You know, the holiday season totally invites you to get crafty, and if you’re anything like me, homemade decorations just hit different. There’s something so sweet about DIY Christmas ornaments — they’re fun to make, budget-friendly, and add that special personal flair to your tree. Plus, these little handmade beauties make amazing keepsakes or gifts that everyone will treasure. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into crafting or you’re already a DIY pro, I’ve rounded up 20 easy ideas that’ll light up your holidays with some serious festive cheer.
Let’s Start With the Classic Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are hands-down a beginner’s best friend. You mix simple ingredients—flour, salt, and water—knead it up till smooth, and roll out your dough to cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Pop them in the oven to bake, then let your imagination run wild with paint colors. Wanna make it extra special? Press in little handprints or footprints for a sweet keepsake from the kiddos. And here’s a pro tip: hang your creations with rustic twine or ribbons to up that cozy, homemade vibe.
Cozy Up Your Tree With Burlap and Plaid
If farmhouse vibes are your jam, then burlap and plaid ornaments are calling your name. Cut fabric into playful circles or cute little bows, then wrap or glue them onto foam balls or cardboard shapes. Secure everything with twine to keep that natural, warm feel. Want to kick it up a notch? Toss on tiny pinecones or dried orange slices to bring in extra festive charm. Budget-friendly hack? Grab old checked shirts from thrift stores or your closet and chop them into patches for one-of-a-kind patterns.
Rustic and Natural: Pinecone Ornaments
Nothing says rustic Christmas like pinecones picked right from your backyard or a nearby park. They’re free, easy, and crazy cute. To jazz them up, glue on beads or a bit of glitter for that festive twinkle. Tie them up with twine or add a splash of color with ribbons before hanging. Mixing up sizes — some small, some big — keeps your tree looking super interesting and natural.
Soft and Sweet Fabric Ornaments
Got fabric scraps lying around? Perfect! Fabric ornaments are not just pretty but also super simple. You can sew or glue two pieces together, leaving a little gap for stuffing some cotton or dried lavender—hello, holiday aromatherapy! Decorate with buttons or little embellishments to match your style. If you’re low on budget, thrift stores often have inexpensive fabric pieces that are perfect for this kind of project.
Fun for the Whole Fam: Popsicle Stick Ornaments
Looking for a craft that the kids will actually love? Popsicle stick ornaments are where it’s at! Glue sticks together to make shapes like snowflakes or stars, then let those little artists paint and bedazzle them with glitter, googly eyes, or sequins. To keep things neat, stash your supplies in an old wooden crate — trust me, it’s a game changer during crafting marathons.
Giving New Life to Old Buttons
Who knew those random buttons in your sewing box could shine as ornaments? Gather a mix of colors and sizes, then glue them to cardboard shapes or wreath frames to create gorgeous button art. You can keep it traditional with holiday colors or go wild with all the hues. Bonus tip: hit up friends and family for their spare buttons to build an epic collection without spending a dime.
Feeling Cozy With Felt Ornaments
Felt is like crafting comfort in fabric form. Cut out stockings, angels, or any shape that sparks joy. Stitch or glue the edges, stuff them lightly, and add some embroidery for that detail-love. Hang them with cheerful ribbons to brighten your tree. Even better? Make it a group activity where everyone picks their favorite shapes and colors. It’s crafting + quality time all in one.
Jazz Things Up With Beaded Ornaments
For a little sparkle and elegance, stringing beads into shapes like candy canes or stars is pure magic. Mix and match bead colors and sizes, use sturdy thread, and play around with materials for a fresh twist. It’s easy to customize and looks stunning. Plus, leftover beads? Perfect for making garlands or sprucing up gift wraps!
Easy-Peasy Paper Ornaments
Paper ornaments are so accessible and versatile. Grab some colorful scrapbook or recycled wrapping paper and cut out simple shapes like stars or snowflakes. Layer them up to make a little masterpiece, then add paint or glitter to catch the light just right. And if cutting feels tricky, stencils can become your crafting best friend.
Rustic Twine-Wrapped Ornaments
Want that warm, rustic vibe? Grab a foam ball or an old ornament and wrap it up tight with natural twine. Glue on some dried flowers or tiny pine branches to make it pop. This one’s simple but packs serious charm. Don’t forget to scavenger your leftover twine stash — why buy new if you don’t have to?
Light Up the Night With Tea Light Ornaments
Here’s a cool twist: tea light ornaments. Use small plastic cups or fashion holders from cardboard, and deck them out with paint, glitter, or cute paper cutouts. Pop in battery-operated tea lights, hang ’em on your branches, and watch your tree glow with cozy warmth. Heads-up: dollar stores usually have affordable tea lights, so keep an eye out!
Bring the Magic Inside With Snow Globe Ornaments
Snow globe ornaments are basically tiny winter wonderlands. Start with clear glass or plastic balls and tuck in miniature figures. Fill with water and add glitter for that enchanting shimmer. Seal them up tight, and you’ve got mesmerizing little baubles that’ll give your tree a magical sparkle. If you want to switch things up, old jars can work too—just make sure they’re sealed well!
Get Personal With Mod Podge Ornaments
Mod Podge is basically magic glue that lets you customize ornaments effortlessly. Cut your favorite fabric or paper into shapes and layer it onto your ornament’s surface. A thin Mod Podge coat on top seals the deal with a shiny finish and protects your design. It’s a playground for creativity. And if you want to save a few bucks, use scrap fabric or paint samples for an easy, low-cost project.
That Cozy Scent? Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Nothing warms up the holidays like the smell of cinnamon sticks. Tie a few together with twine and finish with a cute bow for a simple yet charming ornament. You can even add faux holly sprigs for a pop of color. These aren’t just decorations—hang them around your home or tuck them into gift wrap for a lovely scented surprise.
Sweeten Things Up With Gingerbread Ornaments
Gingerbread ornaments bring all the festive feels and delicious smells. Whip up a classic gingerbread recipe, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, bake, then have fun decorating with icing and little candies. They look adorable on the tree and your home will smell like holiday heaven. Pro tip: package a few as gifts—they’re sure to wow!
Nostalgia Vibes: Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments
If you love adding a nostalgic touch, vintage sheet music is your secret weapon. Cut or fold old sheet music into stars, circles, or holiday shapes, then secure with ribbons for hanging. They bring a sweet musical spirit to your tree. Got a tight budget? Hunt for sheet music scraps at thrift shops or online for a treasure find.
Get Inspired by Nature for Simple Ornaments
Love that outdoorsy, natural look? Gather acorns, twigs, or small branches and glue or tie them into simple ornaments. They blend effortlessly with other decorations and bring a cozy, earthy feel to your holiday setup. Bonus points if you use leftovers from previous crafts—sustainability for the win!
Turn Jar Lids Into Charming Ornaments
Don’t toss those jar lids! Paint them in festive colors and dress them up with ribbons or seasonal embellishments. They’re lightweight, easy to hang, and perfect for crafting with the family. Bonus tip: use lids from old mason jars or pasta sauces to keep your craft eco-friendly and budget-wise.