27 DIY Christmas Ornaments Ideas
The holiday season sneaks up like the smell of fresh cookies in the oven—sudden, irresistible, and full of warmth. And nothing makes a home sparkle with personal charm quite like DIY Christmas ornaments.
Store-bought ones are nice, sure, but when you hang something you made with your own two hands, it’s like adding a little heartbeat to your tree.
1. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
If Christmas had a signature scent, it would be cinnamon. Bundle a few cinnamon sticks with twine, add a tiny bow or sprig of pine, and hang it on your tree. Not only does it look rustic and beautiful, but it also makes your whole living room smell like a bakery in December. My grandmother used to make these, and the aroma still instantly pulls me back to childhood Christmas mornings.
2. Salt Dough Keepsakes
This one is perfect for families with kids. Mix salt, flour, and water to create salt dough, cut it with cookie cutters into stars, bells, or trees, then bake and paint. According to surveys, 71% of parents said handmade keepsakes were their favorite holiday decorations because they preserve family memories. Imagine pulling out a dough ornament in 20 years with your toddler’s handprint on it—it’s priceless.
3. Dried Orange Slices
For a natural, old-world vibe, slice oranges thinly and bake them at a low temperature until they dry out. String them with twine and hang them on your tree. They catch the light like little stained-glass windows and add a citrusy fragrance. Historically, Victorians decorated their trees with dried fruit, so this one has a nostalgic heritage too.
4. Glitter Pinecones
Take a walk, collect pinecones, and turn them into glittery ornaments. Brush the edges with glue and dip them into glitter—gold or silver works best. Pinecones symbolize fertility and new beginnings, so there’s a symbolic touch too. They’re budget-friendly since nature provides the base for free.
5. Fabric Scrap Stars
Got leftover fabric scraps? Cut them into star shapes, stuff them lightly, and sew or glue them. They’re soft, cozy, and add a homespun vibe. I once made these using my son’s old flannel pajamas, and now every year when I hang it, it feels like a memory stitched into the tree.
6. Beaded Snowflakes
Using jewelry wire and clear beads, you can create delicate snowflake ornaments. They shimmer in the light and look elegant against darker green branches. Fun fact: according to meteorologists, no two snowflakes are exactly alike—and with beads, your ornaments will carry that same uniqueness.
7. Paper Snowflakes
Simple, inexpensive, and nostalgic. All you need is white paper, scissors, and a little patience. Hang them with fishing line for a floating effect. Schools across the U.S. still make these every December, proving that sometimes the most classic ideas are timeless.
8. Photo Frame Ornaments
Insert small family photos into mini frames and hang them. Think of it as turning your tree into a family photo album. Studies show that visual reminders of loved ones increase happiness—so yes, this is a scientifically-backed way to boost holiday cheer.
9. Burlap Ball Ornaments
Cover plain baubles with burlap fabric for a rustic farmhouse touch. Add lace or twine bows to complete the look. Burlap has a warmth that feels earthy, grounding, and perfectly cozy for a holiday tree.
10. Mini Sweater Ornaments
Tiny knitted sweaters hung on a tree? Absolutely adorable. You can knit or buy mini versions. They remind me of winters spent bundled in oversized knits, sipping cocoa while snowflakes drifted outside. A nostalgic nod to cozy nights.
11. Candy Cane Reindeer
A candy cane, two googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a pom-pom nose—suddenly you’ve got Rudolph. Kids love making these, and since candy canes are already a Christmas staple, you’re combining decoration with snackability.
12. Seashell Ornaments
If you live near the coast (or just want a beachy Christmas vibe), seashells make unique ornaments. Paint them white or glittery gold and tie a ribbon through a drilled hole. Christmas doesn’t always have to feel snowy—it can feel sandy too.
13. Felt Ornaments
Cut felt into trees, stockings, or gingerbread men and stitch or glue them together. Felt is forgiving and easy to work with, making it a great material for beginners. Plus, it comes in every color imaginable.
