5 Homemade Christmas Tree Ornaments You Need to Make with Your Kids and Teenagers

The Christmas season is a time for family, festivities, and creating not just ornaments but lasting memories. What better way to bond with your children and teenagers than by making homemade Christmas tree ornaments? Not only do these ornaments add a personal touch to your tree, but they also become cherished keepsakes that will remind you of years gone by.

Here are five delightful homemade Christmas tree ornament ideas that you and your kids or teens will love making together. Grab some craft supplies, put on your favourite Christmas music, and get ready for some creative fun!

1. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

One of the most heartwarming and easy-to-make ornaments is the salt dough handprint. This one’s perfect for capturing your little ones’ growing hands (or even the hands of teenagers!).

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Rolling pin
• A baking tray
• Acrylic paint and a paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and water to create a dough. Knead it until smooth.
2. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Press your child’s (or teen’s) hand into the dough, leaving a handprint impression.
4. Use a cookie cutter to shape it into a circle or star if you like.
5. Place it on a baking tray and bake at 120°C (250°F) for 2-3 hours until hard.
6. Once cooled, paint it with festive colours and add a ribbon to hang it from the tree.

This ornament is a beautiful, sentimental way to preserve your child’s (or teenager’s) handprint for years to come!

2. Pom-Pom Snowman Ornaments

These adorable little snowmen are simple to make and look fantastic on any tree. Plus, they give your teenagers a chance to experiment with different textures and colours.

What You’ll Need:

• White yarn
• Black beads or buttons
• Orange felt (for the nose)
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Wrap white yarn around two fingers to create a pom-pom. The more you wrap, the fluffier it will be!
2. Tie a piece of yarn around the middle to secure it, and then snip the loops to create a fluffy pom-pom.
3. Repeat this process to make two smaller pom-poms—one for the body and one for the head.
4. Attach the smaller pom-pom on top of the larger one.
5. Use black beads or buttons for the eyes and buttons, and cut a small triangle from the orange felt to create the snowman’s carrot nose.
6. Attach a ribbon for hanging, and you’re done!

This activity is a fun way to add a whimsical touch to your tree and a great way for teens to get into the Christmas spirit by showing off their creativity!

3. Cinnamon Stick Reindeer Ornaments

If you’re looking for an ornament with a lovely scent and rustic charm, cinnamon stick reindeer ornaments are the way to go. This project is perfect for children and teens alike, as they’ll love putting together the reindeer’s body and decorating it with seasonal accessories.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Brown pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Red pom-pom (for the nose)
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Glue two cinnamon sticks together to form the shape of a cross (the body and the head of the reindeer).
2. Cut two small pieces of pipe cleaner to make antlers and glue them to the top of the cinnamon stick.
3. Attach the googly eyes and the red pom-pom for the nose.
4. Tie a ribbon around the neck or at the top to hang it from the tree.

These reindeer ornaments will fill your home with the sweet smell of cinnamon, and your kids will love them for their cute and rustic look!

4. Paper Snowflakes

Snowflakes are a classic Christmas decoration, and making paper snowflakes is a simple but magical way to spend time together as a family. Older kids and teenagers will have fun experimenting with different designs and sizes, and the result is always stunning!

What You’ll Need:

• White paper
• Scissors
• Glitter (optional)
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle.
2. Fold it again into a smaller triangle.
3. Cut out different shapes along the edges (the more intricate the cuts, the more detailed the snowflake).
4. Unfold the paper to reveal the snowflake design.
5. For an extra touch, sprinkle glitter on the snowflake for a sparkly effect.
6. Add a small ribbon at the top for hanging.

These snowflakes are perfect for any age group and add a delicate, wintery touch to your tree.

5. Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slice ornaments are another lovely way to bring a natural, rustic feel to your Christmas tree. You can even personalise them with names or festive messages, making them extra special.

What You’ll Need:

• Small wood slices (you can find these at craft stores or use a saw to cut your own)
• Paint or permanent markers
• A hole punch or drill
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Start by sanding the edges of the wood slices for a smooth finish.
2. Use paint or markers to add designs, such as festive greetings like “Merry Christmas,” a snowman, or even your family’s names.
3. Use a hole punch or drill to create a hole at the top for the ribbon.
4. Thread a ribbon through the hole and tie it for hanging.

These wood slice ornaments are great for older kids and teens to personalise, and they create a lovely homemade touch on your tree.

Creating these DIY Christmas ornaments with your kids or teenagers is a wonderful way to add personal touches to your festive décor and create lasting memories. Whether you’re making handprint salt dough keepsakes, fluffy pom-pom snowmen, or rustic cinnamon reindeer, each ornament will be a reminder of the joy and creativity shared during the holiday season.

So this year, put aside the store-bought ornaments and make time to craft something special with your family—it’s a Christmas tradition that will bring joy for years to come!