I’ll be the first to admit it: I have a serious ornament addiction. Every year, I go a little overboard, but who can blame me? Christmas ornaments are like tiny, sparkly memories hanging on a tree. But let’s be real, buying new ones every year can get expensive fast. That’s why, a few years ago, I decided to take things into my own hands—literally. And let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer. There’s something magical about crafting your own holiday decor. It’s a chance to slow down, get creative, and make something truly unique.
DIY Christmas ornaments aren’t just for a budget-friendly holiday season. They’re a way to create an heirloom, a piece of your family’s story you can pull out year after year. Every time you hang one, you’ll remember the day you made it. It’s a special kind of memory that money just can’t buy. So, if you’re ready to ditch the generic store-bought stuff and give your tree some personality, you’re in the right place. These 17 DIY Christmas ornaments aren’t just pretty—they’ll make your tree absolutely unforgettable.
Classic & Timeless DIY Ornaments
These are the crafts that feel like a warm hug from your childhood. They’re simple, classic, and perfect for getting everyone in the family involved, from the littlest elves to the most seasoned crafters.
1. DIY Salt Dough Ornaments (Easy & Kid-Friendly)
Remember making these as a kid? If you don’t, you were seriously missing out. DIY salt dough ornaments are the OG of handmade Christmas ornaments. They’re ridiculously easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. I’m talking flour, salt, and water. That’s it. You mix it up, roll it out, cut out your shapes with cookie cutters, and bake them. Easy peasy.
The real fun starts once they’re cooled. You can paint them, add glitter, write names, or simply seal them with a clear coat for a natural look. My favorite part is pressing my kids’ handprints into them. It’s a sweet, little time capsule you’ll treasure forever.
2. Hand-Painted Glass Baubles for a Custom Look
This one feels a little more advanced, but trust me, it’s not. Grab a box of plain glass or plastic baubles from the craft store. You can find them for super cheap after the holidays, so stock up! Then, get some acrylic paint, paint pens, or even nail polish. The possibilities are endless.
You can create intricate designs, abstract swirls, or simple polka dots. I once made a set of ornaments that were tiny portraits of my family’s pets—it was a huge hit. The key is to let your creativity run wild. These hand-painted Christmas ornaments are a fantastic way to add a personal, artistic flair to your tree.
3. DIY Glitter Ornaments That Sparkle Under the Lights
Okay, so I have a love-hate relationship with glitter. It’s messy, it gets everywhere, and you’ll probably still be finding it in July. But IMO, nothing catches the light quite like a glitter ornament. To make these, all you need is some clear baubles, a little bit of floor cleaner (I know, weird, right?), and a whole lot of glitter.
Pour a little bit of the floor cleaner inside the bauble and swirl it around to coat the inside. Then, pour it out and dump in a generous amount of glitter. Shake it up until the entire inside is covered. It’s so simple and the result is stunning. These DIY glitter ornaments are pure holiday magic.
Pro Tip: To get your salt dough ornaments perfectly smooth and ready for painting, lightly sand them with fine-grit sandpaper after they’ve cooled completely.
Rustic & Natural Christmas Ornaments
If your style is more cozy cabin than glitzy glam, this section is for you. These ornaments use natural materials to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, and many of them smell amazing, too.
4. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments That Smell Like Christmas
I mean, can you get more Christmas-y than this? These rustic Christmas ornaments are a feast for the senses. All you need are some cinnamon sticks and a hot glue gun. You can make simple bundles tied with twine or create little stars or snowflakes. For an extra touch, I like to add a few sprigs of faux pine or some small berries.
Not only do these look beautiful and warm, but they also fill your home with the most incredible holiday scent. It’s a two-for-one deal: decor and a natural air freshener.
5. DIY Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
These look so elegant and yet they are probably the cheapest ornament you can make. Grab some oranges, slice them about a quarter-inch thick, and bake them on a low heat in your oven until they’re dry and translucent. This takes a while, so put on a good Christmas movie and enjoy the smell.
Once they’re done, thread some twine through them and hang them on your tree. They look especially beautiful when paired with string lights, as the light shines right through them. These dried orange slice ornaments are a simple, understated way to add a pop of color and a touch of nature to your decor.
