5 Easy Toddler-Made Ornaments

This holiday we have been making ornaments that focus more on the process than the product. The process of making these ornaments allows a child to explore different art mediums and just create. Below, I have listed 5 simple ornaments that a toddler can create, with a little support from their favorite adult.

Salt Dough Ornaments: This activity is quickly becoming one of our favorite holiday traditions. The recipe is simple: 1 cup flour, 1 cup salt, and 1/2 cup warm water. Your child can help you mix the ingredients together, roll the dough out, and then press out the shapes. Let the ornaments dry for 2 to 4 days or place in the oven at 250 degrees for 2 to 3 hours. Once dry your child can paint away!

Shaky Marble Ornaments: The process of making this ornament is so simple and fun. Fill clear plastic ornaments (make sure the ornaments are plastic, trust me!) with different paint combinations and glitter. Make sure the top is secure and then show your child how to shake the ornament. You can watch the paint and glitter swirl together. The end result is beautiful.

Stained Glass Ornaments: To start this process, tape a piece of contact paper down on the ground. Provide your child with a variety of colored tissue paper and show her how to place the tissue paper on the contact paper. When she is done placing the tissue paper, sprinkle with glitter and place a top sheet of contact paper to seal everything inside. Cut out shapes, punch holes in the top, and complete with string. The ornament will look beautiful hanging on the tree or in the window.

Gingerbread Clay Recipe: The Imagination Tree posted this twist on the traditional salt dough ornament and we had to try it. Check out the link for a version of salt dough that smells amazing!

Handprint Ornaments: This one is less about the process and more about the product. I love having hand print art to have a memory of my sweet girl as she grows. This one is pretty simple. Paint your child’s hand using non toxic paint. Then press her hand gently on the ornament. Do a search on Pinterest to find a creative way to turn the handprint into an animal or leave it as is.