80 DIY Christmas Ornaments to Give Your Tree a Personal Touch
They make really sweet gifts, too!
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When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, the ornaments are definitely the main attraction. This is where our own unique style tends to shine. Ree Drummond, for example, is all about those meaningful, homespun ornaments over uniform store-bought sets. "The ones on my tree are a mix of crafted childhood ornaments and sentimental ornaments we've been gifted through the years," she says.
It makes sense that Ree's partial to DIY Christmas decorations—they're one of a kind, imbued with care (even if they don't turn out how you imagined! 😂), and often have a retro feel. Plus, DIY Christmas ornaments make sweet heirlooms to give to loved ones. So if you need more DIY Christmas gift ideas or just want a fun Christmas craft, give these homemade ornaments and baubles a try. They're exactly what your tree needs this holiday season.
Here, we've selected our favorite projects in the hopes that they'll make your Christmas that much more wonderful. Try crafting chalkboard ornaments—you'll be able to personalize each gift with your recipient's initials or a special message. Or take a look at ornaments that up-cycle household items such as mason jar lids and baking tins. You might also want to make a few of these DIY Christmas tree decorations with your kids, in which case we suggest the adorable mini clothespin options or those sparkly reindeer ornaments! Whether your style is modern, traditional, or rustic, there's a homemade Christmas ornament on this list that's perfect for you.
Beaded Wreaths
Wreaths are entirely too cute to exclusively hang on your doors. Spread the Christmas spirit by making a few beaded versions to hang from your tree branches, too. A holiday ribbon adds the merriest finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Salt Dough Frames
What's more special than a handmade ornament? A handmade ornament featuring a sweet family photo, of course! This blogger has step-by-step instructions to make dough for the ornament frames, then shows you how to get the picture attached as well.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Popsicle Stick Sled Ornaments
Oh, what fun it is to make these charming little popsicle sleighs! It's easier than it looks to craft them with popsicle sticks and the paint color of your choice. You can even adorn them with winter greenery!
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
Snowman Handprint Ornaments
We promise these adorable frosty friends made of your kids' handprints won't melt off your tree! In fact, with some acrylic paint and sealer, they'll last season after season.
Get the tutorial at Little Red Window.
Glitter Scallop Ornaments
Merry, bright, and oh-so-simple to make, you'll want to paint one in every color of the rainbow! Along with paint, you'll need a foam pouncer, decoupage, and glitter to make the lovely, scalloped top.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Gnome Ornaments
It really doesn't get much cuter than this Scandinavian-inspired gnome ornament! A fluffy yarn beard and bead nose is topped off by an adorable terra cotta pot hat.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Hand Painted Pastel Ornaments
Add a pop of color to your branches with these whimsically painted ornaments. They're the perfect mix of vintage and modern style for so much Christmas cheer hanging from your tree.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois.
Candy Cane Ornaments
So sweet! These decorative candy canes will be the perfect additions to your tree. The only things you'll need to complete the easy project are red and white fabric scraps and wire.
Get the tutorial at DIY Candy.
Paper Honeycomb Ornaments
You've probably seen honeycomb ornaments at your favorite home design store, but you can make equally beautiful ones at home. The large size of this version makes them the perfect visual counterbalance to small ornaments on your tree. Bonus: You can choose any color to match your décor.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Avocado Toast Ornaments
This one almost looks good enough to eat! Avocado toast fanatics won't be able to resist the incredible felt recreation of their favorite snack. The little salt beads are such a cute touch!
Get the tutorial at DIY in PDX.
Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments
For a creative twist on the classic snow globe, try these salt shaker ornaments. To make them, you'll place glittery bottle brush trees atop a bed of salty "snow." How nifty!
Get the tutorial at Mason Jar Crafts Love.
Paper-Covered Ornaments
Grab an old book or newspaper you're finished with to make this sweet paper-covered ornament. The neutral hues and minimalist look mean it will work well with any Christmas tree color scheme.
Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.
Pine Snow Globe Ornament
Bring a little bit of the outside in with this snow globe ornament filled with natural elements like pinecones, snow, and pine needles. It's like a whimsical winter forest in a ball!
Get the tutorial at The Crazy Craft Lady.
Retro Ornaments
Hello, vintage Christmas décor! These vibrant paper ornaments are easy to make with a little help from a printable. Once you've printed and cut out the funky shapes, it's time to attach the beads, bells, and tassels.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Winter Floral Ornaments
Ree is a big fan of florals, so we have no doubt she would give these pretty ornaments her stamp of approval! They're bright and colorful, and you can easily customize the colors and design.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Cat Embroidery Hoop Ornaments
Calling all cat parents! One of these purr-fect embroidery hoop ornaments deserves a spot in the center of your Christmas tree. Your furry friend will definitely approve!
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Engraved Ornaments
Give your tree a personal touch by adding a few of these acrylic ornaments with your loved ones' names engraved on them. To get the neat layering look, you'll create pretty snowflake designs on one side and lettering on the other.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Wool Felt Mitten Ornaments
These tiny felt mittens are too cute! Hang a few around your tree or string them up to create a sweet little garland. They're sure to create the coziest feel in your space.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Macrame Ornaments
Macramé decorations are incredibly charming and easy to make, even if you're a beginner. Trust us! And these particular woven Christmas tree ornaments keep things extra simple by only using one knotting technique.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Painted Nut Ornaments
Instead of roasting chestnuts, you can paint them! These darling painted treasures will bring a touch of whimsy to your tree. The little ones are sure to love them, too!
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte.
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