6. Wood Slice Ornaments with Hand-Lettered Designs
For a truly rustic, personalized ornament, grab a pack of wood slices from the craft store. You can find them pre-drilled with a hole for hanging. You can use wood-burning tools to etch designs, but my favorite way to decorate them is with simple paint pens or a permanent marker.
You can hand-letter family names, dates, or small festive messages. My kids love decorating these with simple drawings of snowmen and reindeer. They’re simple, charming, and add a perfect touch of cozy woodland charm to your tree. These wood slice ornaments are a staple in my holiday craft box.
Pro Tip: For your dried orange slices, you can make them even more special by tying them with a small sprig of rosemary or a few cranberries.
Cozy & Handmade Ornaments
These ornaments are all about texture and warmth. They’re the ones that feel like they were made with love, because they were! They’re the perfect way to get a cozy, cottagecore vibe on your tree.
7. DIY Knitted or Crocheted Ornaments
If you’re a knitter or a crocheter, you’ve got to try this. You can use up those leftover yarn scraps to make tiny stockings, little hats, or even mini sweaters. They’re adorable and they make your tree feel so warm and homey.
Even if you’re a beginner, there are tons of free patterns online for simple handmade Christmas ornaments like tiny stars or hearts. They work up so fast, and you can make a bunch while watching your favorite holiday movies.
8. Felt Ornaments in Fun Holiday Shapes
Felt is a crafter’s best friend. It doesn’t fray, it’s easy to cut, and it comes in every color imaginable. You can create adorable DIY felt ornaments in the shape of gingerbread men, snowflakes, or tiny Christmas trees. I love the way they add a soft, whimsical touch to the tree.
Simply cut out two identical felt shapes, sew them together with some embroidery floss, and stuff them with a bit of cotton or batting. You can add buttons, beads, or sequins for extra decoration. They’re a wonderful way to use up scraps and create something truly unique.
9. Fabric Scrap Stars & Trees for a Cottagecore Look
Got a bag of old fabric scraps lying around? Now’s the time to use them! These DIY fabric Christmas ornaments are incredibly charming and perfect for that farmhouse or cottagecore aesthetic. Just cut out simple star or tree shapes from your favorite fabrics. I love using plaid flannel, vintage floral prints, or classic red and green cotton.
Sew two pieces together, leaving a small opening. Stuff them lightly and then sew the opening closed. You can even add a cinnamon stick inside for a little holiday scent. They’re sweet, personal, and a great way to use up materials you already have.
Pro Tip: For your felt ornaments, use a blanket stitch to sew the edges together. It’s a simple stitch that looks professional and adds a decorative touch.
Modern & Minimalist DIY Ornaments
Not everyone loves a cluttered tree, and that’s perfectly fine! If your style is more Scandinavian-inspired and clean, these ornaments are for you. They’re all about simple shapes, natural materials, and a sense of calm.
10. Clay Star Ornaments (Air-Dry Clay DIY)
Air-dry clay is a magical material. It’s so easy to work with and you don’t need a kiln. Just roll out the clay, use cookie cutters to create simple shapes like stars or circles, and let them dry overnight. The result is a simple, beautiful, and slightly imperfect ornament that feels organic and handcrafted.
You can leave them as is, paint them, or stamp them with a design. These clay Christmas ornaments are perfect for a modern, minimalist tree. I love the way they look in a simple white or terra cotta color.
11. Minimalist Wooden Bead Ornaments
This is one of my favorite super-simple projects. All you need are some unfinished wooden beads of various sizes and some twine. Thread the beads onto the twine, tying a knot at the end to secure them. You can make simple loops, wreaths, or even little angels.
These wooden bead ornaments DIY projects are perfect for a clean, natural look. They add texture and warmth without being visually overwhelming. They’re chic, understated, and incredibly easy to make.
12. Geometric Paper Ornaments for a Chic Look
Who knew paper could look so chic? These modern Christmas ornaments are surprisingly simple to make, but they look like a million bucks. You can find free templates online for making three-dimensional geometric shapes like diamonds, stars, or spheres.
