotional Expression and Confidence Building: Completing a craft project, especially one that will be displayed proudly, gives children a profound sense of accomplishment. It boosts their self-esteem and provides a healthy outlet for expressing their feelings and personality.
• Family Bonding and Connection: Crafting together creates a relaxed, joyful environment for conversation and connection. These shared experiences become traditions, fostering a strong sense of family unity and belonging. Just like the shared laughter and learning that happen in the kitchen with our cooking STEM kits, crafting provides a wonderful opportunity for family bonding.
• A Screen-Free Educational Alternative: In an increasingly digital world, hands-on activities like ornament crafting offer a much-needed break from screens. They provide tangible, sensory experiences that engage different parts of the brain and promote a deeper, more active form of learning. This aligns perfectly with our commitment at I'm the Chef Too! to provide engaging, screen-free educational alternatives that spark genuine curiosity.

Every glitter-dusted handprint and wobbly painted snowman is a testament to effort, creativity, and the power of doing something together. These aren't just decorations; they are cherished memories in the making. Ready to embark on a new adventure every month, fostering this kind of joyful learning and family connection? Join The Chef's Club and enjoy free shipping on every box!

Getting Started: Your Essential Crafting Toolkit

Before you dive into the wonderful world of ornament crafting, it's helpful to gather some basic supplies. You don't need to break the bank; many items can be found around the house or at your local craft store. The beauty of these projects is their adaptability, often using recycled materials or nature's bounty.

Basic Crafting Supplies You'll Want On Hand:

• Adhesives: Child-safe glue sticks, liquid school glue (white glue), and a low-temperature hot glue gun (for adult use or close supervision with older children).
• Cutting Tools: Kid-safe scissors for various ages, paper punches in different shapes.
• Coloring & Decorating: Washable paints (acrylic, tempera, or watercolor), paintbrushes of various sizes, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glitter, glitter glue, sequins, beads, buttons, googly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners.
• Bases & Textiles: Construction paper, cardstock, felt sheets, tissue paper, fabric scraps, cotton balls.
• Hanging Supplies: Ribbon, string, twine, fishing line, ornament hooks.

Recycled & Nature Items to Collect:

One of the most exciting aspects of crafting is transforming everyday items into something new and beautiful. Encourage your children to become treasure hunters, seeking out these materials:

• Nature's Gifts: Pinecones, small sticks/twigs, dried leaves, acorns, pebbles.
• Household Recyclables: Mason jar lids, clothespins, popsicle sticks, empty toilet paper rolls (cut into rings), plastic bottle caps, clear plastic ornament spheres (often found at craft stores, but sometimes clear plastic packaging can be repurposed).
• Odds & Ends: Small wooden beads, wooden eggs, cookie cutters (for shaping or as bases), yarn scraps.

Safety First: A Gentle Reminder

While crafting is incredibly fun, adult supervision is always key, especially when sharp objects, small parts (choking hazards for very young children), or heat (like hot glue guns) are involved. Choose age-appropriate activities and always be present to guide and assist. Our commitment at I'm the Chef Too! is to provide enriching experiences while prioritizing safety, a principle that extends to all hands-on activities for children.

Simple & Sweet: Easy Ornament Crafts for Little Hands (Ages 3-6)

For our youngest crafters, the focus is on sensory exploration, developing basic motor skills, and experiencing the joy of creation. These projects are designed to be low-frills, high-fun, and incredibly rewarding. They’re fantastic for building confidence and sparking that initial love for artistic expression.

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

These classic crafts are a staple for a reason! They allow children to practice basic gluing and painting while creating a recognizable shape.

• Materials: Popsicle sticks (regular and mini sizes), white glue, washable paint, glitter (optional), ribbon or string.
• How-To:
  1. Arrange 3-4 popsicle sticks into a snowflake shape (an asterisk or star).
  2. Help your child glue the sticks together at their center intersection.
  3. Once the glue is dry, let them paint the snowflake white, blue, or any color they choose.
  4. Sprinkle with glitter while the paint is wet for extra sparkle.
  5. Once everything is dry, tie a loop of ribbon to one of the stick ends for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor control (gluing, painting), shape recognition, basic pattern creation, color exploration.
• Why It's Great: This craft is incredibly adaptable. Little ones can simply paint, while older preschoolers might try to create more complex patterns or add tiny pom-poms.

Mini Wreath Ornaments (Cookie Cutters & Pipe Cleaners)

Who knew cookie cutters had such versatility beyond baking? These charming wreaths are a fantastic way to utilize them in a craft.

• Materials: Metal cookie cutters (star, circle, heart shapes work well), colorful pipe cleaners, small pom-poms, beads, white glue, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Guide your child to wrap colorful pipe cleaners around the edge of a cookie cutter, securing the ends by twisting them around the main wrap.
  2. Once the cookie cutter is fully covered, they can glue on miniature bows, small pom-poms, or beads for decoration. The more the merrier!
  3. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills (wrapping, decorating), color recognition, texture exploration.
• Why It's Great: This project is wonderfully tactile and encourages creative decoration. It’s a brilliant way to explore different textures and materials.

