I recently dove into the world of DIY Christmas ornaments, and let me tell you, it’s such a magical way to bring extra warmth and personality to the holiday season. Whether you’re a total craft newbie or someone who’s been gluing, painting, and sewing for years, making your own ornaments is a joyful way to gather loved ones and create memories that stick. I’ve rounded up 20 super creative ideas that’ll have your tree looking unique and your holiday spirit shining bright!
Making Simple and Beautiful Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are such a classic and easy way to bring that winter wonderland vibe right into your home. All you need is some white paper, scissors, and a sprinkle of imagination. Just fold a square piece of paper into quarters, cut some fun shapes along the edges, then unfold to reveal your unique snowflake. I love hanging mine up with clear fishing line or draping them over tree branches for a simple, elegant look. If you want to mix it up, colored paper adds a fun twist! Plus, it’s super budget-friendly and great for getting kids involved — they can go wild with glitter and paint for some extra sparkle.
Rustic Charm with Wooden Ornaments
If you’re into that cozy farmhouse vibe, wooden ornaments are where it’s at. You can grab wooden shapes from craft stores or even make your own from thin slices of wood. Then it’s time to get creative—think festive paints, intricate marker drawings, or adding some twine and burlap for that natural, rustic feel. Personalizing them with names or dates turns these into the kind of keepsakes you’ll cherish forever. And hey, if you’re a nature lover, why not use twigs or branches from your backyard? Just sand ’em down, paint, and hang—easy and charming!
Sweet and Cozy Fabric Dolls
I’m totally obsessed with fabric dolls as ornament ideas because they add this adorable, personal touch to any tree. Grab some fabric scraps in holiday colors and cut them into simple shapes, then sew or glue together to make cute little figures. Dressing them up with tiny scarves, hats, buttons, or beads just amps up the charm. What’s even better? Using leftover fabric scraps makes it eco-friendly and budget-wise smart. Plus, these little dolls feel like a warm hug on your tree.
Turning Recycled Bottles Into Festive Ornaments
Got some empty glass or plastic bottles lying around? Don’t toss those—they make fantastic recycled ornaments! After a good cleaning, paint them up or try decoupage for a beautiful festive design. My favorite trick is popping some string lights inside to make them glow from within or filling them with colorful beads or glitter for a playful look. Toss on a string loop and you’ve got an eco-friendly, money-saving ornament that dazzles and keeps waste down.
Easy and Fun Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are practically a holiday classic for a reason—they’re super simple and great for all ages. Mix flour, salt, and water to make your dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Don’t forget to poke a little hole on top so you can hang them later! Once they’re baked and cooled, it’s time for the fun part: painting and decorating. Adding names or dates makes them extra special. Plus, it’s such a lovely way to spend quality time crafting with family.
Get Creative with Air-Dry Clay Ornaments
Air-dry clay opens up a ton of creative possibilities for ornaments, especially if you’re not into using an oven. Roll out the clay, cut festive shapes with cookie cutters, and personalize them by carving messages or adding fun patterns. Once dry, you can paint them in bright colors or add a glitter finish for some extra festivity. Slip on a string, and you’ve got yourself a charming handmade treasure that’s budget-friendly and perfect for a crafting day with friends or family.
Mini Holiday Scenes with Mason Jar Ornaments
Mason jar ornaments are such a fun little project with endless possibilities. Clean out those jars and fill them with all kinds of festive goodies—think faux snow, miniature trees, or tiny ornaments to create a miniature holiday scene. Seal it up, add a cute ribbon around the lid, and toss on a string to hang or use them as charming table centerpieces. They’re budget-friendly, creative, and make thoughtful gifts that your friends will love showing off.
Sewing Up Some Felt Animal Friends
Felt animal ornaments are just the sweetest little charmers. Grab some colorful felt sheets and cut out your favorite animals, then sew or glue them together. Adding stitched details along with buttons and beads brings each creature to life—so cute! The best part is how customizable this is, whether you go for classic holiday critters or mix things up with wild animals. Plus, they double perfectly as gift toppers to make presents extra special.
