If you’ve been searching for a meaningful way to capture childhood memories, these Christmas ornaments are just the thing.
Imagine your tree filled with handmade treasures, each one showcasing your child’s bright smile or holiday excitement.
With simple supplies and a touch of creativity, you can turn family photos into charming crafts.
These 20 ideas are fun, easy, and guaranteed to bring extra joy to your holiday season.
#1. Gingerbread House Photo Ornament
This charming gingerbread house ornament brings a sprinkle of sweetness to your Christmas tree.
You’ll love how it captures the cozy spirit of the season, especially when your child’s photo peeks out from behind the candy-colored door.
Each one feels personal, a mix of color, nostalgia, and creativity. It’s an easy, heartwarming project that can become part of your yearly family tradition.
Materials
- Cardboard sheet (cut into 4×6-inch rectangles, one per ornament)
- Brown acrylic paint (1 small bottle, 2 fl oz)
- 20 Mini pom-poms (½ inch, assorted color)
- 8-10 Wooden beads or small buttons
- Twine or red-and-white baker’s string (6 inches per ornament)
- Foam or felt scraps (1×2 inches each, for doors and windows)
- Printed photo (2×2 inches, one per ornament)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Small paintbrush and scissors
Instructions
- Cut out a simple house shape from the cardboard, about 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall. Then paint it brown to resemble gingerbread, and let it dry for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a craft knife or scissors to cut a small door in the center, about 1.5 inches tall. Leave one side attached so it can open like a flap.
- Glue your child’s photo behind the door opening, making sure the face is visible when the door is lifted.
- Decorate the roofline with pom-poms or beads, arranging them like candy drops. Add foam or felt pieces to form windows, shutters, or gumdrop trims.
- Add finishing touches like glitter, sequins, or even faux frosting lines using white paint. Let everything dry completely before hanging it on the tree.
#2. Golden Pasta Star Photo Ornament
This Golden Pasta Star Ornament turns everyday noodles into a dazzling keepsake.
The mix of metallic gold and your child’s bright smile gives it a timeless holiday charm.
Materials
- Cardboard sheet (8×8 inches)
- 20-25 Assorted dry pasta shapes (fusilli, bow tie, penne, shell)
- Metallic gold spray paint
- Printed photo (2×3 inches, oval cut)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Gold ribbon (10 inches for hanging)
- Scissors and pencil
Instructions
- Draw and cut out a large star (about 7 inches wide) from the cardboard. Cut an oval window in the center for the photo.
- Arrange pasta pieces creatively around the star’s edges, mix textures like twists, shells, and bows for an elegant look. Then glue them securely in place.
- Once the glue dries, spray paint the entire ornament with metallic gold. Let it dry completely.
- Attach the photo behind the center opening using glue or tape.
- Punch a small hole at the top and thread a gold ribbon loop for hanging.
#3. Santa Photo Ornament
Who could resist that jolly little face peeking out from a fluffy Santa beard?
This adorable Santa Photo Ornament captures the sparkle of your child’s smile and wraps it up in pure Christmas cheer.
It’s one of those crafts that instantly brings laughter to the room.
Materials
- Child’s printed photo (2×2.5 inches)
- Red and black cardstock (for body and mittens)
- Glittery red craft foam or paper
- Cotton balls or white pom-poms
- Small red pom-pom
- Googly eyes (2 pieces)
- String or twine (8 inches for hanging)
- Scissors and glue stick
Instructions
- Cut a large circle (3.5 inches wide) from red cardstock for Santa’s body. Then add small black half-circles for mittens on each side.
- Glue your child’s photo near the center of the red circle.
- Cut out a red triangle for Santa’s hat, and glue it above the photo.
- Pull apart a few cotton balls and glue the pieces around the hat and along the face for a soft, fluffy beard.
- Add googly eyes and a bright red pom-pom nose. Finally, attach a loop of twine at the top for hanging.
#4. Mini Fireplace Photo Ornament
This cozy little fireplace ornament captures the heart of Christmas warmth.
With your child’s photo sitting beside a glowing paper flame and tiny holiday details, it feels like a peek into a storybook Christmas Eve.
It’s playful, nostalgic, and a craft that both you and your kids will adore making together.
Materials
- 6 colored craft sticks (each 4.5 inches long)
- Small printed photo (about 2×2.5 inches)
- Mini felt stockings (1-2 per ornament)
- Small faux wreaths (2-inch diameter)
- Red and white baker’s twine (10 inches per ornament)
- Felt sheets in red, orange, yellow, and brown
- Mini Santa hats
- Glue gun, scissors, and black paper (2×2.5 inches for the fireplace opening)
Instructions
- Glue 3 craft sticks side by side to form the fireplace base, then add two vertical sticks at each end for the sides. Place one horizontally across the top to complete the mantle.