Painted Pinecones

Sometimes the simplest crafts are the most effective. Nature provides the canvas, and your child provides the art!

• Materials: Collected pinecones (ensure they are dry and free of debris), washable paint, paintbrushes, glitter (optional), ribbon or twine.
• How-To:
  1. Lay out newspaper or a craft mat.
  2. Let your child paint the pinecones in classic Christmas reds and greens, or encourage them to use their favorite bright colors for a fun, maximalist tree.
  3. While the paint is wet, they can sprinkle on glitter.
  4. Once dry, an adult can hot-glue a loop of ribbon or twine to the top of the pinecone for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Nature exploration, color mixing, sensory experience (texture of the pinecone), artistic expression.
• Why It's Great: This activity connects children with nature and allows for completely free-form artistic expression. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly.

Beaded Candy Canes

This project is excellent for developing fine motor skills and introduces the concept of patterning.

• Materials: Pipe cleaners (red and white or any color), wooden beads (can be pre-painted or painted by the child), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child bend a pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape (a hook at the top).
  2. Let them thread wooden beads onto the pipe cleaner. They can create patterns (red-white-red-white) or mix and match colors freely.
  3. Once the pipe cleaner is full, bend the bottom tip to secure the beads.
  4. Tie a ribbon to the hook for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor skills (threading), patterning, color sequencing, hand-eye coordination.
• Why It's Great: The repetitive motion of threading is calming and builds concentration. It’s also a great way to practice counting.

DIY Fan Ornaments (Tissue Paper)

These vibrant ornaments add a pop of color and teach a simple folding technique.

• Materials: Colorful tissue paper, scissors, twist ties or string, glue, markers (optional).
• How-To:
  1. Help your child cut out a circle of tissue paper.
  2. Guide them to pinch the middle of the circle and secure it tightly with a twist tie or string.
  3. Carefully fan out the sides of the paper to create a full, festive circle.
  4. Kids can draw simple patterns or shapes on the paper before fanning it out.
  5. Attach a loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor skills (pinching, fanning), basic geometry (circles), color recognition.
• Why It's Great: This craft is simple, quick, and creates a visually appealing result. It's a great introduction to paper folding.

Wrapped Cookie Cutter Ornaments (Ribbon)

Even the littlest hands can help create these charming ornaments.

• Materials: Inexpensive metal cookie cutters (any shape), various colors of ribbon (narrow), white glue or hot glue (adult use), twine.
• How-To:
  1. An adult can secure one end of a ribbon to the cookie cutter with a dab of hot glue.
  2. Guide your child to wrap the ribbon tightly around the cookie cutter until it’s fully covered.
  3. Secure the end of the ribbon with more glue.
  4. Hang with a loop of patterned twine or narrow ribbon.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor skills (wrapping), hand-eye coordination, color choice.
• Why It's Great: It’s a repetitive, calming activity that results in a beautiful, textured ornament.

Filled Ornaments (Clear Plastic Spheres)

These ornaments offer a wonderful opportunity for sensory play and miniature scene creation.

• Materials: Clear, fillable plastic ornament spheres (can be purchased at craft stores), small bits of greenery (faux or real), faux snow, miniature pinecones, tiny bells, small toys, glitter, pom-poms, white glue (to seal).
• How-To:
  1. Let your child choose small objects to insert into one half of the plastic sphere. Encourage them to create a tiny holiday scene or a sensory world.
  2. Once satisfied, an adult can carefully seal the second half using white glue or a low-temp hot glue gun to prevent it from opening.
  3. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Imaginative play, fine motor skills (manipulating small objects), sensory exploration, storytelling.
• Why It's Great: This project sparks endless imagination and allows children to create their own tiny worlds. Just like how our Chef's Club subscription delivers a new, exciting adventure right to your door every month, these filled ornaments offer a new world of discovery in miniature!

Burlap Reindeer Ornaments

These curious reindeer are simply adorable and require minimal supplies.

• Materials: Burlap scraps (pre-cut into reindeer head shapes, or a simple oval), miniature clothespins (for antlers), red puff balls (for noses), googly eyes, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child glue googly eyes and a red puff ball nose onto the burlap shape.
  2. Attach two miniature clothespins to the top of the burlap as antlers.
  3. Loop some twine through one of the clothespins for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Simple assembly, character recognition, fine motor skills (gluing small items).
• Why It's Great: Quick, easy, and yields a super cute result. It’s a great way to use up fabric scraps.

DIY Grinch Ornaments

Even the Grinch would love these! They’re super simple and full of holiday cheer.

• Materials: Empty clear glass or plastic Christmas balls, green beads, green feathers, or green glitter, heart stickers (red), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Remove the top hanger from the clear ornament ball.
  2. Let your child fill the ball with green beads, feathers, or glitter. A funnel can help here!
  3. Replace the top hanger securely.
  4. Affix a simple red heart sticker to the outside of the ornament.
  5. Add a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor skills (filling), color recognition, character association.
• Why It's Great: A satisfying sensory experience and a fun way to bring a beloved character to life.

Salt Shaker Ornaments

These small, elegant scenes bring a touch of sophistication to your tree.

