This year we have two small children; we decided to make DIY Christmas Ornaments that are easy, sustainable and kid safe. We have been on a journey to a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle and wanted to continue that trend with our Christmas ornaments. These would also make adorable additions to presents and gift tags.
Why DIY Ornaments
Toddlers are hard on decorations and it is easier as a parent to not have to worry about ornaments breaking and little ones getting hurt. Below are the perfect options!
Stick Trees
These are easy and require only items often found around the house.
Items needed:
- Cardboard
- Sticks
- Twine
- Yellow Paper
- Hot Glue
How To:
- Collect sticks
- Gather scrap cardboard and cut into 3 inch long strips
- Break sticks and line them up biggest to smallest
- Cut out yellow stars
- Apply hot glue on 2/3 of the cardboard. Place your sticks smallest to largest starting from the top.
- Apply a dab of hot glue and the top and attach your loop of string
- Apply another dab of hot glue over the string and place the star on top
- Allow the glue to dry and then hang it on your tree
3 Ingredient Birdfeeders
The simplicity of this activity was great! Lily adored making these and is was easy enough she was fully independent (although supervised) which she loved! The kids have also really enjoyed seeing the birds and squirrels enjoy their treats.
Items Needed:
- 2 packets Knox Unflavored Gelatin
- 2 Cups Birdseed
- 3/4 Cup Water
- Cookie Cutters
- Straws
- Twine
How To:
- In a medium sauce pan, combine 3/4 Cup of water with 2 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin
- Heat and stir until gelatin is dissolved
- Stir in Birdseed and mix
- Spray cookie cutters with cooking spray and scoop mixture into cookie cutter molds, packing tightly
- Place a straw in form a hole for twine
- Allow molds to sit and harden for 2-3 hours or refrigerate.
- Place twine through the hole and then hang on a tree
Wooden Bead Ornaments
These beads make the perfect ornament or garland! The added a lot to our tree this year and it was great fine motor work for Lily to help make them.
Items Needed:
- Wooden Beads
- Twine
How To:
- Cut Twine to desired length
- Alternate bead sizes and thread
- Hang the ornaments and enjoy!
Air Dry Clay
The perfect consistency and easier than salt dough in my opinion.
Items Needed:
- 1 Cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
- 3/4 Water
How To:
- Mix ingredients in a small pan
- Bring to a boil while stirring continuously
- Turn heat down to medium
- Continue stirring until it becomes too thick to stir (about 5 minutes)
- Transfer to a bowl and let it cool (be sure to let it cool or it will be too sticky)
- Roll out dough and use ECO CUTTERS to create shapes
- Use a straw to create a hole for twine
- Allow to dry 48 hours, flipping once halfway through
- Thread onto twine and create a DIY garland or ornament
Two Ingredient Applesauce Ornaments
These ornaments make your house smell amazing, are easy to make, and won’t hurt little ones if they break.
Items Needed:
- 2 Cups of Applesauce
- 2 Cups of Cinnamon
- A Straw
- Twine
- Eco Cutters
- Rolling Pin
How To:
- Combine applesauce and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing to form a dough.
- Roll out dough. If it is sticky add more cinnamon. Aim for 1/4 inch of thickness
- Use Eco Cutters to form your ornament shapes
- Use a straw to create a hole for your twin
- Bake at 200 degrees for 2.5 hours then allow to rest.
- Tie on twine and decorate your tree!
Santa
This Santa is easy enough that my four year old was able to create one independently. Who doesn’t love an ornament made by a child?
Items Needed:
- Natural Wood Slices
- Twine
- Red, White and Black Paint
How To:
- Paint the bottom portion of the circle white
- Then paint the top red- leaving a gap in the middle for Santa’s face
- Add a red nose and 2 black eyes and you have an easy Santa!
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