- Paint your fireplace in festive colors such as blue, green, or red and let it dry for about 10 minutes.
- Glue a rectangle of black paper in the center as the firebox. Cut small felt flames and layer them in yellow, orange, and red before gluing them onto the black paper.
- Decorate the mantle with a mini wreath and a tiny felt stocking. Then add a small bow or mini present cutout for detail.
- Cut out your child’s photo and glue it sitting beside the fire. For extra charm, top them with a small Santa hat.
- Glue a loop of baker’s twine at the back for hanging. Once dry, hang it on your tree, it’s like your child is cozying up by a Christmas hearth.
#5. Button Wreath Photo Ornament
This cheerful button wreath ornament frames your child’s smile in the most playful way
You’ll enjoy how the mix of bright buttons looks like tiny ornaments gathered around their photo, giving it both charm and color.
Each one becomes a keepsake you’ll love hanging up year after year.
Materials
- Cardboard (cut into a 4-inch circle with a smaller circle inside for the frame)
- 12-15 Assorted colorful buttons in different sizes
- Ribbon strip (6 inches for hanging)
- Printed photo (2×2 inches, one per ornament)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Scissors and pencil
Instructions
- Cut a ring shape from the cardboard, about 4 inches across, with a 2-inch opening in the center.
- Place your child’s photo behind the center opening and secure it with glue so their face shows through.
- Glue colorful buttons all around the ring, overlapping slightly to make it look full and festive.
- Attach a loop of ribbon to the top with glue, so you can hang it easily on the tree.
- Let the glue dry completely, then hold it up to admire the way those little buttons surround your child’s smile like a wreath of joy.
#6. Rudolph Photo Ornament
Why no turn your little one into the most beloved reindeer of all with this adorable Rudolph photo ornament?
It’s simple, heartwarming, and full of personality, the kind of keepsake that instantly makes you smile when you see that red nose twinkling among the tree lights.
Plus, each one feels unique, capturing the spirit of Christmas through your child’s joyful face.
Materials
- Wood slices (3-4 inches in diameter, one per ornament)
- Printed black-and-white photos (2.5-inch circles)
- Brown craft felt (cut into 3×4-inch pieces for antlers)
- Small red pom-poms (½ inch, one per ornament)
- Red satin ribbon (6-8 inches for hanging loop)
- Hot glue gun and scissors
- Pencil and template for tracing circles
Instructions
- Print your photos and trim them into circles slightly smaller than the wood slice.
- Glue the photo to the center of the wood slice, smoothing it gently to remove any air bubbles.
- Cut two antlers from brown felt, each about 2 inches long and glue them to the top back of the ornament.
- Attach a red pom-pom to the nose area of your child’s face for that classic Rudolph look.
- Loop the red ribbon, glue or staple it securely to the back, and let it dry completely.
- Once finished, hang it on your Christmas tree and enjoy the charming glow of your tiny reindeer smiling back at you each year.
#7. Santa Hat Photo Ornament
This playful Santa hat ornament brings the holiday spirit right into your hands.
You’ll smile as red and white pom-poms form the hat shape, perfectly framing your child’s photo like they’re peeking out from Santa’s hat.
Each year when you hang it up, it will remind you of cozy Christmas mornings and laughter shared around the tree.
Materials
- Cardboard triangle (about 4×4 inches)
- 12 Red pom-poms
- 6 White pom-poms (including 1 larger one for the tip)
- Printed photo (2×2 inches, one per ornament)
- String or ribbon (6 inches, for hanging)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut a triangle from cardboard, about 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide at the base.
- Glue your child’s photo to the bottom center of the triangle so their face is framed by the “hat.”
- Attach red pom-poms along the two sides of the triangle, leaving the bottom edge empty.
- Line the bottom with white pom-poms to look like the hat’s fluffy trim.
- Add a large white pom-pom to the top point of the triangle.
- Glue a piece of string or ribbon to the back for hanging. Let dry, then enjoy your little Santa-style keepsake.
#8. Baby Gingerbread Ornament
This adorable Baby Gingerbread Ornament brings the sweetest smile to your Christmas tree.
It’s simple, heartwarming, and makes your child look like a little cookie straight from Santa’s bakery!
Materials
- Brown cardstock or craft foam sheet (8.5×11 inches)
- Printed baby photo (2×2 inches, cut around the face)
- White paint pen or white puffy paint
- 3 Red sequins or tiny buttons
- Scissors and glue stick
- Hole punch and ribbon (8-inch piece)
- Gingerbread template (about 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide)
Instructions
- Trace the gingerbread shape onto brown cardstock and cut it out carefully. You can use a printed template or draw it freehand.