• Materials: Small, clean glass salt shakers or similar tiny clear containers, miniature bottle brush trees (can be dyed), faux snow, small figurines, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child place a miniature bottle brush tree and any other small elements (like a tiny deer or a pinch of faux snow) inside the salt shaker.
  2. An adult can secure the lid or cork with a dab of glue.
  3. Attach a ribbon to the top for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Miniature scene building, imaginative play, spatial reasoning.
• Why It's Great: This craft creates a charming, self-contained winter wonderland. It’s a unique way to repurpose small glass containers.

Are you looking for more unique ways to spark your child's imagination and creativity? Browse our complete collection of one-time kits to find the perfect hands-on adventure that combines fun and learning, just like these delightful ornament crafts!

Creative Explorations: Engaging Ornaments for Growing Minds (Ages 7-10)

As children grow, their fine motor skills become more refined, and their capacity for following multi-step instructions increases. These projects offer a bit more challenge and allow for greater design input, encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving.

Clothespin Snowflakes

These intricate-looking snowflakes are surprisingly easy and make for stunning decorations.

• Materials: Wooden clothespins (the spring-loaded kind), white glue, paint (white, silver, blue), glitter (optional), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Carefully remove the metal springs from the clothespins.
  2. Have your child glue the flat sides of the wooden halves together in a snowflake pattern (e.g., eight halves radiating from a central point, then four more halves glued in between those).
  3. Once dry, they can paint the snowflakes in bright or elegant colors.
  4. Add glitter for extra sparkle.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Pattern recognition, symmetry, fine motor control (gluing small pieces), painting.
• Why It's Great: The transformation of simple clothespins into a complex-looking snowflake is very satisfying and teaches about radial symmetry.

Mini Landscape Ornaments (Mason Jar Lids)

Create tiny festive worlds within the confines of a jar lid!

• Materials: Mason jar lids (the metal ring and flat insert), small pom-poms, miniature trees, tiny animal figurines, paint (blue for sky, white for snow), cotton balls, hot glue (adult use), pipe cleaners, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child paint the inside of the flat mason jar insert (the background) with a sky color.
  2. Once dry, glue cotton balls or white paint onto the bottom edge of the lid insert for snow.
  3. Help them arrange and glue miniature trees, animals, and pom-poms to create a unique Christmas landscape.
  4. An adult can line the outside of the lid ring with a pipe cleaner and glue a ribbon holder on top.
• Skills Developed: Miniature scene building, imaginative play, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: Encourages storytelling and creative arrangement within a defined space.

Snowman Ornaments (Pom-Poms)

These fluffy snowmen are cheerful additions to any tree or garland.

• Materials: Large and medium white pom-poms, small black buttons or googly eyes, a tiny piece of orange felt (for nose), ribbon or string, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child glue a medium pom-pom on top of a larger one to form the snowman's body and head.
  2. Let them glue on button eyes and a smile, and a small piece of orange felt for a carrot nose.
  3. Attach a string to the top of the pom-pom "head" to hang it.
• Skills Developed: Assembly, character creation, fine motor skills (gluing small details).
• Why It's Great: Simple, cute, and provides a great opportunity to explore different textures.

Marbled Ornaments (Shaving Cream/Paint)

A fantastic blend of art and science, these unique ornaments are a hit!

• Materials: Small wooden cutouts (any shape), shallow tray, shaving cream, liquid watercolors or food coloring, toothpicks, paper towels, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Fill a shallow tray with a layer of shaving cream.
  2. Let your child drop small amounts of liquid watercolors or food coloring onto the shaving cream.
  3. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the colors to create a marbled pattern (avoid over-mixing).
  4. Place a wooden cutout face down onto the marbled shaving cream, pressing gently.
  5. Lift the cutout, scrape off excess shaving cream with a ruler or straight edge (adult supervision), revealing the marbled pattern.
  6. Let dry completely. Add a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Process art, color theory, fine motor skills (swirling, dipping), scientific observation (how colors interact).
• Why It's Great: Each ornament is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, and the process is incredibly engaging and surprising. It’s a wonderful example of how art and science can intertwine, much like the "edutainment" experiences we create at I'm the Chef Too! through blending food, STEM, and the arts.

Popsicle Stick Train Ornaments

All aboard for a festive craft! These customizable trains are perfect for a chilly day indoors.

• Materials: Popsicle sticks, white glue, paint, markers, small photos of kids' faces (optional), cotton balls, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child arrange popsicle sticks to form the basic shape of a train engine (e.g., a rectangle for the body, a smaller rectangle for the cabin, a circle for the front).
  2. Glue the pieces together and let dry.
  3. Kids can then paint their trains any color they choose.
  4. They can draw windows, wheels, or even glue a small photo of their face in the conductor's window!
  5. Add a cotton ball puff for smoke from the chimney.
  6. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Spatial reasoning, design, painting, character creation.
• Why It's Great: Encourages imaginative play and allows for a high degree of personalization.

DIY Gnome Christmas Ornaments

These adorable little gnomes are sure to bring smiles.

