39 Simple DIY Christmas Ornaments to Make at Home

It’s that time of the year to pull the boxes of Christmas decorations sitting out from your attic. This season always brings lots of holiday DIY projects for many, and perhaps the favorite place to focus is the prominent, green tree that ends up on display. Looking for a bang for the buck, modern addition to your Christmas tree? 

Here are 39 DIY Christmas ornaments you can make with your family. Don’t be fooled by how intricate they look – they’re super simple to make!

Cute and Easy Sewing Projects

Comfortably idling by the fireplace, got a sewing machine and want some quick and easy sewing projects? These DIY Christmas ornaments make excellent easy sewing projects even for beginners.

Dachshund Felt DIY Christmas Ornaments

Looking for a different take on your tree decor this year? You won’t lose with a Weiner! Celebrate everyone’s favorite Long Dog with no sewing experience required! Even beginners can sew this cute pooch.

Not only does felt come in different colors, wool felt is naturally flame and water retardant as well as self-extinguishing, thus safe for your Christmas tree. Its fibers being compressed and matted, it will last you for many Christmases – for reuse or even when you’re only intending to keep a few for keepsake.

See the instructions on how to recreate these adorable felt dachshunds here: www.spabettie.com

Felt Christmas Ornaments with printable

Another great beginner sewing project for kids and adults, this adorable felt Christmas tree ornaments only takes 30 minutes to make. Your toddler can even be your little Christmas elf, helping out stuff the felt trees with cotton. Get the free printable here.

This process is a lot easier than glueing felt to wood or other materials, and you’ll love the way your mini-tree looks hanging on your big tree. 

See the instructions here: www.beginnersewingprojects.com 

Sewn Canvas or Duck Cloth Ornament

For those who love a farmhouse aesthetic – some scrap fabric, a little paint, and simple sewing are all you need to make these adorable primitive-inspired ornaments. Stuff it with cinnamon and turn it into little scented sachets you can hook all over your home.

Not planning to keep it for next year? Canvas and duck cloths are pretty sturdy fabrics. Re purpose it into little zippered pouches for your loose change and trinkets!

Take a look here: www.sustainmycrafthabit.com ​

Felt Unicorn Ornaments

It’s a snap to make these whimsical unicorn ornaments. Using simple hand sewing and felt, these unicorns will look so pretty next to your twinkle lights. Swoodson Says provided this free pattern as well as a walk-through on how to make this DIY Christmas ornament, so it is beginner-friendly.

Not only is this a cute Christmas theme, unicorns have also become a popular choice for birthday parties. Make it for your little one’s big day, or patch it on to her schoolbag.

Get the instructions here: www.swoodsonsays.com 

Glue DIY Christmas Ornaments

Make glue the star of your holiday season with these simple DIY Christmas ornaments. This is a perfect indoor activity for your kids when it’s too snowy to go outside and play.

Christmas Gnome Ornaments

Make one in less than 15 minutes! These popular Christmas gnome ornaments from Sarah at Ruffles and Rain Boots are made in just minutes and look amazing. Wood rounds are the base for this DIY holiday ornament everyone will love.

This project requires the use of a few materials: wood slices, craft fur, felt, wooden beads, twine, and hot glue. Not only does these gnomes look good on the tree, they make a cute gift-topper too!

Check out the instructions here: www.rufflesandrainboots.com 

Scandinavian Tomte Christmas Elf Ornament

Celebrating with European friends this year? This traditional Scandinavian tomte gnome ornament makes a well-thought-of, darling gift-topper. A popular holiday motif in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, you can make this craft project using wooden beads, fabric, and clay.

This project is fairly easy for kids. Try mixing up the sizes of your tomte gnomes to create a whole set.

Find more about this project here: www.tikkido.com 

Paper Pinecone Christmas Ornaments

Want to do an expensive-looking craft for cheap? Learn how to make this DIY paper pinecone ornament. Using only polystyrene eggs, paper, bows, and glitters, these paper pinecones will definitely add some bling to your tree!

If you’re looking for a way to put the books you’ll never read again to good use, then this project is perfect for you. Make it as bright as you want with glitters!

