Whimsical Holiday Ornament Projects for Kids
Hello, festive friends! At DEMDACO, we believe that holiday decorations, especially Christmas ornaments, should be more than just pretty — they should tell a story. Today, we're excited to share a fun, educational guide for parents and teachers on using ornament making as a delightful way to teach children about kindness. So, let's dive into a world of glitter, glue and goodness!
The Magic of Handmade Holiday Ornaments
There's something uniquely delightful about creating your own holiday decorations. Whether it's designing Christmas ornaments or other holiday decorations, crafting brings families together and sparks creativity. Plus, it's a wonderful way to spend quality time with your little elves!
Age-Appropriate DIY Ornament Projects
We’ve gathered some fun and super easy DIY ornament projects for kids of all ages. These projects not only add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations but also offer a chance to talk about kindness and giving.
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Materials Needed:
- Non-toxic, washable paint
- Clear plastic ornaments
- Ribbon
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Instructions:
- Paint the Hand: apply a thin layer of paint to your toddler's hand.
- Make the Print: gently press their hand onto the clear ornament.
- Add a Ribbon: tie a festive ribbon around the top for hanging.
Kindness Discussion: explain how their handprint is a special gift that shows love. Encourage them to give the ornament to a family member as a token of kindness.
For Preschoolers (Ages 4-6): Glitter Pinecone Ornaments
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Materials Needed:
- Pinecones
- Glue
- Glitter
- Ribbon
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Instructions:
- Apply Glue: let your preschooler brush glue onto the edges of the pinecone.
- Add Glitter: sprinkle glitter over the glued areas.
- Attach Ribbon: tie a ribbon around the top for hanging.
Kindness Discussion: talk about how glitter makes everything sparkle and how kindness can make someone’s day shine brighter. Encourage your child to gift their glittery creation to a friend or neighbor.
For School-Age Kids (Ages 7-10): Felt Christmas Characters
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Materials Needed:
- Colored felt
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Markers
- Ribbon
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Instructions:
- Cut Shapes: help your child cut out shapes for snowmen, reindeer or Christmas trees.
- Decorate: use markers, googly eyes and other embellishments to bring characters to life.
- Attach Ribbon: glue a loop of ribbon to the top for hanging.
Kindness Discussion: discuss how their felt characters can bring smiles to others. Suggest making a few extra to donate to a local shelter or community center.
For Tweens (Ages 11+): Personalized Photo Ornaments
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Materials Needed:
- Clear plastic ornaments
- Small printed photos
- Glitter or fake snow
- Ribbon
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Instructions:
- Insert Photo: carefully insert a small photo into the clear ornament.
- Add Glitter: pour a bit of glitter or fake snow inside.
- Seal and Hang: secure the top and add a ribbon for hanging.
Kindness Discussion: talk about the special memories captured in the photos and how sharing these memories can make someone feel loved. Encourage your tween to make photo ornaments for family members as thoughtful gifts.
Final Thoughts
Creating holiday ornaments is more than just a fun activity; it's an opportunity to teach children the values of kindness and generosity. By making and sharing these beautiful creations, kids learn that the true spirit of the holidays lies in spreading joy and love.
So, gather your craft supplies, put on some festive tunes and let the ornament-making adventures begin! Your home — and your heart — will be all the merrier for it.