• Materials: Yarn (for beard), small wooden beads (for nose), miniature terracotta pots (for hats), felt scraps, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. An adult can help cut felt into a cone shape for the gnome's hat and glue it onto the bottom of the terracotta pot.
  2. Help your child wrap yarn around a piece of cardboard, then cut it to create the beard. Glue the yarn beard to the inside lip of the pot.
  3. Glue a wooden bead just under the hat for the gnome's nose.
  4. Attach a string to the top of the hat for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Yarn wrapping, assembly, character design, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: Cute, easy, and uses simple materials to create something charming.

Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

These aren't just ornaments; they're precious family keepsakes.

• Materials: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed), rolling pin, cookie cutters (optional), straw (for hole), paint, glitter, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a firm dough. Knead until smooth.
  2. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Have your child press their hand firmly into the dough to create a handprint.
  4. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  5. Use a straw to make a hole at the top for hanging.
  6. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours or until completely dry and hard. (Adult supervision required).
  7. Once cooled, children can paint their ornaments, adding details like Santa's face to a handprint or simply decorating shapes.
  8. Thread a ribbon through the hole for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Dough manipulation, sensory play, hand-eye coordination (painting), creating keepsakes.
• Why It's Great: A beautiful way to capture a child's handprint and create a lasting memory. The process of making the dough is similar to our I'm the Chef Too! cooking adventures, blending the fun of culinary creation with artistic expression!

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments

These smell as good as they look, adding a lovely aroma to your tree.

• Materials: Cinnamon sticks, small twigs/sticks, white glue, buttons, beads, yarn, small star cutout (paper or foam), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Lay a cinnamon stick horizontally as the "trunk" of the tree.
  2. Have your child glue smaller twigs diagonally to the cinnamon stick, getting shorter as they go up, to form a Christmas tree shape.
  3. Decorate the tree with small buttons, beads, or yarn scraps.
  4. Glue a star to the top.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop to the top for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Nature connection, assembly, fine motor skills, sensory (smell).
• Why It's Great: Uses budget-friendly, natural supplies and engages the sense of smell.

Christmas Diorama Ornaments

Create a cozy winter scene in miniature!

• Materials: Clear plastic diorama ornaments (often purchasable at craft stores), small figurines, faux snow, mini bottle brush trees, glitter, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Let your child arrange small characters, trees, and a sprinkle of faux snow inside the diorama ornament.
  2. They can create a story with their chosen elements.
  3. Once the scene is set, an adult can carefully seal the ornament.
  4. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Storytelling, imaginative play, spatial arrangement, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A wonderful way to foster narrative and three-dimensional creativity.

Melted Peppermint Candy Ornaments

A magical transformation that looks stunning and smells delicious! (Adult supervision is a must for the melting step.)

• Materials: Hard peppermint candies (or other hard candies), metal cookie cutters, parchment paper, baking sheet, toothpick, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place metal cookie cutters on the parchment paper.
  3. Have your child arrange peppermint candies inside the cookie cutters (breaking them into smaller pieces if needed to fit).
  4. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the candies have melted and spread to fill the cookie cutter.
  5. Carefully remove from oven. While still warm, use a toothpick to make a hole near the top of the ornament.
  6. Let cool completely before removing from cookie cutters.
  7. Thread a ribbon through the hole for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Observing change (melting), color blending, pattern creation, following instructions.
• Why It's Great: This project is visually stunning and introduces a simple scientific concept (phase change) in a fun way. It combines the joy of candy with the art of crafting!

Crystal Candy Cane Ornaments

A true science experiment that results in beautiful, glittering ornaments.

• Materials: Borax, boiling water (adult use), pipe cleaners, mason jars, pencil or stick, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child bend pipe cleaners into candy cane shapes.
  2. Attach a piece of string to each candy cane and tie the other end to a pencil, ensuring the candy cane will be suspended in a jar without touching the bottom or sides.
  3. Adult Step: In a mason jar, dissolve borax in boiling water (3 tablespoons of borax per cup of water) until no more dissolves.
  4. Carefully lower the pipe cleaner candy canes into the borax solution.
  5. Let sit overnight. Crystals will grow on the pipe cleaners.
  6. Remove the next day and let dry. Add a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Scientific observation, patience, following a process, understanding solutions and crystallization.
• Why It's Great: This craft seamlessly blends science and art, creating a dazzling ornament. It’s a wonderful activity for our Chef's Club families who love to explore STEM in creative ways! Give the gift of learning that lasts all year with a 12-month subscription to our STEM cooking adventures!

Pressed Flower Christmas Ornaments

Connect with nature and create delicate, natural beauty.

• Materials: Recycled cardboard (from cereal boxes), clear contact paper, pressed flowers and leaves (collected and pressed beforehand), scissors, hole punch, twine.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child cut shapes (circles, stars, trees) from cardboard.
  2. Cut two pieces of contact paper slightly larger than each cardboard shape.
  3. Peel the backing off one piece of contact paper and lay it sticky-side up.
  4. Let your child arrange pressed flowers and leaves on the sticky surface.
  5. Carefully place the cardboard shape on top of the arrangement.
  6. Peel the backing off the second piece of contact paper and place it sticky-side down over the cardboard and flowers, sealing everything in.
  7. Trim excess contact paper. Punch a hole at the top and thread twine for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Nature appreciation, collage, fine motor skills (arranging delicate items), understanding adhesion.
• Why It's Great: Encourages a deeper connection with the natural world and creates unique, artistic ornaments.

Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments

Rustic and charming, these trees celebrate natural simplicity.

• Materials: Various lengths of small sticks/twigs, a slightly larger stick for the trunk, white glue or hot glue (adult use), small star cutout, twine.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child collect sticks of varying lengths.
  2. Lay the longer stick vertically as the tree trunk.
  3. Glue the shorter sticks horizontally across the "trunk," arranging them from longest at the bottom to shortest at the top to form a tree shape.
  4. Glue a small star to the very top.
  5. Tie a loop of twine to the back for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Nature exploration, spatial reasoning, assembly, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A simple, natural craft that adds warmth to the tree.

Canning Lid Wreath Ornaments

Repurpose canning lids into charming miniature wreaths.

• Materials: Metal canning jar lids (the rings), various strings (yarn, baker's twine), sequins, small beads, white glue, paint (optional), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child paint the canning lid ring if desired, then let it dry.
  2. Guide them to wrap different types of string around the ring until it's covered. Secure ends with glue.
  3. Decorate the wrapped wreath with sequins, small beads, or tiny bows.
  4. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Recycling, wrapping, fine motor skills, design.
• Why It's Great: A creative way to reuse household items and customize for any decor.

DIY Cookie Cutter Christmas Ornaments (Scrapbook Paper)

Utilize your cookie cutters and pretty paper scraps for this easy craft.

• Materials: Metal cookie cutters, festive scrapbook paper, white glue, scissors, hole punch, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Lay cookie cutters on scrapbook paper and trace the outline.
  2. Have your child cut out the shapes.
  3. Glue the paper shapes to the back of the cookie cutters. You can cut additional paper shapes to layer on the front for more design.
  4. Punch a hole at the top of the paper shape (if using a paper-only ornament) or near the top of the cookie cutter (if possible) and thread a ribbon.
• Skills Developed: Tracing, cutting, gluing, layering, design.
• Why It's Great: Kid-friendly and a great way to use up paper scraps. It helps young crafters get some extra fine motor practice.

For groups like classrooms, camps, or homeschool co-ops, these projects offer wonderful opportunities for collaborative learning and creativity. Learn more about our versatile programs for schools and groups, available with or without food components!

Mastering the Craft: Advanced Ornament Projects for Budding Artists (Ages 10+)

For older children, the complexity can increase, allowing for more detailed work, introduction to basic stitching, and multi-step processes that build patience and precision. These projects encourage a deeper dive into design and artistic techniques.

Felt Mountain Ornaments

These whimsical ornaments allow for creative landscape design.

• Materials: Sheets of felt (various colors: green, white, blue), scissors, fabric glue or needle and thread, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child cut out felt shapes for mountains (triangles or uneven peaks).
  2. Cut smaller white felt shapes for snowcaps and green felt shapes for trees.
  3. Glue or carefully stitch (with adult supervision) the snowcaps and trees onto the mountains.
  4. For older children, add decorative stitching details like "tracks" or "windows."
  5. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Detailed cutting, layering, optional basic stitching, design planning, texture exploration.
• Why It's Great: Encourages precision and allows for creative landscape composition.

Stamped Clay Ornaments (Air-Dry Clay)

Unique, textured ornaments with a rustic charm.

• Materials: Air-dry clay, rolling pin, cookie cutters (optional), leaves, stamps, textured objects (utensils, lace), straw, paint, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child roll out the air-dry clay to about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Use cookie cutters or simply cut shapes with a knife (adult supervision) to form flat ornaments.
  3. Stamp the clay with any textured object – real leaves, rubber stamps, lace, or even the back of a spoon.
  4. Use a straw to create a hole near the top for hanging.
  5. Let the clay dry completely (this can take 24-72 hours, check package instructions).
  6. Once dry, children can paint their ornaments or leave them natural.
  7. Thread with ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Dough manipulation, texture creation, stamping techniques, design, patience (drying time).
• Why It's Great: This project is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless creativity in texture and design. It’s a wonderful way to explore different materials, much like how our I'm the Chef Too! cooking kits introduce children to new ingredients and cooking methods.

Christmas Gnome Ornaments (Wooden Eggs)

Transform simple wooden eggs into adorable gnomes.

• Materials: Small wooden eggs (with flat bottoms), felt (for hats), cotton (for beards), small wooden balls (for noses), hot glue (adult use), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child glue a felt cone hat onto the top of the wooden egg.
  2. Glue cotton for the beard below the hat.
  3. Glue a small wooden ball on top of the beard for the nose.
  4. Add tiny painted details for eyes if desired.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop to the top of the hat for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Detailed assembly, character design, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A charming character craft that looks polished and professional.

Candy-Inspired Ornaments (Felt/Tissue Paper)

Craft faux candies that look good enough to eat!