Print them out on nice cardstock, cut them out, fold along the lines, and glue the tabs together. You can use metallic cardstock for a bit of sparkle, or keep it clean with simple white or black paper. They’re light, stylish, and a unique addition to any tree.
Pro Tip: To give your geometric paper ornaments a really polished look, use a bone folder to get crisp, sharp creases on all the fold lines.
Whimsical & Creative DIY Ornaments
These are the ornaments that tell a story. They’re a bit playful, a bit magical, and they’re all about capturing memories and imagination.
13. DIY Snow Globe Ornaments (Mini Winter Scenes)
This one takes a bit of patience, but it’s so worth it. Grab some clear plastic or glass baubles with a wide opening. Inside, you can create a tiny winter wonderland. Think mini bottle brush trees, fake snow, glitter, and little plastic figurines.
Use a long pair of tweezers to place your scene inside the ornament. A small dab of hot glue will keep everything in place. These DIY snow globe ornaments are enchanting and they look like tiny, magical worlds hanging on your tree.
14. Photo Ornaments to Capture Memories
This is probably the most sentimental ornament on the list. Take some of your favorite photos from the year—vacation snaps, funny selfies, or special family moments. Print them out in a small size that will fit inside a clear bauble. Roll them up, slide them in, and let them unroll.
You can add a little bit of glitter or faux snow for extra flair. These DIY photo ornaments are a perfect way to relive special moments every time you look at your tree. They make amazing gifts, too.
15. Candy Cane-Inspired Ornaments (Sweet & Playful)
You don’t have to use real candy canes for this one (though you certainly could!). For a lasting ornament, grab some red and white yarn or embroidery floss and a small wire or pipe cleaner. Shape the wire into a candy cane and then wrap the yarn tightly around it, alternating between red and white to create the classic stripes.
It’s a fun, playful project that results in a colorful and sweet ornament. FYI, you can also use this same technique on Styrofoam or wooden shapes. These DIY candy cane ornaments are a fun throwback to childhood and add a pop of cheerful color.
Pro Tip: For your photo ornaments, use a small dot of glue on the back of the photo to stick it to the inside of the ornament. This will keep it from rolling up or moving around.
Budget-Friendly & Upcycled Ornaments
Why buy new when you can create something beautiful out of things you already have? These ornaments are great for the planet and your wallet.
16. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments with Farmhouse Flair
Don’t throw away those old mason jar lids! They’re perfect for making charming upcycled Christmas ornaments. Simply pop out the center and use the ring as a frame. You can hot-glue a small picture inside, a tiny wreath, or even a little scene with some mini figurines and fake snow.
Tie it with a piece of plaid ribbon or twine and you’ve got yourself a beautiful, rustic ornament. I love these for a farmhouse-style tree. They’re a great way to repurpose something that would otherwise end up in the trash.
17. DIY Ornaments from Old Greeting Cards
Before you toss those holiday cards you’ve been saving, consider this: they can be the source for beautiful, DIY paper Christmas ornaments. Find cards with pretty pictures or patterns and cut out shapes like stars, trees, or bells. You can glue two identical shapes back-to-back with a piece of ribbon in between for hanging.
You can also cut out several shapes and string them together to make a garland. This is a great craft to do with kids, and it gives new life to all those beautiful cards you receive each year.
Pro Tip: To make your mason jar lid ornaments extra sturdy, glue the inner circle back in place to create a solid backing for your tiny scene.
So there you have it: 17 creative, fun, and beautiful DIY Christmas ornament ideas to make your tree truly yours. This isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about making memories, creating traditions, and adding a personal touch that you can’t get from a box of generic, store-bought ornaments. It’s amazing what you can create with a little imagination and a few simple supplies.
I’m a big fan of mixing and matching different styles. A rustic cinnamon stick next to a shiny glitter bauble, or a minimalist clay star hanging next to a whimsical snow globe. When you mix different textures and styles, you get a tree that is full of character and tells a story—your story. So this year, why not get your hands a little dirty? Pick a few of these ideas, grab a cup of cocoa, and put on your favorite holiday playlist. Your Christmas tree will thank you for it, and it will be Pinterest-perfect, guaranteed.
