70 DIY Christmas Ornaments That Will Make Your Tree Extra Special
Updated: Dec. 01, 2023
These DIY Christmas ornaments will help you deck the halls and trim the tree to perfection this holiday season.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Do-It-Yourself Decor
It doesn’t matter if your Christmas tree is more Charlie Brown than Rockefeller Center. What really makes a tree special are the ornaments hanging from every bough. And while it might be easier to buy a pack of generic bulbs to hang on the branches, doing so will rob your tree of a heartwarming and homey vibe. After all, what is Christmas without the DIY Christmas ornaments you and your family have made over the years?
Creating your own Christmas ornaments and finding new Christmas crafts for kids are two of the best Christmas traditions, right up there with singing carols and playing Christmas party games. It’s well worth it to set aside time to create these DIY Christmas decorations—and create holiday memories. From glitter and glue to needle and thread, there’s something for everyone in this collection of DIY Christmas ornaments.
Shake And Paint Christmas Ornaments
Not only will these colorful baubles dress up your tree, but they’ll also give your kids a way to join in the crafting fun. Instagram user @PlayHuntersWay has a simple tutorial for creating these gorgeous DIY Christmas ornaments. What paint colors will you or your toddler pick? Maybe the answer is in the stars. Here’s how to decorate for the holidays, according to your zodiac sign.
Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornament
If you’re an expert with a crochet hook, you can whip up this ornament in no time. But even if you’re not down with yarn, a pretty ribbon or braided twine will make a great substitute. Simply fold the crocheted segments or ribbon in the shape of a Christmas tree, adding a pom-pom every two levels. Run a threaded needle up the center of the tree, forming a loop at the top for hanging. With this DIY under your belt, you’ll be ready to tackle these amazing Christmas wreath ideas.
Holiday Dogs Christmas Ornaments
In our book, a family Christmas that doesn’t include your pets isn’t worth celebrating. With this adorable holiday dogs felt ornament kit, your pooch will never be left out of the festivities again. If your pet loves your Christmas tree a little too much (remember, they shouldn’t eat fallen needles), you might want to look into getting one of the best artificial Christmas trees this year.
Truck Christmas Ornament
Truck-obsessed kids (and truck-loving parents) will have a blast with this simple ornament project. We especially love the Christmas tree in the bed of the pickup! It would make a fabulous addition to a personalized Christmas stocking.
Gnome Christmas Ornaments
In Northern Europe, gnomes are an integral part of Christmas celebrations, and with this DIY Christmas ornament kit, they can be a cute part of your Christmas too. Just make sure to leave out some cookies: Legend has it that gnomes will mess with your house if they’re not properly welcomed. In the crafty spirit? Freshen up your house with some outdoor Christmas decoration ideas.
Paper Cones Christmas Ornaments
Gumdrops, mini candy canes, licorice, and colorful hard candy would look super cute in these paper cones. Using plain or brightly decorated construction paper, roll into a cone and glue, then punch a couple of holes in the top to thread string for hanging. These would make great stocking stuffers too.
Embroidery Christmas Ornament
These three-inch ornaments might be the ultimate in personalized gifts. Choose your monogram, and the kit will come with linen printed with the pattern, linen for backing, an embroidery hoop, a needle, and thread. The instructions (and video tutorial) mean you can’t mess this up.
Cactus Christmas Ornament
Not everyone lives in a place with the kind of seasonal landscape we sing about in carols. Snow on snow on snow? More like T-shirts and turkey cooked on an outdoor grill. Whether you’re a desert dweller or just like the look, this adorable cactus DIY Christmas ornament is a fresh new Christmas tree idea to try this year.
Macramé Star Christmas Ornaments
Macramé is having a serious moment right now, thanks to Instagram and the resurgence of all things crafty and ’70s. Bring the trend to your tree with this star ornament kit. It contains full instructions to make beautiful stars in lots of different colors. And if you love stars, you’ll love these Christmas tree toppers.
Light Bulb Penguin Christmas Ornament
Turning blown-out light bulbs into DIY Christmas ornaments is an eco-friendly way to trim your tree. For this one, all you need is a non-water-based paint (or nail polish). Once the paint has dried, glue a toothpick tip to the penguin’s face as a beak and tie a bright ribbon around the top to hang on your tree.
