25 Christmas Ornaments Homemade Ideas
Christmas isn’t just about twinkling lights and warm cocoa—it’s about creating little moments that last longer than the season itself.
One of the best ways to do that? Homemade Christmas ornaments.
These aren’t just decorations; they’re tiny memory keepers that tell stories for years.
1. Cinnamon Stick Stars
If your kitchen smells like cinnamon, it instantly feels like Christmas. Tie together five cinnamon sticks in a star shape using twine or hot glue. Add a rustic ribbon, and boom—you’ve got an ornament that not only looks charming but also smells heavenly. Bonus tip: sprinkle with a touch of glitter for sparkle.
2. Dried Orange Garland Ornaments
Dehydrated oranges are trending again, and honestly, they deserve the hype. Slice oranges thinly, bake at low heat until dry, then string them with twine. Hang them individually or make a small circle wreath. The soft orange glow against Christmas lights feels almost magical.
3. Salt Dough Keepsakes
This one’s a classic because it works every single time. Mix flour, salt, and water to form dough, roll it out, and cut with cookie cutters. Kids love making handprints or initials in them. Bake, paint, and finish with a sealant. These last for years if stored well.
4. Pinecone Critters
Take pinecones from your yard and add googly eyes, felt hats, or tiny scarves. Suddenly, they’re not just pinecones—they’re woodland friends joining your tree. They cost almost nothing but bring loads of character.
5. Mason Jar Lid Wreaths
Don’t throw out mason jar lids. Wrap them with ribbon, twine, or greenery, and you’ve got miniature wreaths perfect for your tree. Add a small bell or bow for extra charm.
6. Hot Cocoa Mix Ornaments
Clear plastic ball ornaments aren’t just for glitter. Fill them with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. Hang them on the tree, and later, gift them. Who wouldn’t want a hot chocolate ornament they can drink?
7. Photo Memory Ornaments
Cut out old family photos and place them inside a clear ornament or glue them onto wooden slices. Every year, you’ll be reminded of different moments—a trip, a laugh, or even an embarrassing family Christmas sweater.
8. Felt Snowflakes
Felt sheets are inexpensive, and they don’t fray like fabric. Cut snowflake patterns and stitch around the edges with embroidery thread. Add beads if you want them to sparkle. These are lightweight and great if you have pets or kids.
9. Cookie Cutter Ornaments
Use old metal cookie cutters and wrap them with twine, ribbon, or washi tape. You can even fill the inside with photos or patterned paper. They’re nostalgic and playful.
10. Glitter Acorns
Pick up acorns from the yard, paint the caps with metallic gold or silver, then dip the base in glitter. A cluster of these on the tree looks chic without spending boutique prices.
11. Scrabble Tile Words
Glue Scrabble tiles together to form festive words like “JOY,” “NOEL,” or “LOVE.” Add a ribbon to hang. If you’re like me and accidentally get competitive in board games, at least the leftover tiles can bring peace instead of arguments.
12. Fabric Wrapped Baubles
Got leftover fabric scraps? Wrap plain ornaments in plaid, burlap, or even velvet fabric. Secure with twine or ribbon. They instantly become cozy, farmhouse-style decorations.
13. Paper Snow Globes
Cut circles from cardstock, decorate with mini trees or reindeer stickers, and add faux snow (like glitter or shredded paper) sealed with clear plastic. They look like pocket-sized snow globes hanging on your tree.
14. Wood Slice Painting
Buy or cut wood slices, then paint Christmas designs—snowmen, reindeer, even abstract swirls of red and green. Seal with Mod Podge to keep them lasting. These feel rustic yet artsy.
15. Beaded Candy Canes
String red and white beads onto pipe cleaners and twist them into candy cane shapes. Easy for kids and surprisingly elegant when clustered together.
16. Knitted Mini Stockings
If you knit or crochet, small stockings make adorable ornaments. Even if you’re a beginner, they’re quick projects. Plus, you can tuck tiny candy canes or notes inside.
17. Seashell Sparkle Ornaments
If you’ve collected seashells from vacations, coat them with glitter or paint, then glue on ribbon hangers. They’re a way of mixing beach memories with Christmas traditions.
18. Button Tree Ornaments
Stack green buttons of varying sizes to form a Christmas tree shape, string them together with wire, and top with a yellow button “star.” It’s quirky but full of personality.
19. Embroidered Hoops
Use small embroidery hoops to frame festive fabric or stitched designs. Write phrases like “Merry & Bright” or embroider little snowflakes. They look like miniature wall art for your tree.
20. Nature Stick Stars
Gather twigs and hot glue them into star shapes. Wrap with fairy lights or twine for rustic magic. I made these once with my niece, and she proudly declared them “better than Target’s.” She wasn’t wrong.
21. Candy Wrapper Ornaments
If you’re a candy lover (guilty), save the shiny wrappers, fold them into strips, and weave them into stars or balls. It’s eco-friendly and nostalgic—like recycling your sweet tooth memories.
22. Mini Yarn Hats
Take a small ring (cut from toilet paper rolls), wrap yarn around it, and tie at the top to make a pom-pom hat. These are ridiculously cute and use up yarn scraps.
23. Sheet Music Ornaments
Print old Christmas carols or use sheet music from thrift stores. Roll them into mini scrolls, tie with ribbon, or cut into shapes like stars and hearts. Perfect for music lovers.
24. Puzzle Piece Snowflakes
If you’ve ever lost half the pieces of a puzzle (story of my life), don’t toss the rest. Spray paint pieces white or silver, glue them into snowflake shapes, and add glitter. Suddenly, your lost puzzle has a new purpose.
25. Personalized Clay Ornaments
Air-dry clay is easy to work with. Roll it flat, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and stamp initials or words into them. Once dry, paint or leave natural for a minimalist look. These become heirloom-worthy with just a little care.
Conclusion On 25 Christmas Ornaments Homemade Ideas
Homemade ornaments aren’t just cheaper alternatives to store-bought—they’re stories wrapped in ribbon. Each one carries a memory, whether it’s the cinnamon-scented star you made while baking cookies, or the beaded candy cane your child strung together with sticky fingers. According to the Craft & Hobby Association, 62% of families incorporate DIY projects into their holiday traditions, proving that people crave not just pretty decorations but also personal connections.
The beauty of making ornaments at home is that they don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be yours. A tree full of mismatched handmade pieces tells a richer story than a tree perfectly styled by a store. So grab those pinecones, pull out the glitter, and let your Christmas tree become a scrapbook of creativity and memories.
