DIY Christmas Crafts & Ornaments You Can Make at Home (With Kids!)

There’s something magical about crafting at Christmastime — the scent of pine, the sound of carols, and glitter everywhere (in the best way). Whether you’re decorating your home or looking for a cozy family project, DIY Christmas crafts and ornaments are the perfect way to make memories while saving money.

This year, the trend is all about homemade holiday touches — ornaments that tell a story, décor made from everyday items, and crafts simple enough for kids but pretty enough to display. Grab your hot glue gun and a mug of cocoa — here are 12 beautiful, budget-friendly Christmas crafts to make this season!

1. Dried Orange Slice Garland

A timeless favorite that adds a natural, fragrant touch. Slice oranges thinly, bake them at a low temperature until dry, then string them with twine or ribbon.

Tip: Add cinnamon sticks or star anise between slices for an old-world Christmas feel.

Picture This: A kitchen filled with citrus scent, garlands of golden orange slices drying on parchment paper beside twine and scissors, sunlight streaming in through frosty windows.

2. Salt Dough Keepsake Ornaments

This classic recipe only needs flour, salt, and water — perfect for handprints, names, or cookie-cutter shapes. Once baked, paint or seal with Mod Podge for a glossy finish.

Tip: Use metallic paint or gold leaf for a modern twist.

Picture This: Tiny hands pressing into dough, cookie cutters scattered across a wooden table, laughter echoing as kids paint ornaments in holiday colors.

3. Pinecone Gnome Ornaments

Turn foraged pinecones into adorable little gnomes! Add felt hats, small wooden beads for noses, and faux fur for beards.

Tip: Hang them from your tree or attach them to gift tags.

Picture This: A rustic craft table covered in pinecones, felt scraps, and glue sticks — whimsical gnomes lined up, ready for the tree.

4. Cinnamon Stick Stars

Gather five cinnamon sticks and glue them into a star shape. Wrap the joints with twine or gold wire and hang them as ornaments or gift toppers.

Tip: Add a sprig of greenery for a farmhouse touch.

Picture This: Hands tying cinnamon sticks with twine, gold glitter catching the candlelight, the finished star hanging from a garland of pine.

5. Painted Wood Slice Ornaments

Pick up pre-cut wood slices or cut your own from fallen branches. Paint them with festive designs — snowflakes, initials, or even family portraits.

Tip: Seal with clear varnish to make them last year after year.

Picture This: A cozy workspace filled with paintbrushes, acrylic paints, and little wood slices drying on kraft paper beside a steaming cup of cocoa.

6. Fabric Scrap Trees

Use leftover fabric scraps to create charming mini trees. Cut small triangles, sew or glue them to twigs, and place in a small pot or spool base.

Tip: Perfect for kids learning simple hand-sewing.

Picture This: A farmhouse-style table with soft cotton scraps in green, plaid, and burlap, tiny fabric trees standing proudly in rustic spools.

7. Glittery Jar Snow Globes

Fill mason jars with faux snow, small bottlebrush trees, and tiny figurines. Add water and glycerin for shakeable versions or leave them dry for sparkle without mess.

Tip: Reuse old jars or spice containers.

Picture This: Children watching in awe as sparkling snow swirls inside tiny glass globes lined up on a mantel, fairy lights twinkling in the background.

8. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

A kid-friendly classic that’s endlessly customizable! Arrange popsicle sticks in snowflake shapes, glue, and paint them in white or silver — add glitter for sparkle.

Tip: Use hot glue for strength and let kids decorate with buttons or gems.

Picture This: A crafting station sprinkled with glitter and glue, popsicle snowflakes drying in every color of the rainbow, kids proudly showing off their creations.

9. Personalized Photo Ornaments

Print small family photos and mount them in DIY frames made from cardboard, craft sticks, or even old jar lids. Add ribbon for hanging.

Tip: Use black-and-white photos for a classic feel.

Picture This: A tree filled with smiling faces — grandparents, pets, and little ones — framed in handmade ornaments that tell your family’s story.

10. Rustic Twig Stars

Bundle twigs or small sticks into a star shape, tying them with twine or raffia. Add a bit of white paint for a snowy effect.

Tip: Combine several sizes for a Scandinavian-inspired wall hanging.

Picture This: Twigs, twine, and a dusting of faux snow laid out on a linen cloth, simple star shapes ready to be hung by the window.

11. Felt Gingerbread Friends

Cut gingerbread shapes from brown felt, glue on white rickrack “icing,” buttons, and bows. These are soft, safe, and adorable — perfect for little helpers.

Tip: Add a drop of ginger or cinnamon oil for a sweet scent.

Picture This: A tray of smiling felt cookies lined up like gingerbread men, bright red bows, and frosting details made of white trim.

12. Recycled Card Gift Tags

Upcycle last year’s Christmas cards by cutting them into pretty shapes. Punch a hole, add ribbon, and use as gift tags or ornaments.

Tip: Layer two or three for a 3D effect and add glitter edges.

Picture This: A table strewn with cut-up greeting cards, ribbons, and gold pens — every tag unique, colorful, and ready to top a wrapped gift.

Summary

The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, get creative, and make something special with the people you love. In this blog, DIY Christmas Crafts & Ornaments You Can Make at Home (With Kids!), readers discover 12 easy, beautiful, and budget-friendly projects that fill their homes with handmade warmth.

From dried orange slice garlands and cinnamon stick stars to whimsical pinecone gnomes and salt dough keepsakes, these crafts capture the heart of Christmas — connection, creativity, and charm. The post encourages readers to gather simple materials, spend time together, and create ornaments and décor pieces they’ll treasure for years to come.

Each craft is visually described to inspire imagination, with step-by-step ideas perfect for Pinterest, family blogs, and holiday décor inspiration boards.