14. Jingle Bell Clusters
Nothing says Christmas quite like the sound of jingle bells. String several together with ribbon and hang them from your branches. The little jingles as you walk by your tree feel like an orchestra of holiday spirit.
15. Hot Cocoa Mug Ornaments
Miniature mugs filled with faux marshmallows (tiny pom-poms or beads) look irresistibly festive. These bring that cozy “hot chocolate by the fire” vibe right onto your tree. Perfect for foodies or anyone who associates Christmas with warm drinks.
16. Button Ornaments
Glue colorful buttons onto a flat cardboard circle or star. The variety of colors and textures makes it eye-catching. I once raided my mom’s sewing kit for this, and every button felt like a secret piece of family history stitched into the holiday.
17. Popsicle Stick Crafts
Classic and endlessly versatile. From stars to reindeer to mini sleds, popsicle sticks can transform into anything with a little glue and paint. These are cheap, fun, and perfect for making with children.
18. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
Use mason jar lids as frames. Insert fabric, pictures, or tiny Christmas scenes, and hang them with ribbon. They look vintage and give a farmhouse aesthetic. Plus, mason jars already scream “cozy kitchen vibes.”
19. Wine Cork Ornaments
Glue wine corks into shapes like trees, snowmen, or stars. They’re durable, lightweight, and a fun way to upcycle. If you’re a wine lover, it also becomes a cheeky way to celebrate your favorite bottles.
20. Sheet Music Ornaments
Roll up pieces of sheet music, tie them with ribbon, or use them to cover plain baubles. Perfect for music lovers or anyone whose December playlist is full of carols. Bonus: it gives your tree a vintage look.
21. Nature Twig Stars
Gather small twigs, glue them into star shapes, and wrap them with twine or fairy lights. They look earthy and minimalist, like something out of a Scandinavian Christmas catalog.
22. Ribbon Candy Ornaments
Twist colorful ribbons into the shape of classic ribbon candies. It’s cheerful, whimsical, and gives your tree that nostalgic candy-shop charm.
23. Crochet Snowflakes
If you know how to crochet, delicate snowflakes are stunning. They last forever and look elegant. Even if you’re new, plenty of beginner patterns exist online. They’re flat, so they also double as great gift toppers.
24. Painted Wood Slices
Slice a fallen branch, sand it, and paint Christmas designs on it—snowmen, reindeer, or names. Wood slice ornaments are durable, natural, and trendy. According to Pinterest, searches for wood slice crafts increased 40% during the holidays last year.
25. Mini Present Boxes
Wrap tiny cardboard boxes in festive wrapping paper, tie them with ribbon, and hang them. They look like little gifts scattered through your branches. It’s a playful reminder of what’s under the tree.
26. Origami Ornaments
Paper folded into stars, cranes, or Christmas trees brings a delicate and artistic flair. Origami is also known to improve focus and relaxation, so the process itself is a holiday stress reliever.
27. Glitter Bauble Fillers
Clear plastic or glass baubles that you can fill are a DIYer’s dream. Add glitter, feathers, fake snow, or even tiny trinkets. They become completely customizable and look like little snow globes hanging on your tree.
Conclusion On 27 DIY Christmas Ornaments Ideas
Decorating your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be expensive or generic. With these 27 DIY ornament ideas, you can make your holiday decorations personal, creative, and meaningful. Some of these crafts connect to history and tradition, others capture the essence of cozy family life, and a few add a modern, playful twist. What ties them all together is the fact that they’re handmade, filled with stories, and unique to you.
The truth is, ornaments aren’t just decorations—they’re time capsules. Every year when you unpack them, you’re unpacking pieces of your own history. Whether it’s your child’s salt dough handprint, a pinecone you found on a snowy walk, or a cork from a celebratory bottle, these DIYs give you a tree that’s not just decorated—it’s alive with memories.