Mosaic Christmas Tree Ornament
Make like the ancient Romans and decorate your home with a nice mosaic this holiday season. This ornament kit features colorful mosaic pieces on a wooden base. Next, shop for the cutest Christmas gift wrapping paper.
Learn-to-Sew Christmas Ornaments
If you can’t sew your own buttons—or you have kids who ought to learn how to sew—this ornament kit is destined for your cart. It comes with plastic needles and precut, prepunched felt pieces for a focus on sewing technique. There are six cute ornaments to build confidence, learn a new skill, and trim your tree.
Cardboard Roll Winter Hat Christmas Ornament
With a cardboard roll, some yarn, and a little glitter paint, you can make this adorable winter hat ornament to hang on your tree or give as a gift for Grandma and Grandpa. Knot yarn all the way around a half-inch section of tube, leaving the yarn tails hanging. Gather the tails of yarn, tie them off, and trim them into a pom-pom, which you’ll dip in glitter paint.
Beaded Poinsettia Christmas Ornaments
The poinsettia is one of the few flowers to bloom in winter. That, along with its seasonally appropriate red and green foliage, is why you see an abundance of them every Christmas. Now you can have them on your tree. This beaded ornament kit makes six gorgeous flowers to catch the light.
Light-Up Christmas Ornament
This is one of the coolest DIY Christmas ornaments we’ve seen, especially if you’ve got a STEM-minded child. With four laser-cut wooden ornaments, four mini battery packs, and four different LED lights, it’s the perfect Christmas activity for your science wunderkind to complete.
Wood Slice Reindeer Christmas Ornament
These adorable DIY Christmas ornaments require only a few basic craft supplies: wood slices, googly eyes, pom-poms (in the colors of your choice), glue, twine, and some antler-like twigs. You can drill a hole to hang the twine, or glue it to the back of the reindeer.
Ode To Joy Christmas Ornament
If your Christmas theme is full glam, go with DIY Christmas ornaments that add elegance between tree branches. This kit includes a ball ornament in your choice of color, beads, pins, and instructions for completing this show-stopping craft.
Baby’s First Christmas Ornament
If you or someone you know has recently welcomed a little one to the family, this ornament kit is the ideal way to commemorate Baby’s first Christmas. What could be cuter than a tiny baby handprint or footprint? Years from now, they’ll never believe were so tiny—and neither will you!
Ribbon-Wrapped Christmas Ornament
The great thing about DIY Christmas ornaments is adapting colors, patterns, and fabrics to your own taste and decor theme. This gorgeous ribbon-wrapped ornament tutorial from Michaels is endlessly customizable. You could even use a base ornament with a different shape, like a heart. You may know that you can’t recycle ribbon, but do you know whether wrapping paper is recyclable?
Nuts for Pine Cones Christmas Ornaments
These DIY Christmas ornaments couldn’t be simpler: All you need are some pretty ribbons, pine cones, and hazelnuts or chestnuts. Tie the ribbon in a bow and attach with glue. Add some hazelnuts to bring a rustic, country feel to your tree décor. If you want a little extra sparkle, considering dusting the pine cones with glitter.
Christmas Pals Christmas Ornament
If you’ve got some cross-stitching experience, this ornament kit is a great way to show off your skills and decorate your tree at the same time. Included is all the embroidery floss you need (as well as fabric and a needle) to make six new friends for Christmas: a reindeer, two snowmen, a polar bear, penguin, and Santa Claus himself. That’s several Christmas bingo squares right there!
Gold Thread–Wrapped Christmas Ornaments
We love the rustic look of this ornament from Instagram users Tracy and Austyn at @MakingItAGoodDay. Among their many beautiful homemade pieces are these cute cotton wool and gold thread ornaments. Using twigs for the tree trunks is genius, and making these out of cotton wool ensures they’ll never break.
Macramé Candy Cane Christmas Ornaments
Hanging candy canes on the tree is festive, but if you’d rather eat them, this beautiful macramé kit offers the same holiday vibe. Choose your color set and make three different candy canes with the cotton rope provided. They’re good enough to eat! When you’re done, put the fire on and settle down with the best Christmas movies of all time.