- Cut your baby’s photo into a neat circle to fit the head area. Glue it on so it looks like your baby’s face is part of the gingerbread body.
- Use white paint or a puffy pen to add icing details such as lines on arms, legs, and around the collar.
- Glue small sequins or buttons down the center as gumdrop buttons.
- Punch a small hole at the top and thread a ribbon through it for hanging. Tie a bow and trim the ends.
- Once dry, hang your tiny gingerbread baby on the tree and smile every time you see that joyful face peeking through the branches.
#9. Glitter Frame Photo Ornament
This sparkly frame ornament is a simple yet elegant way to display your child’s photo on the tree.
The gold glitter catches the lights beautifully, while the red bow adds a touch of festive warmth.
It’s a perfect blend of shimmer and sentiment, easy enough for kids to help with, yet polished enough to gift to family or teachers.
Materials
- Gold glitter foam sheets (8×11 inches, 1 sheet makes 4-5 ornaments)
- Printed photos (2.5×2.5 inches each)
- Cardboard backing (3×3 inches per ornament)
- Red satin ribbon (½ inch wide, 8-inch pieces for bows and hangers)
- Scissors, glue gun, and pencil
- Small wooden clothespins or gold paper
Instructions
- Trace and cut out a 3-inch circle from the glitter foam sheet, then cut a smaller 2.5-inch circle inside to create a frame.
- Glue your photo behind the frame so your child’s face fits perfectly in the opening. Then attach a cardboard circle behind the photo for stability.
- Cut a small rectangle or use a clothespin piece for the ornament’s top, gluing it above the circle.
- Tie a red satin ribbon into a neat bow and glue it over the top piece for decoration.
- Once dry, hold it up to the light, the glitter gleams while your child’s smile shines even brighter.
#10. Colorful Christmas Photo Ornament
These Colorful Christmas Photo Ornaments are full of cheer and personality, perfect for bringing your child’s bright smile to the tree.
With their glittery holiday lights and playful design, they’re simple to make and look like something straight from Santa’s workshop.
Materials
- Brown cardstock or cardboard (8.5×11 inches)
- Printed photos (2×2.5 inches)
- Black marker or pen
- Glitter glue in assorted colors (red, green, blue, purple, orange)
- Scissors and craft glue
- White ribbon (10 inches for hanging)
- Hole punch
Instructions
- Cut out a large circle (about 4 inches in diameter) for the ornament and a smaller inner circle to frame your child’s photo.
- Glue the photo behind the opening, adjusting it so the face is centered.
- Using a black marker, draw a string of Christmas lights around the outer ring.
- Add colorful dots of glitter glue for each bulb, alternate colors for a bright and festive look. Let dry completely.
- Punch a hole at the top and thread a white ribbon through for hanging. Tie a neat bow to finish.
#11. Popsicle Stick Sled Photo Ornament
Amazingly, this sled ornament might be the most playful way to display your child’s photo.
The craft mixes fun, imagination, and a sprinkle of nostalgia, reminding you of snow days and laughter echoing through crisp winter air.
It’s simple to make but carries a heartwarming story every year you hang it up.
Materials
- Popsicle sticks (6 per ornament, 4.5 inches long)
- Acrylic paint (red and green, 2 oz each)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Silver craft wire (8-inch pieces)
- Printed photo of your child (about 2×3 inches)
- Scissors
- Fine-tipped black marker
Instructions
- Paint the popsicle sticks in festive red or green, leaving the ends white to resemble snow-tipped sleds. Let them dry completely.
- Arrange four sticks side by side for the sled base, and glue two more across the top and bottom for support.
- Arrange four sticks side by side for the sled base, and glue two more across the top and bottom for support.
- Bend a piece of craft wire into a loop and glue it behind the top of the sled to make a hanger.
- Use a marker to write the year or your child’s name on the front crossbar.
- Once dry, hang your sleds on the tree, each one will look like a tiny winter adventure frozen in time.
#12. Beaded Wreath Photo Ornament
This beaded wreath ornament sparkles with the joy of Christmas.
You’ll love how each bead, whether bright red, snowy white, or candy-striped green, creates a cheerful circle around your child’s smiling photo.
When tied with a ribbon bow, the ornament feels as if it was made straight out of a Christmas candy shop.
