20 Mess-Free DIY Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make Themselves

1) Paper strip swirl ornament

You need: construction paper, scissors, stapler or tape, hole punch, ribbon

How: Cut 6 to 10 paper strips (about 1 inch wide). For a rounder “ball,” use a mix of short and long strips. Stack strips and staple one end. Curve strips outward and gather the other ends to form a sphere shape, then staple. Punch a hole and add ribbon.

2) Cupcake liner rosette ornament

You need: cupcake liners, glue stick or double-sided tape, button or pom pom, ribbon

How: Flatten liners, fold like a fan, then pinch the center. Wrap a small piece of tape around the pinched middle to hold it, then fan it into a circle and tape the ends together. Layer two rosettes for fullness. Add a center button, then tape on a ribbon loop.

3) Sticker collage ball (paper)

You need: cardstock circles, holiday stickers, marker, ribbon

How: Cut a big circle (or use a paper plate trimmed down). Kids cover it in stickers. Add a face, patterns, or their name. Punch a hole, add ribbon.

4) Foam shape tree ornament

You need: craft foam sheets, foam stickers, ribbon, scissors

How: Cut a simple tree shape from foam. Decorate with foam stickers. Poke a hole at the top and tie ribbon through.

5) Felt mitten ornament (no-sew)

You need: felt, safety scissors, glue dots or fabric tape, ribbon

How: Cut two mitten shapes. Stick them together around the edges, leaving the top open. Tuck a ribbon loop inside the top, then seal the final bit of the edge.

Toddler win: Let them decorate with felt hearts or “buttons” made from foam stickers.

6) Pipe cleaner candy cane

You need: red and white pipe cleaners, ribbon

How: Twist one red and one white pipe cleaner together. Bend into a candy cane shape. Tie on a ribbon bow or make a hanging loop.

7) Bead and pipe cleaner star

You need: pipe cleaners, pony beads

How: Thread beads onto a pipe cleaner, leaving about 2 inches bare at each end. Bend into a five-point star, then twist the ends together to close. Use any remaining tail to form a small loop for hanging, then twist to secure.

8) Wooden bead snowman

You need: 3 wooden beads (different sizes if possible), string or thin ribbon, black marker, small scarf ribbon

How: Thread beads largest to smallest. Draw a face and buttons with marker. Tie a tiny ribbon scarf between beads. Double-knot the top into a hanger.

9) Cinnamon stick bundle ornament

You need: cinnamon sticks, twine, mini pine sprig (real or faux), small jingle bell (optional)

How: Bundle 3 cinnamon sticks with twine. Double-knot tightly, then tie a bow and leave extra twine for hanging. Tuck in a pine sprig.

Bonus: Smells like Christmas without a single drop of paint.

10) Mini book page tree (upcycled)

You need: an old damaged book or junk mail paper, scissors, glue stick, tape, ribbon

How: Roll paper into a cone and tape it closed. Cut small strips of page paper and wrap around the cone in layers like branches. A glue stick stays tidy and dries fast. Tape a ribbon loop inside the cone tip.

Best for: Older kids who like fussy little details.

11) Washi tape ornaments (paper or foam)

You need: cardstock or foam shapes, washi tape, scissors, ribbon

How: Cut shapes like trees, circles, or stars. Let kids cover with washi tape strips, then trim edges. Punch a hole, add ribbon.

My note as a mom: This is the craft that makes kids feel like design geniuses.

12) Popcorn and cranberry garland mini-strand

You need: popped popcorn (plain), fresh cranberries (optional), yarn or kitchen twine, blunt tapestry needle

How: String popcorn (and cranberries, if using) into a short loop or heart shape. Tie off with yarn for hanging.

Mess-free tip: Do it over a tray. Popcorn sheds crumbs, and cranberries can leak and stain, so consider skipping cranberries if you are crafting on anything you love.

Toddler note: For kids under 5, skip the needle. Pre-thread the yarn and let them slide popcorn on by hand, or use O-shaped cereal instead.

13) Origami heart ornament (easy fold)

You need: square origami paper, tape, ribbon

How: Fold paper into an origami heart using an easy pattern, then tape a ribbon loop to the back.

Help level: Great for ages 7+ or younger kids who love step-by-step directions.

14) Photo ornament in a plastic fillable ball

You need: clear plastic fillable ornament ball, small photo, ribbon

How: Cut a photo strip slightly shorter than the ornament height. Roll it and slip inside so it opens into a cylinder. Add a ribbon hanger.

15) Button tree ornament (no glue option)

You need: buttons (green or any colors), pipe cleaner, star bead (optional)

How: Thread buttons onto a pipe cleaner, widest at bottom. Bend into a triangle tree shape and twist to secure. Add a bead at the top and bend a loop for hanging.

16) Paper chain ornament (mini wreath)

You need: green paper strips, stapler or tape, small red paper circles, ribbon

How: Make a tiny paper chain, then connect ends into a circle wreath. Add a few red “berries” (paper circles) with tape. Tie on a ribbon bow and hanger.

17) Puzzle piece wreath (upcycled)

You need: old puzzle pieces, cardstock ring base, double-sided tape, ribbon

How: Cut a ring from cardstock. Stick puzzle pieces around it using strong double-sided tape. Add a ribbon bow and hanger.

Optional: If you want color, use pre-colored puzzle pieces. Still no paint.

18) Paper snowflake ornament (fold and snip)

You need: white paper, scissors, hole punch, ribbon

How: Fold paper into a triangle wedge and snip shapes. Unfold to reveal the snowflake. Punch a hole in one point and add ribbon.

Kid-friendly tweak: For ages 3 to 5, pre-fold and let them do a few safe snips.

19) Fabric scrap tassel ornament

You need: fabric scraps or ribbon pieces, cardboard, twine

How: Wrap fabric strips around a small piece of cardboard. Slide off, tie at the top with twine, then snip the bottom to create a tassel. Add a hanging loop.

20) Air-dry clay tags (markers only)

You need: store-bought air-dry clay, cookie cutters, drinking straw, markers, ribbon or twine

How: Press clay flat, cut shapes, poke a hanging hole with a straw. Let dry completely (often overnight, and up to a couple of days if thick or humid), then decorate with markers only. Add ribbon or twine and double-knot for hanging.

Need it today? Swap the clay for pre-made kraft gift tags or thick cardstock tags. Kids can decorate with stickers and markers and you can hang them right away.