Snowy Bird Christmas Ornament
This DIY Christmas ornaments project is great for kids, as it mostly involves yarn wrapping to make a sweet, snowy owl. Using other yarn colors gives you different birds: choose red for a cardinal, blue for a bluebird or blue jay, and gray for an owl.
Yarn and Buttons Christmas Ornaments
Kids of all ages will love putting these DIY Christmas ornaments together. To craft them, wrap colorful yarn around a Styrofoam ball, secure with glue, and top with cute buttons. Go with traditional Christmas colors for timeless appeal, or go more modern with your color scheme.
Ribbon Wreath Christmas Ornament
These cute little ribbon wreaths will look awesome on your tree and teach you a new braiding skill at the same time, thanks to the tutorial from Michaels. Each wreath takes two ribbons, so you can use the colors and patterns of your choice.
Buttons Christmas Tree Ornaments
Oh, the things you can make with buttons! This kit contains everything you and the kids need to make angel, Christmas tree, Santa, reindeer, and snowman button ornaments.
Wooden Bead Snowman Christmas Ornament
What’s cute, easy to craft, and makes your tree look great? This snowman ornament made from wooden beads, of course. We love his button hat! Get the kids involved, and your tree will be looking frosty in no time. Stay in the holiday spirit with family Christmas pajamas.
String Art Wood Slice Christmas Ornament
String art looks amazing and is surprisingly easy with this kit. Choose from Mr. Mouse, a snowman, Christmas tree, or snowflake—or make them all! The wood rounds are light and easy to hang, and they won’t shatter if a curious cat knocks them off the tree.
Sequined Christmas Ornaments
These DIY Christmas ornaments are a great way to get a blinged-out tree in minutes. The kit comes with foam ornaments, ribbons, and colored sequins on pins that you can push into the foam balls. Mix colors and create your own patterns to add a touch of disco to your Christmas decor. We recommend these funny Christmas songs for the inevitable dance party.
Mini Houses Christmas Ornaments
Is there anything cuter than this little village of ornaments? With some plain cardboard houses and a thin paintbrush or two, you can decorate each ornament in the style that best suit your Christmas theme. For an extra-seasonal scene, dust the roofs with fake snow.
Clay Star Christmas Ornament
These DIY Christmas ornaments look amazing and high end, but they’re actually pretty easy to make. All you need is some clay, a star-shaped cookie cutter, a straw for poking a hole in the top, and pretty stamps to press into the rolled-out clay before baking. You can add paint or glitter to the finished ornaments, or hang them as they are.
Holiday Wreath Ornament Kit
This impressive Christmas ornament looks like it’s been handmade by a professional, but you can get the same upscale look with this ornament kit. The beaded design is a glam nod to the Christmas wreath.
Glitzy Christmas Ornaments
Nothing spices up a Christmas tree like sequins sparkling in the lights. With this felt applique kit, you can get the glamorous look. It contains everything you need to make four sparkling ornaments: a Christmas wreath, Christmas tree, poinsettia flower, and sweet candy cane. As you’re planning for the holidays, treat yourself to one of the best subscription boxes you can buy.
Face Mask Angel Christmas Ornament
It’s Christmas in the age of COVID-19, so it’s only appropriate this ornament is made from face masks. To make it, bend one mask in half along the nose wire (that’s your angel head), and scrunch a second in the center, fanning out the sides to form wings. Wrap the ear loop from the first mask around the wings and head. Cut the bottom ear loop off the wings, and hang your angel from the other loop.
Victorian Christmas Ornaments
For a touch of old-fashioned charm on your Christmas tree, look no further than a kit that helps you create 12 beaded baubles. These DIY Christmas ornaments are simple and striking.
Tartan Pine Cone Christmas Ornament
Whether you have Scottish heritage or just really like watching Outlander, a green-and-red tartan ribbon is a beautiful addition to your Christmas tree. Grab some pine cones from the great outdoors, glue on a pretty bow made of ribbon, and finish with a glittery gold star.