Materials
- Pipe cleaner or craft wire (6 inches per ornament)
- Assorted beads in holiday colors (about 20-25 beads each)
- 2-3 Small candy-themed embellishments
- Ribbon (10 inches, for bow and hanging loop)
- Printed photo (2×2 inches, one per ornament)
- Hole punch and scissors
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
Instructions
- Bend a pipe cleaner or piece of craft wire into a circle, twisting the ends together to secure.
- Slide beads onto the circle, mixing colors and shapes to make it festive and full.
- Punch a small hole in your child’s photo and thread it onto the wreath, or glue it inside the circle.
- Tie a decorative ribbon bow at the top of the wreath, adding candy-themed embellishments if you’d like.
- Create a hanging loop with the ribbon, then let the glue dry. Now you can hang your ornament and admire how it shines with color and holiday cheer.
#13. Paper Angel Photo Ornament
These ornaments are a heartwarming way to celebrate your little angels this Christmas.
With wings made of paper doilies and sweet smiling faces framed by halos, they make charming keepsakes you’ll cherish for years.
#14. Paper Snow Globe Photo Ornament
These adorable snow globe photo ornaments turn your child into the star of a winter wonderland.
With each little figure caught mid-laugh or mid-snowball toss, it feels like time pauses inside a flurry of paper snow.
This craft captures both the innocence and excitement of childhood winters — easy to make, fun to decorate, and full of heart.
Materials
- White cardstock or thick paper (8.5×11 inches)
- Printed photo of your child (3-4 inches tall, cut out)
- 10-12 Cotton balls or white pom-poms (½ inch size)
- Glue stick and scissors
- Brown or gray paper for the snow globe base (3×5 inches)
- Gold marker or gel pen for writing names and year
- Hole punch and gold cord (8 inches per ornament)
Instructions
- Trace and cut a large circle (5-6 inches wide) from white cardstock for the snow globe shape.
- Glue your child’s photo to the center of the circle so they appear standing inside the globe.
- Tear or shape cotton balls to create a snowy ground beneath their feet, then glue them in place.
- Add more cotton or pom-poms around to mimic falling snow, leaving some space for names.
- Cut and glue the brown base piece to the bottom of the globe and write your child’s name and the year with a gold marker.
- Punch a hole at the top, thread a gold cord through, and tie it into a loop for hanging.
- Once complete, admire how each snow globe captures a piece of your family’s winter magic.
#15. Festive Photo Frame Ornament
There’s nothing quite like seeing your child’s happy face surrounded by twinkling lights and ribbons.
These festive photo frame ornaments capture those heartwarming Christmas smiles while adding a personal touch to your tree.
Each one becomes a little time capsule of joy, glowing with color, creativity, and love, something you’ll cherish long after the holidays pass.
Materials
- Round wooden frames (4-inch diameter, one per ornament)
- Printed photos (3-inch circles)
- Acrylic paint (red, white, green, yellow, purple - 2 oz each)
- Twine (8 inches per ornament)
- Small bows or ribbons (6 inches each, any color or pattern)
- Mini Santa hat cutouts (1.5 inches wide)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Fine-tipped black marker for light string details
Instructions
- Paint each wooden frame white as a base coat and let it dry completely. Then glue your child’s photo in the center of the frame, trimming it to fit neatly.
- Using paint or colored markers, add small festive bulbs around the edge, connecting them with a thin black light string.
- Glue a small Santa hat cutout in one corner and write the year to make it memorable.
- Tie a decorative bow at the top of the frame and attach a twine loop to the back for hanging.
- Once everything is dry, hang it up and admire how your child’s cheerful face brightens the entire Christmas tree.
#16. Handprint Reindeer Photo Ornament
Look! This Handprint Reindeer Ornament is pure Christmas joy, a mix of laughter, love, and tiny hands turned into festive antlers.
It’s a perfect keepsake to remember how small your little one’s hands once were, and it’ll make everyone smile each year it hangs on the tree.
Materials
- Printed photo of your child (4×6 inches)
- Brown construction paper (9×12 inches)
- White paint (2 tbsp)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Red pom-pom (1 inch diameter)
- Scissors and glue stick
- Marker for name/date
Instructions
- Trace both of your child’s hands on the brown construction paper, then cut out the shapes to form the reindeer’s antlers.
- Let your child paint their handprints white on the brown cutouts for a fun snowy effect. Set aside to dry.
- Cut out your child’s photo around the head and shoulders. Glue it to the bottom center of a sturdy cardstock piece.
- Attach the handprints behind the head like antlers, adjusting for balance. Glue a red pom-pom on the nose for a Rudolph touch.
- Write the child’s name and year on the back, then let it dry completely before hanging or gifting.