Take a look at this project here: www.countryhillcottage.com 

Grinch DIY Christmas Ornaments

Everyone’s got a soft spot in their heart for these fun Grinch ornaments from Sarah at Ruffles and Rain Boots. Grab some basic craft supplies and the kids to make a fun set of ornaments sure to grow hearts at least three sizes.

For this project, you will need wood slices, acrylic paint, colored pens, felt (or Santa hats), feathers, and glue.

Check out the instructions here: www.rufflesandrainboots.com 

Fabric-covered trees

Looking to fill your Christmas tree with non-traditional color schemes? I suggest these pretty fabric-covered Christmas ornaments. Feel free to use any fabric of your choice.

For this project, you will only need cardboard, swatches of fabric, and glue. Applying Mod Podge is optional, though it will prevent the edges of the fabric from fraying. This is an easy and inexpensive way to take your tree up a notch.

Get the instructions here: www.minted.com

Rustic Twig Snowflake

Made with twigs and twine, not only do these rustic twig snowflakes look great on the tree, they can even be used for festive wall art. Accent it with pine needles, berries, even buttons and felt.

This craft project is very easy and costs next to nothing to make – head to the backyard for some twigs, trim them to your preferred size using garden shears and fasten using twine or hot glue.

Find out more about this project here: www.yellowblissroad.com 

Origami Waterbombs

Crafted from any type of paper plus a string, these origami Christmas ornaments are easy and cost next to nothing to make. It’s best made with festive paper.

If you’re looking for a way to upcycle all those books you’ve read, this is a way to do so. This is also a great activity for kids, as origami-making helps develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and mental concentration.

Get the instructions here: www.thesprucecrafts.com

DIY Jack Skellington Ornaments

Looking for a craft project that can transcend Halloween? These super easy Jack Skellington ornaments are adorable and so simple kids can make them. Give your Christmas bulb ornaments a new life using only a Sharpie.

You can also remove the permanent marker print and re purpose it for other themes like this Baymax ornament.

Get the instructions here: www.whiskysunshine.com 

Breast Cancer Ornament

You would love this pink ornament with a special message and meaning hanging on your Christmas tree. This breast cancer ornament is so easy and simple anyone can make it.

There are so many other words that hold a deep meaning to those battling or those who have beat cancer – life, love, warrior.

Find out more about this project here: www.intelligentdomestications.com 

Mason Jar Lid Christmas Wreath

Got rusty mason jar lids sitting on your cupboard? Re purpose them and give your tree a rustic feel with this easy DIY mason jar lid Christmas wreath. Customize it with the fabric of your choice!

An old flannel shirt is also a great choice for this project – nothing screams Christmas more than flannel prints.

Find out more about this project here: www.crayonsandcravings.com 

Mason Jar Lid Christmas Ornament

Use old cards and a mason jar lid to make this adorably vintage ornament! Even kids can help with this one. For a more personal and sentimental touch, use family photos.

For this project, you may also whip out your paintbrush set and decorate it with anything you like (perhaps Mod Podge some family photos too).

Get the tutorial at: www.downredbuddrive.com 

Scrabble Tiles DIY Christmas Ornaments

If your scrabble board is missing a tile or already gathering dust, put those tiles to use and turn them into these cute and easy scrabble mason jar lid ornaments.

All you need is a glue gun, fabric, scrabble tiles, and mason jar lids to make these adorable ornaments! 

You can still use those mason jars by drilling holes in the them, and hanging them as separate ornaments.

Find out more about this project here: www.kindlyunspoken.com 

Doily Ornaments

Turn old doilies into new ornaments in just a few minutes! The stunning details would be a beautiful addition to your tree, and a great way to cherish a loved one each holiday season.

For this project, you’re going to need embroidery hoops, doilies, some twine and hot glue.

Check out the tutorial here: www.downredbuddrive.com

Gingerbread House Ornaments

Want to go old-fashioned with the tree this year? Make these fun gingerbread houses for your tree out of brown paper grocery bags. You may also complement it with edible gingerbread cookie ornaments.

Throw a little ornament decorating party for the kids – it will keep them preoccupied (and will give you a much-coveted “me time”).

Get the instructions here: www.housefulofhandmade.com 

Paper Lantern Christmas Ornaments

Decorate your Christmas tree with beautiful paper lanterns. Add battery-powered tea lights to them for a Christmas glow!