Blackboard Baubles Christmas Ornaments
Covering Christmas baubles in blackboard paint is a great first step to creating DIY Christmas ornaments. Let your little ones decorate with chalk, or have all your dinner guests contribute a drawing to your tree. Why not have a white elephant gift party while you’re at it?
Sparkle Snowflake Christmas Ornaments
If you’re in the swing of DIY Christmas ornaments, these gorgeous sparkly snowflakes will be a cinch to whip up. This kit has stamped felt, sequins, beads, needles, and thread—everything you need to make six beautiful snowflakes.
Felt, Lace, and Embroidery Christmas Ornaments
If your sewing skills leave something to be desired, glue will be your best friend here. Cut shapes from felt and glue or sew pretty scraps of lace to embellish. Crafters with a good command of a needle can embroider some leaves or sequins onto these gorgeous ornaments. The men in your life may not be super into sequins, but they’ll love these amazing gifts for men.
Rustic Picture Frame Christmas Ornament
With a basic photo frame, some twine, and a couple of conifer sprigs, you (or the kids!) can put together great DIY Christmas ornaments in under an hour. Wrap the frame in jute and use hot glue to add embellishments for a sweet addition to your tree.
Clothespin Snowflake Christmas Ornament
Get in the holiday spirit with these DIY Christmas ornaments made from clothespins. This kit has two decor options—rustic and coastal—so you can bring the beach indoors, even in winter. A selection of awesome tech gifts under the tree make a nice contrast to the homespun vibe.
Love Clay Christmas Ornaments
No word sums up the holiday season more than “love.” You can display any message you want on your tree with some simple clay ornaments and letter stamps. Try “peace,” “joy,” and “ho ho ho.”
No-Sew Bauble Christmas Ornament
Looking at these gorgeous ornaments, you would never think they were made just by folding fabric. But with this kit, you can DIY this look yourself. We love the fact that these are blue and white too. Mix and match the different fabrics to vary the look. Looking to travel this holiday season? Stop by one of these Christmas towns.
Painted Christmas Tree Ornament
A traditional Christmas symbol meets modern aesthetic with these DIY Christmas ornaments. Included are three wooden ornaments, eight pots of paint, and a brush.
Felt Avocado Christmas Ornament
This little guy is probably the cutest (and healthiest) ornament we’ve ever seen! If you’re not the type to carry around a needle and thread, you can absolutely achieve this level of adorableness with a little glue. Hang it from your tree, or use it to adorn food gifts.
Burlap Bear Christmas Ornament
This little guy is unbearably cute! The ornament kit offers a great opportunity to improve your sewing skills, though you can give your glue gun a bit of exercise if you’re needle averse.
Gingerbread Man Photo Frame Christmas Ornament
This ornament is an adorable way to showcase holiday memories. It would also make a unique gift for grandparents. The kit is simple enough that kids can make the ornament themselves, and it comes with a gingerbread man design.
Bear Face Wood Slice Christmas Ornament
It’ll be a beary merry Christmas with this adorable fellow hanging from your tree. We especially love the pom-pom nose. Get creative by crafting different types of bears (think grizzly, panda, polar, and more) for a koala-ty tree.
Yarn-Wrapped Tree Christmas Ornaments
Sure, you can keep the kids occupied with funny Christmas movies, but an even better way to get them out of your hair while you wrap endless presents is with this easy craft. Simple cardboard triangles wrapped with yarn and topped with a star make gorgeous ornaments.
Mosaic Reindeer Christmas Ornament
Kids of all ages will love crafting a cute reindeer they can hang from the tree. This kit contains a painted wooden base and recycled glass tiles for the mosaic.
Dachshund Through the Snow Christmas Ornament
Yes, this is one of the cutest DIY Christmas ornaments ever made. And yes, it’s simple to put together—you just need brown felt, googly eyes, and some cotton wool to stuff the body. The Christmas bead necklace on this little pooch is optional, but it really takes the adorableness to the next level. Plus, it doubles as a thoughtful gift for dog lovers.
Pom-Pom Reindeer Christmas Ornament
You and the kids can craft some sweet little reindeer one snowy afternoon with this easy DIY kit. Curly antlers made of pipe cleaners will add a dose of humor to your tree.