#17. Clear Photo Ornament with Red Confetti
These Clear Photo Ornaments add a timeless and elegant touch to your Christmas tree.
The black-and-white portraits contrast beautifully with the bright red filler, creating a keepsake that feels both nostalgic and modern.
It’s a wonderful way to display memories while keeping your holiday décor simple and meaningful.
Materials
- Clear plastic or glass fillable ornaments (3-inch diameter)
- Printed black-and-white photos (2×3 inches, trimmed to fit)
- Red shredded paper or tinsel (1 cup per ornament)
- Scissors and tweezers
- Pencil for curling photo edges slightly
- Red satin ribbon (10-inch piece per ornament)
- Small funnel or rolled paper cone for filling
Instructions
- Print and cut your photos to fit the size of your ornament. Roll them gently around a pencil to curve slightly without creasing.
- Open the ornament and insert the red shredded paper using a funnel or by hand. Add just enough to create a festive background without crowding the photo.
- Carefully slide the curled photo inside, using tweezers to position it facing outward. Adjust until it’s centered.
- Secure the top back on the ornament and tie a red satin ribbon around the neck. Create a bow or loop for hanging.
- Finally, add optional tags with the child’s name or year for a personalized finish.
#18. Grinch Hand Photo Ornament Frame
This craft combines classic Christmas mischief with heartwarming memories, a Grinch’s green hand holding your child’s photo ornament.
Plus, the mix of painting and photo placement makes it a creative holiday keepsake you’ll cherish every year.
Materials
- White canvas panels (8×10 inches, 1 per ornament)
- Acrylic paint in green, red, white, and black
- Paintbrushes (fine and medium sizes)
- Clear plastic ornament balls (3-inch diameter)
- Printed child photos (cut to fit inside the ornaments)
- Red ribbon (½ inch wide, 12-inch pieces)
- Small holly stickers or green/red craft foam for accents
- Hot glue gun and scissors
Instructions
- Lightly sketch the Grinch’s hand holding a string at the top of your canvas. You can use a pencil for easy erasing.
- Paint the hand in green and add the red sleeve with white trim. Outline details with black paint for a cartoon-style look.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
- Insert your child’s photo into a clear ornament, trimming it to fit snugly inside. Add a pinch of fake snow or glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
- Glue or tape the ornament string to the painted “hand,” making it appear as if the Grinch is holding it.
- Tie a neat red ribbon bow on top of the ornament and secure it with glue.
- Finish by adding holly leaves or small Christmas embellishments at the bottom corner of the canvas for a cheerful touch.
#19. Snow Globe Jar Photo Ornament
Imagine capturing your child’s laughter in a swirling snow globe, that’s exactly what this craft does.
These snow globe jar ornaments are full of wintry magic, making it feel like your little one is forever playing in the snow.
The glittery trees, snowy beads, and sweet photos inside create a cheerful decoration you’ll want to bring out every December.
Ingredients
Method
- Draw or print a mason jar outline on brown cardstock and cut it out. Then cut out a window in the center where the photo scene will show.
- Glue a clear plastic sheet behind the window opening to form the front of the jar.
- Attach your child’s cut-out photo and a small foam tree on the back piece of the jar, positioning them so they appear inside the snow globe.
- Sprinkle foam snowballs or fake snow over the background before sealing the edges with glue and attaching the front piece.
- Sprinkle foam snowballs or fake snow over the background before sealing the edges with glue and attaching the front piece.
#20. Christmas Lights Photo Ornament
Wow, this Christmas Lights Photo Ornament is the perfect blend of color and memory.
It brings a bright, cheerful look to your tree while highlighting your child’s happy face in the center.
Each ornament glows with handmade charm, capturing the wonder of childhood during the holidays.
Materials
- White cardstock or foam sheet (8.5×11 inches)
- Small printed photo (2×2 inches)
- Markers or acrylic paint in red, yellow, green, and blue
- Thin black marker or pen
- Gold or silver ribbon (6-inch bow + 8-inch hanger loop)
- Scissors and glue stick
- Hole punch
Instructions
- Cut a large ornament shape (about 5 inches in diameter) from white cardstock. Then draw and cut out a smaller inner circle to frame your photo.
- Sketch curly light string lines around the ornament using a black marker.
- Paint or draw colorful bulbs along the string, alternate colors to make it lively. Let it dry fully.
- Glue your child’s photo behind the inner circle opening so their face shows through.
- Punch a small hole at the top, thread a ribbon through for hanging, and tie a decorative bow just below the loop.
- Add glitter glue accents or mini sequins if you’d like extra sparkle.
Read more: 22 Cute Handmade Christmas Ornaments to Brighten Your Tree
