20 Christmas Ornaments and Decorations to Do with Grandchildren

One of my favorite ways to be an awesome and unforgettable grandparent is to make Christmas ornaments and decorations with my grandchildren.

Not only is it FUN but you have a keepsake that you can use year after year. Here are 20 adorable keepsake ornaments that you can make with your grandchildren.

This year, I am planning to do salt dough ornaments again using my cookie cutters and decorating them to look like frosted cookies. I’ll prepare the dough and dry the ornaments ahead of time so the grandkids can have the fun of painting them.

It is holiday tradition of ours is to get together and make ornaments or make cut out sugar or gingerbread cookies. We make enough to share with the extended family.

The goal is not to have perfect ornaments or decorations. The goal is to have fun as a family and create amazing memories!

One year we made salt dough ornaments that we cut out with cookie cutters, baked, and painted. Another year, we made foot prints in salt dough and painted them to look like Olaf.

We’ve done cloves in oranges–that’s a good one. Last year, I tried melted crayons in glass balls. They are pretty but probably not the best to do with children.

Another favorite one was I used a sweater cookie cutter with salt dough and we made them all look like ugly sweaters!

Best Practices for Crafts with Kids

Like Santa, make a list and check it twice. Make sure you have everything you need.

Another tip is to check the timing. Salt dough takes a long time to dry, that’s why I am doing it ahead of time. It works better if it dries naturally.

Make sure you have all the supplies you need and enough for everyone.

If it’s messy, make sure to have a waterproof tablecloth or some kind of tarp that covers the table. I also use a tarp for under the table if paint is involved.

For projects with paint, I keep a supply of old t-shirts that the kids can through over their own clothes if they haven’t dressed for the project.

Parents, uncles, and aunts can all enjoy making ornaments too! I’m a huge fan of multi-generational activities.

20 Christmas Ornaments to Make with Grandchildren

This year, I’ve been searching for something fun and colorful to do for our ornament-making party.

There are some crafty people out there! These are my favorites!

Christmas Ornaments from Popsicle Sticks

A popular Christmas decoration is the red truck with a Christmas tree in the back, with this craft tutorial you can make your own red truck ornament from popsicle sticks.

Grab your glue gun and colored popsicle sticks to make these fun Christmas tree ornaments.

Create a variety of playful ornaments with this Christmas Craft Sticks tutorial.

No craft party would be complete if you didn’t include a gingerbread house. This one is adorable and includes a template to print out for easy sizing of your popsicle sticks.

Here’s one more set of fun popsicle ornaments that include a snowman, Santa, and Christmas tree.

Christmas Ornament Photo Frames

Photo frames always make adorable ornaments and keepsakes. Here are two I absolutely love!

This Christmas Photo Ornament is super easy and makes a cute gift for the kids to give Mom and Dad.

Get out your glitter for this fun lollipop photo frame.

Christmas Ornaments from Things Around the House

Snowmen are always a fun addition to your Christmas tree, and these snowman ornaments are cute and easy!

These wooden spoon angel ornaments are sure to be a hit with your grandkids.

I always have extra clothespins around the house, don’t you? These clothespin snowmen will put them to good use!

These gingerbread house ornaments are perfect for older grandchildren.

If you like a natural look for your ornaments try these scrap ribbon Christmas trees.

These paper straw Christmas wreath ornaments are easy to make as well as fun to look at!

Other Fun Christmas Decor Your Grandkids Will Love Making

This garland is super easy to make. All you need is felt, glue, and string! You can use the template provided with the tutorial or draw your own trees.

Put those empty egg cartons to good use with this fun egg carton Christmas decor.

Don’t forget to put up a Christmas wreath. This paper plate snowman will be perfect!

Recycle your toilet paper rolls to make these adorable tube snowmen.

If your grandkids enjoy Cocoa pebbles, they’ll love this cute reindeer craft.

The best part of making crafts with grandchildren is simply spending quality time with them.

Where’s the Salt Dough?

When I updated this, I realize that while I love making salt dough ornaments, I don’t have any directions here. Sorry! I usually just look up the proportions of flour, salt, and water, then wing in from there.

This year I am making the salt dough in advance so I can let it air dry. Baking in the oven tends to make the surface uneven.

But as I make these, I’ll photograph and share the process when I’m done. Stay tuned.