Every year, we unbox those ornaments that mean the most—the ones tied to a funny memory, a milestone, or a family story. My son is 31 years old, recently married, and a homeowner. Every year, he hangs the little cinnamon ornaments we made in elementary school on his own tree!
That’s why we’ve rounded up 35 of the most meaningful DIY keepsake Christmas ornament ideas from across the web. Whether you need a simple craft for tiny hands, a way to use precious photos, or a way to upcycle old items, you will find the step-by-step tutorials here to make genuine heirlooms that will be cherished for generations.
Salt Dough, Clay, and Handprint Keepsake Ornaments
The simplest DIY Christmas keepsake ornaments are those made with things you already have on hand. We’ll show you how inexpensive and easy it is to turn pantry staples like flour and salt, cinnamon and apple sauce, into ornaments you’ll have forever.
Instructions for salt dough ornaments
- Mix flour and salt.
- Add warm water slowly and knead until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Roll to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Press handprints or cut shapes.
- Place on parchment.
- Bake at 200°F for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway. Pieces should be completely dry and hard.
- Let cool fully before painting or sealing.
1. Santa Handprint Ornaments
These DIY handprint keepsake ornaments were made by The Karpiuks. They’ve turned the kiddo’s little hands into Santa faces!
2. Santa Christmas Ornaments
If you’re feeling crafty, give this tutorial by A Farm Girl’s Kitchen a try. Also made of inexpensive salt dough, these DIY Santa ornaments will become a family treasure.
3. Elegant DIY Keepsake Ornaments
Just because you make ornaments at home doesn’t mean they have to look homemade. Aren’t these salt-dough ornaments elegant? I love them! Get the how-to at White & Woodgrain.
4. Cinnamon & Applesauce Reindeer
These are so cute! Tip: Make sure you get your cinnamon from Dollar Tree or somewhere similar because it’s cheaper. Learn how at Soap Deli News.
5. Vintage Look Cinnamon Applesauce Ornament
You can’t tell that this is made with something so simple! Her dough recipe is a little different (she adds coffee!), but wow. The result is impressive. What a great DIY keepsake Christmas ornament to make! Learn how at jenntavolettidesign.com.
Photo Keepsake Ornament Ideas for Families
If you’re like every other American parent, you have a zillion photos of your kiddos. We can turn those into keepsakes you’ll be excited to hang on the tree for years to come.
6. Photo Ornaments Using Blanks
These photo ornaments use blank wooden Christmas ornaments and Mod Podge. They’re very easy to make. Get the tutorial from It’s Always Autumn.
7. DIY Photo Ornament Keepsake
She’ll show you everything you need to know to get the photo in the ornament and how to make it extra special. via Fynes Designs
8. Family Photo Ornaments Using Crystal Pendants
Aren’t these unique? Leave it to Mod Podge Rocks to come up with something so pretty and simple.
Upcycled & Recycled DIY Ornament Ideas
You’d be surprised how meaningful these super-inexpensive Christmas ornaments can be. They feel like they are worth a millon dollars.
9. Precious Papers Keepsake Ornament
Into a clear Christmas bauble, add parts of important papers like birth announcements or wedding invitations. Her post has some great ideas for you to try. via LoChandler.
10. The Interview Christmas Ornament
This is one of the sweetest, most unique ideas for a Christmas keepsake I’ve seen. Definitely visit Tribe of Burton for the details, because you want to make this one while the kiddos are young!
11. Special Ribbon Ornament
My daughter did this with her littles. It’s inexpensive to create, but worth a million dollars. Get the free printable here.
Sher Bailey is a writer in the Midwest who believes the power of humor, Mod Podge, and grandkids can fix most problems in life. You can find her at SherBailey.com.
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