Nature-Inspired Ornaments Straight From the Outdoors
I love bringing a bit of the outdoors inside during the holidays, and nature-inspired ornaments do just that. Collect pinecones, twigs, dried leaves, and get crafting! You can paint pinecones in festive tones, hang them with simple twine, or twist twigs into stars and other shapes. Adding a sprinkle of glitter or some berry clusters amps up the elegance. Not only are these ornaments super affordable, but they’re also a beautiful reminder of the season’s natural beauty.
Add Some Sparkle with Glitter Ornaments
If you want your tree to shine bright, glitter ornaments are a must. Using clear glass or plastic bases, just spread a layer of glue on the outside and dip them into glitter for that dazzling effect. Play around with all sorts of colors and patterns, or fill clear globes with sequins or tiny decorations inside for extra pizzazz. They’re easy to make, super kid-friendly, and a fantastic way to add some glam without spending a fortune.
Sharing Memories with Photo Ornaments
Photo ornaments are such a heartfelt idea if you want to spotlight your favorite memories. Use clear acrylic or wooden shapes and glue your chosen photos right on. Then jazz them up with stickers or other little decorations to make them truly personal. They’re wonderful gifts to celebrate family moments throughout the year, and grouping a few together in a pretty box makes for a sentimental present that anyone would treasure.
Knitting Up Tiny Holiday Cheer
Knitting small ornaments like tiny stockings or snowflakes is such a cozy way to add warmth to your holiday decor. If you’re already into knitting, these mini projects are perfect and fast. For beginners, there are tons of easy tutorials online to get you started. Choose festive colors and patterns to make your ornaments pop. Bonus: these make lovely handmade gifts that show off your crafting skills.
Making Magic with Beaded Ornaments
Beaded ornaments are a super fun way to mix colors, shapes, and textures. Grab a bunch of beads and use wire or string to create anything from simple shapes to intricate designs. For that classic holiday vibe, go for red and green beads or mix in metallics. The best part is how personalized they can be—you’re only limited by your imagination. Hang them on your tree or use them as cute additions to gift wrapping.
Crafting With Leftover Fabric Scraps
Don’t throw out those little bits of fabric—turn them into festive ornaments instead! Cut scraps into fun shapes, then sew or glue them together for colorful, playful decorations. It’s an eco-friendly, budget-friendly way to get creative, especially if you use old clothes or fabric remnants. Playing with patterns and colors makes every piece unique and adds a joyful touch to your tree.
Brighten Things Up with Light-Up Ornaments
Adding little lights inside ornaments is a total game-changer. Take clear ornaments or glass containers and fill them with battery-operated fairy lights, then hang them on your tree. Pick light colors that match your decor or go all out with multicolored twinkles. These light-up ornaments give your space an enchanting glow and are surprisingly simple to make, turning any room into a cozy holiday dream.
Cozy Up Your Tree with Quilt Ornaments
If sewing is your jam, quilted ornaments might just steal your heart. Use fabric scraps to create tiny quilted patches, cut into holiday shapes, and sew the edges. Throw in a bit of stuffing if you want a plushy feel. These charming ornaments are such a cozy, heartfelt addition to any tree and are a great way to use up those fabric bits that might otherwise go to waste. They’re keepsakes you’ll want to hang onto for years.
Rustic and Fragrant Dried Fruit Ornaments
Dried fruit ornaments bring a lovely rustic and fragrant vibe to the holidays. Slice up oranges or apples and dry them out in the oven or a dehydrator until they’re just right. String them together with twine for that perfect old-fashioned look. For some extra scent and charm, add cinnamon sticks or star anise. These ornaments look amazing, smell divine, and are totally biodegradable — a win-win for your decor and the planet.