• Materials: Felt sheets, tissue paper, pom-poms, white glue, scissors, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Truffle Ornaments: Roll felt into a small ball, or use a pom-pom. Wrap in tissue paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Secure with glue or a tiny piece of string.
  2. Ribbon Candy Ornaments: Cut long strips of felt in different colors. Glue them together side-by-side, then gently roll and fold the layered felt into a ribbon candy shape, securing with glue.
  3. Attach ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fabric manipulation, shaping, creative representation, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: Encourages imaginative design and material exploration.

Festive Christmas Faces (Felt/Buttons)

Embrace iconic Christmas characters like Santa and Frosty.

• Materials: Felt (various colors for faces, hats, details), buttons (for eyes), fabric scraps, white glue or fabric glue (optional simple stitching), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child cut out a base felt shape for the face (circle for snowman, oval for Santa).
  2. Cut out smaller felt pieces for hats, noses, mouths, and rosy cheeks.
  3. Use buttons for eyes.
  4. Kids can glue all the pieces on with fabric glue, or older children can learn simple stitching to secure them.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Detailed cutting, character design, layering, optional stitching, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: Allows for personalized character creation and introduces basic fabric crafting.

Painted Tree Ornaments (Wood/Cardboard Triangles)

Simple yet elegant, these ornaments allow for varied painting techniques.

• Materials: Small wooden or sturdy cardboard triangles, paint (chalkboard paint optional), paintbrushes, twine, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child paint the wooden or cardboard triangles in solid colors, patterns, or even use chalkboard paint.
  2. For a unique touch with chalkboard paint, they can draw on the ornaments with a white marker or chalk.
  3. Once dry, an adult can glue twine around the edges for a finished look.
  4. Attach a loop of twine for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Painting techniques, precision (edging), personalization, design.
• Why It's Great: Versatile in design, allowing for simple elegance or playful customization.

Personalized Chalkboard Ornament

Every child loves to see their name displayed!

• Materials: Round papier-mâché ornament, chalkboard spray paint (adult use), patterned paper, pom-pom trim, white glue, white paint marker or chalk, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Adult Step: Spray paint the papier-mâché ornament with chalkboard paint and let dry completely.
  2. Help your child cut a snowflake or other festive shape from patterned paper for the center.
  3. Glue the paper shape to the center of the ornament.
  4. Glue a length of pom-pom trim around the edge of the ornament.
  5. Have your child write their name and the year on the chalkboard area with a white paint marker (permanent) or chalk (erasable).
  6. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Personalization, writing, decorative assembly, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A beautiful keepsake that prominently features your child's name and artistic touch.

Animal Wood Slice Ornaments

A kid-friendly take on classic wood slice ornaments.

• Materials: Pre-cut wood slice ornaments (from craft stores), paint, felt (for ears/tails), white glue or hot glue (adult use), small eye screw, twine.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child paint the face of an animal (bear, fox, reindeer) onto the wood slice. Let dry.
  2. Cut felt shapes for ears and a tail.
  3. Glue the felt ears and tail to the back of the ornament.
  4. An adult can carefully insert a small eye screw into the top edge of the wood slice.
  5. Thread twine through the eye screw for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Animal representation, detailed painting, 3D design, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: Combines natural elements with creative painting to make charming animal characters.

Drawing Wood Slice Ornaments

Showcase your child's coloring skills with this sweet ornament.

• Materials: Plain wood slice ornament, markers or colored pencils, decoupage glue (e.g., Mod Podge), small paintbrush, sticker vinyl (optional, for names/dates), twine.
• How-To:
  1. Let your child draw and color directly onto the plain wood slice ornament.
  2. Once their drawing is complete, an adult can apply a light coat of decoupage glue over the drawing to seal and protect it. Let dry.
  3. Optional: Use a cutting machine (like a Cricut) to add a name and date with sticker vinyl for a crisp, finished look.
  4. Attach plain twine for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Artistic expression, drawing, coloring, personalization, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A simple yet effective way to preserve and display your child's unique artwork.

Pretty Paper Ornaments (Glittery Angels)

Inexpensive, easy, and beautiful paper decorations.

• Materials: White faux leaves (or sturdy paper cut into leaf shapes), glitter glue, pre-cut angel shapes (circle for head, triangle for body) from paper, markers, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child add glitter glue to the veins of the faux leaf, which will serve as the angel's wings. Let dry.
  2. Let them color the pre-cut paper angel shapes with markers.
  3. Once the wings are dry, glue them to the back of the angel's body.
  4. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fine motor skills (glitter glue, coloring), assembly, layering, creative embellishment.
• Why It's Great: An elegant paper craft that can be customized with various colors and glitter.

Surprise Ball Ornaments

Fill these with tiny treasures for a delightful unrolling experience!

• Materials: Crepe paper streamers, small gifts/candies, cardstock, markers/paint, white glue, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child gather tiny gifts and candies (erasers, stickers, small toys).
  2. Begin by wrapping a small item in a strip of crepe paper, then layer another item and wrap, continuing to build a ball shape.
  3. Once the ball is the desired size, use cardstock and markers or paint to add additions like ears, tails, or facial features if turning it into an animal.
  4. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Wrapping, fine motor skills, surprise element, creative design.
• Why It's Great: A fun, interactive craft that doubles as a gift or a festive party favor.

Felt Cookie Ornaments

A sweet craft that encourages simple stitching skills.