Re purpose old books or use any color card stock you want. What I love most about these ornaments is that you can make them year-round. 

Get the tutorial here: www.housefulofhandmade.com

Beach Christmas Ornament

Add a beachy feel to your Christmas tree with these simple sand and shell ornament balls! They are the perfect keepsake from a beach vacation, too!

For this project, you’re going to need clear ball ornaments, sand, and small sea shells.

Click here for the tutorial: www.charlestoncrafted.com

Wood Slice Deer Ornament

Come see how to make a rustic wood slice deer ornament by updating a dollar store find. This is a perfect addition to your wintry Christmas tree (not to mention it looks store-bought).

I have some broken CDs lying around, so put them to good use by cutting them up and gluing them onto the deer ornament rather than using acrylic paint.

Check out the project here: www.ourcraftymom.com 

Silver Spoon Santa

Got some old or bent spoons laying around? Use them in this silver spoon Santa project. These make thoughtful gifts, unique ornaments or beautiful coffee table trinkets.

For a more personal touch, Mod Podge family photos on to the spoons! The rustic effect of the spoons makes it seem like a timeless and classy piece.

Find out more about this project here: www.salvagedliving.com

Reindeer Driftwood Ornaments

These simple ornaments were made using small pieces of driftwood. Get the kids to help with these simple and sweet reindeer ornaments. Don’t have driftwood? No problem! Use twigs or popsicle sticks instead!

For this project, you are going to need driftwood (or any type of wood available to you), acrylic paint, glue gun, and twine.

Learn more about this project here: www.sustainmycrafthabit.com

Rudolph Wood Slice Ornament

This Rudolph Wood Slice Ornament is an easy Christmas craft. With a little adult supervision, your little one can easily participate in turning wood slices into this rustic-looking Christmas ornament.

I suggest buying wood slices with holes pre-drilled (unless drilling using a small drill bit is not a problem). For the reindeers’ ears, you may use twigs or small clothespins. 

Check out the tutorial here: www.thediydreamer.com

Reindeer Clothespins

This DIY reindeer ornament is an easy craft for both toddlers and preschoolers. It is such a fun way to include your kids in the Christmas decorating.

Not only does this look great as a tree ornament, but also a nice gift topper and a coffee table trinket.

Learn more about this project here: www.rainydaymum.co.uk

Popsicle Stick Ski Ornaments

Missed this year’s ski trip? Turn your tree into a snow resort with these ski ornaments made using popsicle sticks, toothpicks, felt, and snaps. You may also create a bigger-sized version for your doorstep.

The best part about this craft project is that it’s not only something you can DIY yourself, but your kids can help with it, too.

Check out the tutorial here: www.cleanandscentsible.com

Vintage Wooden Thread Spool Ornament

Make a special personalized Christmas decoration by using the lyrics of your favorite song for these ​reused cotton scroll ornaments. You can hand-write the lyrics yourself or download and print them onto brown paper. 

For a personal (and functional) touch, you may also have your kids write down their Christmas lists to create this decoration.

Learn more about this project here: www.pillarboxblue.com

Glitter Pine Cone Ornaments

Give pine cones a glittery makeover! Gather the kids and make these pretty glitter pinecone ornaments that can also be placed in bowls and placed throughout the house as decoration!

This craft project can be done in less than ten minutes! It doesn’t get easier than that.

Check out the tutorial here: www.stylishcravings.com

Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

Make your home smell like Christmas! This cinnamon stick ornament is an unexpected Christmas decor item you never knew you needed. It’s simple and rustic – a modern triangle with a sprig of faux garland and a little knot of baker’s twine.

They are easy to create, budget-friendly, and easy to make in large quantities (hint-hint: gift idea!). 

Learn more about this craft project here: www.tagandtibby.com

Mickey and Minnie Christmas Ornaments

Easy Ornaments for Disney Lovers. These Mickey and Minnie Christmas ornaments are so easy to make with mason jar lids. Great for gifts or to hang on the tree!

This is a great project for kids as well, and you may get them to decorate a plain headband to match the theme. It also gives the hint of an upcoming Disney world trip.

