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Easy Christmas ornaments to make with kids can turn a simple holiday activity into a keepsake you’ll bring out year after year. Choose a project that suits your child’s age, set out washable or non-toxic craft materials, and let little makers enjoy the process rather than aiming for a perfect finish. These ideas include clay handprints, painted ornaments, and simple paper crafts.
Easy Christmas ornaments to make with kids using air-dry clay
Air-dry modeling clay is a straightforward option for children’s ornaments. It is ready to shape without baking, although it needs time to dry fully. Prepare a covered work surface and follow the drying directions for the clay you choose.
Handprint keepsake ornaments
Handprint ornaments can mark a child’s first holiday season or another special year. To make one:
- Roll the clay into an oval slightly larger than the child’s hand.
- Press the hand into the clay. Keep it in place while gently pressing each finger and the palm so the print is clear.
- Make a hole near the top for hanging. An adult can do this step, especially with toddlers.
- Let the clay dry for a few days, turning it once a day so both sides dry evenly.
- When it is completely dry, add paint if desired. Stamping the child’s initials and the year is another way to personalize it.
For a Santa design, shape the handprint first, then carefully trim the clay around its edges. The design was inspired by @ashchaber. Allow the clay to dry completely before painting or adding details.
Handprint ornaments can also be made for each child in the family. Write a name or year on the back, or use a stamp before the clay dries. Keep the ornament flat while it dries to help preserve its shape.
Painted ornaments for toddlers and preschoolers
Unfinished frames, ceramic shapes, and wooden animals give young children a simple surface to decorate. For toddlers who are still learning to hold a brush, choose a larger ornament and use child-safe paint. An adult can add names or dates after the paint has dried.
Paintable frames can be decorated with brushstrokes and finished with pom-poms. Let the paint dry before attaching embellishments. Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard, so keep them out of reach of children who may put craft items in their mouths, and have an adult handle the glue.
Unfinished ceramic ornaments are another option for children who are beginning to paint. Add a short note, such as “First Christmas,” on the reverse side once the surface is dry. Check the ornament’s instructions to see which paints are suitable.
Wooden animal shapes can be painted in bright colors and decorated with pom-poms after drying. Set out only a few colors at a time to make the activity easier for younger children, and protect the table before starting.
More easy holiday craft ideas
- Paint wooden Christmas trees: Small unfinished trees can be painted and displayed with other holiday decorations.
- Make a paper chain: Connect red and green paper strips for a classic decoration. Older children can help with child-safe scissors; toddlers can join in by choosing colors or passing strips to an adult.
- Cut paper snowflakes: Fold paper and cut simple shapes. Children should use scissors suited to their age and be supervised.
- Decorate gift wrap: Let children paint on craft paper before using it to wrap gifts, or have an adult wrap packages first and let the children decorate the outside.
Make the project work for your family
For a relaxed craft session, prepare materials in advance and choose a project with steps children can manage. Save unfinished supplies for another year, and write the date on keepsakes once they are dry. With a little planning, easy Christmas ornaments to make with kids can become both a fun seasonal activity and a collection of handmade decorations to enjoy in future holidays.
— Elsie