• Materials: Tan and white felt, cookie cutters, scissors, needle (blunt tip for kids) and thread, small beads (for sprinkles), white glue (optional alternative to stitching), ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Use cookie cutters to trace shapes onto tan and white felt. Cut out two of each shape (front and back).
  2. Have your child pick out small beads to sew onto one felt piece as "sprinkles" (adult supervision for needles, or use fabric glue for a no-sew option).
  3. Once decorated, an adult can help stitch the two felt pieces together around the edges, leaving a small opening to stuff lightly with cotton if desired, then stitching closed.
  4. Attach a ribbon loop before fully closing the two halves.
• Skills Developed: Tracing, cutting, simple stitching (fine motor), bead embellishment, design.
• Why It's Great: A fun way to "bake" without an oven and introduce basic sewing, mirroring the joy of creating treats with our Chef's Club kits!

DIY Llama Ornaments

Paint and embellish your own festive llamas!

• Materials: Wood cutout llama shapes (from craft stores) or sturdy paper templates, markers, paint, ribbon, yarn, small pom-poms, white glue.
• How-To:
  1. Let your child decorate the llama cutout however they like with markers or paint.
  2. Add festive details like tiny blankets from felt, yarn for saddles, or mini pom-poms as embellishments.
  3. Attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Artistic expression, detailed decoration, character design, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A trendy and fun character craft that allows for a lot of creative freedom.

Geometric Diorama Ornament

Think 3D with this easy, modern ornament craft.

• Materials: Small wooden boxes (or sturdy cardboard boxes cut to size), paint, flat embellishments (miniature trees, snowflakes, glitter), white glue, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Have your child paint the inside and outside of the small box.
  2. Once dry, help them arrange flat embellishments inside to create a wintry scene or a geometric design.
  3. Glue the embellishments in place.
  4. Attach a ribbon to the top of the box for hanging.
• Skills Developed: 3D construction, scene planning, geometric design, spatial reasoning.
• Why It's Great: Introduces basic architectural and design concepts in a fun, tangible way.

Colorful No-Sew Donut Ornaments

For those who love colorful Christmas decor, these are delightful!

• Materials: Felt sheets (tan, white, various colors for "frosting"), small beads or glitter (for "sprinkles"), fabric glue, scissors, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child cut out a tan felt circle for the donut base, and a smaller, slightly wavy circle (with a hole in the middle) from a different color for the "frosting."
  2. Glue the "frosting" onto the tan donut base.
  3. Apply small beads or glitter as "sprinkles" while the glue is wet.
  4. Let dry completely.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Fabric layering, design, fine motor skills (gluing small items), color coordination.
• Why It's Great: Endlessly customizable and a fun, whimsical take on a favorite treat.

DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornaments

Make miniature "ugly" sweaters that are actually quite charming!

• Materials: Felt scraps (sweater shapes cut out), beads, glitter, fabric scraps, puff paint, fabric glue or needle and thread, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child cut out sweater shapes from felt.
  2. Provide a variety of beads, glitter, and fabric scraps. Encourage them to go wild with decorations, making it as "ugly" and creative as possible!
  3. They can use fabric glue to secure embellishments, or older children can learn simple stitches (like a running stitch) to attach items.
  4. Add puff paint details for extra texture.
  5. Attach a ribbon loop to the top.
• Skills Developed: Design, embellishment, creativity (embracing the "ugly"), optional basic sewing.
• Why It's Great: A humorous and highly creative project that allows for maximum personalization and unique expression.

DIY Painted Santa Ornaments

Classic and charming, these Santas are a joy to paint.

• Materials: Small wooden cutouts (circle or oval shapes), acrylic paint (red, white, pink, black), fine-tip paintbrushes, cotton balls (for beard texture), white glue, ribbon.
• How-To:
  1. Help your child paint the base colors for Santa's face, hat, and beard.
  2. Use fine-tip brushes to add details like eyes, nose, and rosy cheeks.
  3. For a textured beard, glue small pieces of cotton to the painted beard area.
  4. Once dry, attach a ribbon for hanging.
• Skills Developed: Painting techniques, detail work, character representation, fine motor skills.
• Why It's Great: A timeless holiday craft that helps develop painting precision and control.

These more advanced projects are perfect for children who are ready for a longer, more detailed engagement, fostering a deeper sense of accomplishment. If you're looking for more ways to engage older children in exciting, hands-on learning experiences, consider exploring our extensive collection of one-time kits or even our school and group programs which offer flexible options for bringing "edutainment" to a broader audience!

Crafting with Purpose: Beyond Decoration

Handmade ornaments offer more than just aesthetic appeal for your holiday tree; they provide unique opportunities for purposeful engagement:

• Heartfelt Gifts: A handmade ornament is a deeply personal and cherished gift for grandparents, teachers, friends, or neighbors. It shows thought, effort, and love in a way that store-bought items rarely can. Children learn the joy of giving and the value of creating something for others.
• Charity and Community: Consider organizing a crafting session to make ornaments for a local charity drive, nursing home, or hospital. This teaches children about empathy, community involvement, and the power of their small hands to bring joy to others.
• Building Family Traditions: Make ornament crafting an annual ritual. Each year, your family adds new creations to the tree, building a visual history of your shared holidays. It's a wonderful way to mark time and celebrate growth.
• Nurturing Creative Expression: Beyond the holidays, the skills and confidence gained from crafting can translate into other areas of a child's life. It nurtures their unique voice, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to experiment – essential qualities in all forms of learning and personal development.