Get the instructions here: www.cutefetti.com

Printable Christmas Ornaments

Got little time for arts and crafts in the busiest time of the year? To help you get into the decorating spirit, these DIY Christmas ornaments are so simple, all you need​ to do is print off a pattern! You’ll find lots of creative ways to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

Printable Bell Ornaments

DIY Christmas ornaments made of paper are a quick and easy Christmas craft that will bring festive charm to your home. If you need some new holiday décor, this DIY project is a super simple one.

The fun part about this ornament aside from only requiring you to own a printer is that you can choose a trinket to glue on the middle, so it’s easy to add a ton of variety.

Get the instructions and the printable here: www.countryhillcottage.com

Shop Class Throwback

Looking for an excuse to use torches and drills? These craft projects require you to do DIY outside your living room.  But don’t fret, these DIY Christmas ornaments projects only require basic drilling techniques.

Rustic Wood Slice Ornament

These rustic wood slice ornaments are the perfect amount of elegant. Recreate this DIY Christmas ornament using natural elements and a simple wood-burning technique. They can even be used as a festive wall art this Christmas season.

For this project, you are going to need round wood slices, a wood-burning tool, any stamp of your choice, a brown ink pad, pine cones, and a ribbon.

Find out more about this project here: www.ourcraftymom.com

Driftwood Christmas Tree Ornament

Gather up driftwood over the summer and create these driftwood Christmas tree ornaments for the holidays (or even all year round). Accessorize it with feathers and fabrics for a bohemian approach.

This is a fun way to remember your beach vacations, making your favorite holiday memories last a lifetime.

Get the instructions here: www.thehandymansdaughter.com

Wooden Christmas Ornaments

These wooden DIY Christmas ornaments feel right at home hanging on your tree. For this project, you are going to need a 1/8″ drill bit, wood slices, yarn and yarn needles, and twine. You can purchase wood slices or you can cut your own.

This is a fun and affordable DIY Christmas ornament project that your whole family can take part in.

Get the instructions here: www.mommymoment.ca

Wooden Bead Star Decor

Deck the halls with these simple DIY wooden bead star decorations. They make the prettiest decorations to hang on your tree and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to make one in just a few minutes.

What’s great about this craft is you can display it year-round. Feel like getting crafty on Valentine’s Day? Make a heart-shaped version!

Learn more about this project here: www.gatheringbeauty.com

Edible Christmas Ornaments

Not only do these DIY Christmas ornaments look good, but they taste good too! Recreate these projects for a Christmas tree you can eat!

Vegan Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments

Why bother decorating your tree with ornaments when these gingerbread cookie ornaments are just as pretty and so delicious! These vegan gingerbread cookies are not only great tasting, they can also be strung on the tree for simple holiday decor.

These make for a fun pastime that the whole family can get in on. Use different cookie cutters to get fun Christmas ornament shapes.

Get the recipe and instructions here: www.baked-theblog.com

Gumball Machine Ornament

This easy DIY gumball machine ornament by Aww Sam is the perfect gift for friends and neighbors (they can open it whenever they need a sugar rush). How cute are these little gumball machines all strung up in a row? Hang it on the tree or into a garland by the fireplace.

Not a fan of candies? Fill them up with cocoa and marshmallows!

Get the instructions here: www.awwsam.com

Popcorn and Cranberry Tinsel

This threaded popcorn and cranberry tinsel Christmas ornament are so easy to make – they can be made in less time than it takes to untangle knotted Christmas lights. Toss in some marshmallows on the loop for some added fluff!

With a needle and thread, string together popcorn and cranberries in any pattern you desire. Just like the other edible ornament crafts, this won’t last as long as regular decors. It’s best to put them on the tree a few days before you want to show them off.

Get the instructions here: www.saltycanary.com

Hanging Cones

Carefully pierce and thread ice cream cones and turn them into cute and edible Christmas baskets. Fill it with the kids’ favorite candies or bake cupcakes into them if you’re up for a little challenge.

Get creative and decorate them with sprinkles, candy canes, and whatever else your sweet tooth desires!

Get the instructions here: www.goodtoknow.co.uk

Conclusion

While you may be tempted to your store-bought ornaments that have been sitting in your attic all year long, making DIY Christmas ornaments can be a more meaningful way to decorate your tree. Think of the fun you would be spending with your family creating these crafts –what better way to take your kids’ art and turn it into something even more magical to hang on your tree?