Beaded Cactus Christmas Ornament
There’s no reason you can’t put a plant on your tree, and this one adds a Southwestern touch. The DIY Christmas ornaments kit has everything you need to make five adorable potted cacti. If you’ll be escaping to warmer weather this Christmas, be sure you know these holiday travel tips.
Snow Globe Christmas Ornaments
Snow globes are super cute, but they’re also super breakable. Get the look without the risk with these soft felt snow globes. This comprehensive kit has all the supplies to make two snow globes that will look gorgeous on your tree.
Pine Cone People Christmas Ornaments
You and the kids can make these super-cute DIY Christmas ornaments with just a few supplies. Forage for some pine cones, hot glue a big wooden bead to the top as a head, and use a marker to draw on a face. Finish with construction paper or foam sheets cut in the shape of gloves, boots, and a hat. Then settle in with the best Christmas books for kids.
Sequin Fabric Christmas Ornament
Sequin fabric jazzes up any simple shape or ornament! These look great sewed and stuffed, but if you’re looking for an even easier craft, create flat ornaments. Simply glue sequin fabric to a cardboard back and cut in the shape of a tree. Remember to save any sequins that come off as you’re crafting; you can glue them over any bald spots.
Wood Bead Star Christmas Ornament
These wooden beads have a nice rustic look when plain, but you can also paint or decorate them to match the rest of your decor. This tutorial explains exactly how to string the beads into a lovely holiday star that will look gorgeous on your tree. They’d also look gorgeous as add-ons to DIY Christmas gifts.
Wood Christmas Tree Ornament
With a wooden Christmas tree base, you can paint any design you like. This dot technique looks amazing, though you may want to add a sequin or two. Let your imagination run wild.
Ironing Bead Christmas Ornament
You’ll need ironing beads, a pegboard, and ironing paper to make these striking ornaments. Once you’ve got the basic supplies, you can use your imagination to create shapes and patterns with all the colors of the rainbow. You won’t need imagination to find the perfect gifts this year, thanks to this great list of gifts for teens.
Nordic Christmas Ornaments
Put together a Nordic Christmas with these felt appliqué DIY Christmas ornaments. The kit makes six adorable ornaments,, and because the patterns are stamped on the felt, crafting them is a lot easier than it looks.
String Art Bauble Christmas Ornament
String art is one of those DIY projects that looks magical when it’s finished and only requires a pattern and some patience to get it right. This big, beautiful, five-by-five-inch ornament has everything you need to create a gorgeously intricate Christmas bauble. Next, find out what stores are open on Christmas Eve.
Wrapped Twine Christmas Ornaments
If your Christmas decor leans rustic, this ornament tutorial is something you need to see. The technique is genius (tip: you’ll need a balloon!), and when you tell people you made these ornaments, they’ll think you’re a genius too. But we think that the smartest thing you could do this season is purchase one of these holiday gifts that give back.
Christmas Tree Star Ornaments
Recycle a little cardboard, scraps of yarn, and card stock for these charming homemade Christmas ornaments from Live Craft Eat. Your kids can totally help, too!
Vintage Map Ornaments
A few origami folds turn maps of a favorite place into unique Christmas ornaments.
Sprinkles Ornaments
Dress up simple glass balls with this sweet idea from Gimme Some Oven: sugary sprinkles!
Wood Slice String Art Ornaments
You probably have everything you need for these rustic Christmas ornaments in and around your house: a few nails, a slice of wood from a thick branch, and some colorful twine. By the way, this is what your Christmas tree wishes you knew.
Gem Icicle Ornaments
Homemade Christmas ornaments don’t have to look “crafty.” Mad In Crafts’ glittery icicle ornaments will add a touch of glam to your tree.
Book Page Ornaments
Reuse old page turners (or track them down in used bookstores) to make these simple yet stylish ornaments. Need more cheap chic? Try these 50 stylish and festive decorating ideas.
Christmas Candy Ornaments
Pretty hard rock candies and an oven are all you need to make these stained glass–looking ornaments. A little confectioners glaze will help them last season after season!
Elmer Ornament
Mama Miss’s adorable patchwork-painted elephant will add a colorful and whimsical touch to your tree.