Tips for a Smooth & Joyful Crafting Experience

To ensure your ornament crafting sessions are filled with joy rather than stress, here are a few practical tips:

• Preparation is Key: Before starting, gather all your materials. Cover your work surface with newspaper, a plastic tablecloth, or a craft mat to protect it from spills and glitter. Having everything ready minimizes interruptions and frustration.
• Embrace the Mess: Crafting, especially with kids, can be messy – and that's perfectly okay! See glitter and glue as signs of creativity in action. A designated "crafting apron" or old t-shirt can help contain the mess on clothes.
• Focus on the Process, Not Perfection: The goal isn't to create gallery-worthy ornaments, but to enjoy the act of making and creating memories. Encourage effort and experimentation over flawless results. Celebrate every unique creation!
• Adapt for Age & Skill: Don't be afraid to simplify or add complexity to a craft to suit your child's age and abilities. For younger children, pre-cutting shapes or guiding their hands can be helpful. Older children might appreciate more intricate details or independent work.
• Supervision & Safety: Always be present, especially when using scissors, hot glue, or small items that could be choking hazards for little ones. Teach proper tool usage and emphasize safety rules.
• Celebrate Their Creations: Once the ornaments are dry, display them proudly! Hang them on the tree, use them as gift toppers, or create a special "craft tree" just for handmade decorations. This reinforces their sense of accomplishment and encourages continued creativity.

At I'm the Chef Too!, we understand the importance of making learning accessible, enjoyable, and mess-friendly (or at least mess-manageable!). Our cooking kits are designed with convenience in mind, and we encourage the same joyful, process-oriented approach to all hands-on activities.

Conclusion

From the simplest painted pinecone to the most intricate felt creation, the world of kids ornament craft ideas offers an endless array of opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. Each tiny ornament holds a piece of your family's story, a testament to shared laughter, focused effort, and the unique artistic spirit of your child. These tangible memories not only adorn your home but also enrich your lives, proving that the most cherished decorations are always those made with love.

At I'm the Chef Too!, our mission is rooted in this same philosophy: to blend food, STEM, and the arts into unforgettable "edutainment" experiences. We believe in sparking curiosity, building confidence, and facilitating joyful family bonding through hands-on, screen-free adventures. Just like the satisfying feeling of seeing a handmade ornament hanging on your tree, our cooking kits provide that same sense of accomplishment and wonder.

Ready to bring more "edutainment" and screen-free fun into your home, month after month? Imagine the delight of a new, exciting adventure delivered right to your door, complete with pre-measured dry ingredients and specialty supplies, crafted by mothers and educators to spark imagination and learning. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create even more delicious memories and foster a love for learning that lasts.

Join The Chef's Club today and enjoy free shipping on every box for a continuous stream of creative, educational, and delicious adventures!

FAQ Section

Q: What age group are these ornament crafts suitable for? A: We've categorized the crafts into three main age groups: "Simple & Sweet" for ages 3-6, "Creative Explorations" for ages 7-10, and "Mastering the Craft" for ages 10+. However, these are general guidelines. Always consider your child's individual skill level, attention span, and always provide adult supervision, especially with younger children or when using sharp tools or hot glue.

Q: What are the most common materials needed for these crafts? A: Most of these crafts rely on basic supplies like white glue, scissors, washable paints, paintbrushes, markers, string or ribbon, and common household items or nature finds like popsicle sticks, pinecones, felt, and paper. We encourage looking for recycled materials first!

Q: How can I manage the mess that comes with crafting? A: Preparation is key! Lay down newspaper, old sheets, or a plastic tablecloth to protect your work surface. Dress children in old clothes or smocks. Have wet wipes or a damp cloth readily available for quick clean-ups. Embrace the mess as part of the creative process – it's a sign of fun and learning!

Q: Can these crafts be adapted for non-holiday themes? A: Absolutely! Many of these ideas can be easily modified. For example, painted pinecones can be any color for year-round decor, stamped clay ornaments can be personalized with different themes, and felt shapes can become anything from animals to emojis. Encourage your child to think creatively about how to transform these ideas for birthdays, spring, or just everyday fun.

Q: What are some benefits of crafting for children besides just making an ornament? A: Crafting offers numerous developmental benefits! It helps refine fine motor skills, boosts creativity and imagination, enhances cognitive skills (like following instructions and problem-solving), builds confidence, and provides a wonderful opportunity for family bonding. It's also a fantastic screen-free activity that engages children in tangible, hands-on learning, much like our I'm the Chef Too! cooking kits.

Q: Where can I store these handmade ornaments after the holidays? A: Once completely dry, store delicate ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap within sturdy containers. Egg cartons can be great for smaller, fragile pieces. Clearly label your storage boxes so you can easily find your treasures next year!