30 DIY Christmas Decorations for Families & Kids
The holiday season is a magical time to gather with loved ones and create cherished memories. What better way to celebrate than crafting your own Christmas decorations that bring warmth and personality to your home? These DIY Christmas projects are perfect for families and kids, offering opportunities to bond, inspire creativity, and infuse your home with festive cheer.
Get your craft supplies ready and prepare for a mix of traditional, nature-inspired, and personalized decorations that’ll make this holiday season unforgettable.
Traditional Crafts With a Twist
Get creative this Christmas with fun, easy-to-make crafts that combine traditional techniques with modern flair. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these DIY projects add a personal, festive touch to your holiday decor.
1. Handprint Snowmen
Transform simple white paper into a keepsake with handprint snowmen. Trace your little one's hand, cut it out, and decorate each fingertip as a snowman. Use markers, glitter, or buttons to customize! It’s a classic with a personal touch.
2. Paper Plate Angels
Turn plain paper plates into adorable angel decorations. Fold a plate to form wings, attach a smaller circle for the face, and decorate with gold glitter and markers. These angels are a nostalgic addition to any Christmas tree or mantel.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeers
Save those toilet paper rolls! Paint them brown, add googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a red pom-pom nose to create miniature Rudolphs. It’s a budget-friendly craft that kids will adore.
4. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Glue popsicle sticks together in a snowflake shape, paint them white, and add glitter for a frosty finish. They make a charming DIY ornament or window decoration.
5. Button Christmas Trees
Glue buttons of different sizes and colors onto cardboard cutouts of Christmas trees. Layer the buttons for a textured, festive look. Perfect for kids to make and display.
Nature-Inspired Decor
Bring the warmth and charm of the outdoors into your home this holiday season with natural materials and rustic designs. These simple yet beautiful decorations will fill your space with festive cheer and earthy elegance.
5. Pinecone Christmas Trees
Collect pinecones during a nature walk, then paint them green and sprinkle glitter to mimic a decorated tree. Use small beads as ornaments for an extra festive look.
6. Holly and Twine Wreaths
Combine natural holly branches with twine or ribbon to design charming wreaths. It’s the perfect way to bring a refreshing, outdoorsy scent to your home during the holidays.
7. Twig Photo Frames
Gather twigs from your backyard and glue them into a square or rectangle frame. Add a treasured photo and hang it as a rustic holiday ornament or keepsake.
8. Orange Slice Garlands
Dry thin slices of oranges in the oven, then string them together with twine to create a fragrant and natural garland. Add cinnamon sticks for an extra holiday touch.
9. Acorn Bell Ornaments
Attach tiny jingle bells to the tops of acorns using hot glue, then string them onto ribbons to create unique, nature-inspired ornaments with a cheerful sound.
DIY Decorations with Recycled Materials
Get into the holiday spirit while giving old items a new life! These eco-friendly DIY projects are fun, stylish, and perfect for adding a sustainable touch to your festive decor.
10. Cardboard Star Garland
Cut stars from cardboard boxes and decorate them with paint or foil. String them together for a unique star garland that’s sustainable and stylish.
11. Jar Lid Ornaments
Don’t toss those old jar lids! Wrap them in holiday fabrics or spice them up with paint and glitter to turn them into bespoke hanging ornaments.
12. Milk Carton Snow Villages
Cut the tops off clean milk cartons, apply white paint, and decorate with windows, doors, and snowy rooftops using cotton balls. Arrange a charming, upcycled winter village on your mantel.
13. Magazine Christmas Trees
Roll pages from old magazines into cones and glue them together to form tiny Christmas trees. Paint them green and decorate with glitter or beads for a colorful, upcycled decoration.
14. Wine Cork Reindeers
Use leftover wine corks to create mini reindeers. Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaner antlers for an adorable, eco-friendly ornament.
Personalized Ornaments
Add a special touch to your holiday decorations with personalized ornaments. Perfect for celebrating meaningful moments or gifting something unique!
15. Family Photo Baubles
Place small family photos inside clear baubles along with a sprinkle of confetti or snow. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate family this holiday season.
16. Milestone Memory Ornaments
Capture yearly milestones by writing them on wooden or ceramic ornaments. Kids can also decorate these to commemorate each year. Fun and sentimental!
17. Monogrammed Stockings
Personalize inexpensive stockings by adding each family member’s initials using felt cutouts, fabric paint, or glitter glue.
18. Baby’s First Ornament
Create a special keepsake for a baby’s first Christmas by decorating an ornament with their name, birth year, and tiny handprints or footprints.
19. Handwritten Message Ornaments
Write heartfelt holiday messages or quotes on blank ceramic ornaments using a metallic marker. Add ribbon for a simple yet elegant personal touch.
Edible Decorations
Add a touch of creativity to your dishes with edible decorations! From colorful garnishes to intricate designs, these tasty embellishments make your meals look as good as they taste.
20. Gingerbread Houses
Get creative with a classic gingerbread house kit or make your own from scratch. Decorate with candy, icing, and sprinkles for a sweet center table display (that won’t last long!).
21. Popcorn & Cranberry Garland
Thread popcorn and fresh cranberries onto a string for a timeless Christmas tree garland that’s festive and old-fashioned. Encourage kids to test their fine motor and threading skills!
22. Festive Sugar Cookie Ornaments
Bake colorful sugar cookies with cut-out holes for string. Decorate with frosting and hang them as edible ornaments on your tree. Just watch out for sneaky snackers!
23. Hot Chocolate Stirring Spoons
Dip plastic or wooden spoons into melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and let harden. Wrap them in cellophane to double as edible tree decorations or stocking stuffers.
24. Candy Cane Reindeer
Add googly eyes and a small red pom-pom nose to candy canes to turn them into festive reindeer. Tie a ribbon around for an extra decorative touch.
Interactive DIY Christmas Decor
Transform your space with decor that does more than just look good. Interactive decor adds a unique, engaging element to your home, blending functionality with style.
25. DIY Advent Calendar
Create a custom advent calendar by filling 24 small envelopes, boxes, or mason jars with treats, notes, or small toys. Hang them on the wall or arrange them in a festive display for an exciting daily countdown to Christmas.
26. Family Handprint Wreath
Use green construction paper to trace and cut out every family member’s handprint. Arrange the handprints in a wreath shape, gluing them together, and top it with a bow. A delightful collaboration that’s brimming with holiday spirit!
27. Holiday Tabletop Tree Forest
Make a mini forest using foam cones wrapped in colored paper, felt, or fabric. Taller family members can design the “trees,” and kids can add their own touches with pom-poms or glitter.
28. Snow Globe Mason Jars
Place a small holiday figurine into a mason jar, fill it with water, glitter, and a drop of glycerin, then seal tightly. Shake it up and admire your homemade snow globe!
29. Felt Christmas Tree for Kids
Cut a large tree shape out of green felt and attach it to a wall. Provide kids with smaller felt ornaments they can arrange and rearrange as they please. It’s a mess-free, interactive activity.
30. Scratch-Off Wish List Ornaments
Paint small cardstock ornaments with a layer of acrylic paint and dish soap to create scratch-off ornaments. Kids can reveal their Christmas wishes in a fun way when hung on the tree!
Create Memories That Sparkle This Christmas
Crafting and decorating for the holidays together isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about fostering creativity, teamwork, and connection within your family. These family DIY Christmas decoration ideas are perfect for making memories that will last far beyond the season.
Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to share your masterpieces with other family members and friends! Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!
For more holiday inspiration check out these popular Christmas lists:
