19+ Creative Christmas Ornament Ideas to Try

Christmas is the perfect time to let your creativity shine with stunning ornaments. Whether you’re making them yourself or adding unique touches to store-bought pieces, these ideas will make your holiday decor truly special.

1. Vintage-Inspired Glass Ornaments

Vintage glass ornaments adding elegance to a tree.

Incorporate vintage glass ornaments for a nostalgic feel. Their intricate details and patina provide a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. I recently sourced some stunning Victorian-era ornaments for a client’s tree, and they were the perfect touch. The way the light catches the aged glass is truly magical.

A few choices to try:

Set of Hand-Painted Glass Ornaments: Enhance your tree’s charm with intricate, hand-painted designs reminiscent of bygone eras.
Antique Finish Christmas Baubles: Add a touch of elegance with baubles featuring a classic antique finish and detailed patterns.
Retro Glass Ornament Collection: Capture holiday nostalgia with a collection of retro-style glass ornaments for timeless decoration.

2. Felt Animal Ornaments

Felt animal ornaments adding personality to a tree.

Create adorable felt animals to hang on your tree. These cute creatures are perfect for adding a bit of personality and fun. Last year, I made a whole set of felt penguins with tiny scarves for my tree, and they were a big hit. I think this year I’ll try making some little foxes.

A few things you might like:

Felt Fabric Sheets: Get creative with versatile felt sheets, perfect for crafting adorable animal ornaments this Christmas.
Embroidery Thread Set: Add colorful details to your ornaments with a vibrant embroidery thread set. Stitch with ease!
Fabric Scissors: Ensure precision in cutting felt shapes with high-quality fabric scissors. Create your ornaments effortlessly.

3. Painted Nut Ornaments

Painted nut ornaments adding whimsy to a tree.

Paint walnuts or chestnuts for a whimsical touch. These nature-inspired ornaments add a playful yet elegant detail to your holiday decor. It’s a great way to get kids involved in decorating, and the results are always charming. I remember painting walnuts gold with my grandmother when I was little.

These products might help:

Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash your creativity with vibrant acrylic paints perfect for detailed nut ornament designs.
Fine Tip Paint Brushes: Achieve intricate details on ornaments with precision using high-quality fine tip brushes.
Clear Ornament Hangers: Securely hang your painted nut ornaments with durable and stylish ornament hangers.

4. Personalized Name Ornaments

Christmas baubles with handwritten names hanging on a tree.

Add a personal touch by creating ornaments with the names of your family members. Use a simple marker or paint to write names on plain baubles for a heartfelt family-themed tree. I’ve found that clients especially appreciate these types of personalized decorations, as they bring a unique warmth to their homes. I plan to make some for my own tree this year using calligraphy.

Items that may come in handy:

DIY Christmas Ornaments Craft Kit: Create unique family ornaments with this all-inclusive DIY craft kit for a personal touch.
Personalized Ornament Writing Pens: Use these vibrant pens to beautifully write names on ornaments for a meaningful family tree.
Blank Name Tag Baubles: Design heartfelt family ornaments with these blank baubles, ready for personal touches and names.

5. Edible Ornament Delights

Gingerbread and sugar cookie ornaments on a tree.

Bake some gingerbread or sugar cookies to hang as edible ornaments. Not only do they look cute, but they also fill your home with a delicious aroma. I love the way the scent of gingerbread permeates the house, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. I think I’ll use royal icing to decorate them this year.

These products might be useful:

Gingerbread Cookie Cutters: Create festive shapes with ease. Transform your cookies into delightful hanging ornaments today!
Holiday Cookie Decorating Kit: Decorate your cookies with vibrant icing and sprinkles. Make your ornaments both tasty and beautiful!
Edible Cookie String: Easily hang your cookies with edible string. Add a whimsical touch that’s safe to eat!

6. Eco-Friendly Fabric Ornaments

Fabric star and heart ornaments made from scraps.

Use fabric scraps to create soft, eco-friendly ornaments. Simple shapes like stars or hearts add a cozy texture to your tree while being kind to the planet. I helped a client last year use upcycled silk scarves to create a stunning and sustainable ornament collection. I always feel good when I can create something beautiful while reducing waste.

A few helpful options:

Assorted Fabric Scraps: Create cozy ornaments with assorted fabric scraps, perfect for eco-friendly holiday crafting.
Cotton Stuffing: Use cotton stuffing to add a soft texture to your homemade fabric ornaments.
Sewing Kit with Needles and Thread: Complete your crafting project with a sewing kit, ideal for creating durable fabric ornaments.

7. Natural Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slice ornaments painted with snowflakes on a tree.

Wood slices make rustic and charming ornaments. Paint snowflakes or holiday motifs on them for a woodsy vibe that feels both fresh and timeless. I had a client who used these to create a whole “woodland creature” themed tree. I think a coat of varnish would help protect the paint and keep them looking their best.

Check if these fit your needs:

Blank Wood Slices for Crafts: Create personalized ornaments with these rustic wood slices, perfect for painting holiday designs.
Acrylic Paint Set for Wood Crafts: Add vibrant colors to your ornaments using this versatile acrylic paint set for wood crafts.
Natural Jute Twine for Hanging: Ensure a rustic touch by attaching your wood ornaments with this durable natural jute twine.

8. Seashell Ornaments

Seashell ornaments creating a coastal Christmas feel.

Bring a bit of the beach to your holiday with seashell ornaments. Adding sand and small shells to clear baubles creates a coastal Christmas feel. I once designed a coastal-themed Christmas tree for a client who missed the beach during the holidays. It reminds me of summers spent collecting shells as a child.

Possibly helpful picks:

Clear Fillable Christmas Baubles: Create a coastal vibe by filling these clear baubles with sand and shells. Easy to customize!
Assorted Seashells Collection: Add variety to your ornaments with these beautiful, natural seashells. Perfect for a beachy look!
Decorative Craft Sand: Elevate your ornament design with this high-quality craft sand. Perfect for a coastal aesthetic!

9. Light-Up Ornaments

Glowing light-up ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Illuminate your tree with light-up ornaments that add a magical glow. Battery-operated lights inside clear baubles create a warm ambiance perfect for cozy winter nights. I suggest using warm white lights for a truly inviting feel, rather than harsh cool white. I find that the soft glow creates a relaxing atmosphere.

May just do the trick:

Battery-Operated Light-Up Baubles: Enhance your festive spirit with glowing baubles, creating a magical ambiance this holiday season.
Clear LED Christmas Ornaments: Transform your tree with these sparkling LED ornaments, perfect for a cozy winter glow.
Hanging Light-Up Globe Ornaments: Add a whimsical glow to your decor with charming light-up globe ornaments. Perfect for any setting.

10. Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

Embroidery hoop ornaments with festive designs.

Use small embroidery hoops to frame festive fabric or cross-stitch designs. These ornaments add a crafty charm to your tree and are fun to personalize. This is a fantastic way to showcase your needlework skills, or even to display vintage fabric scraps. I might try to create a few with antique lace this year.

Give these a look:

Set of Small Embroidery Hoops: Frame your festive fabrics perfectly with these versatile hoops for personalized ornament crafting.
Assorted Christmas Fabric Squares: Add vibrant holiday charm with these festive fabric squares, designed for your embroidery projects.
Cross-Stitch Pattern Book: Discover festive designs to stitch with this comprehensive cross-stitch pattern book. Unleash your creativity.

11. Macramé Christmas Ornaments

Macramé ornaments adding texture and warmth.

Add a boho touch with macramé ornaments. Using simple knotting techniques, these textured pieces bring warmth and style to any tree. One of my clients used macramé ornaments alongside crystal ornaments for an eclectic look. I have always appreciated the handcrafted feel of macramé.

Some ideas to consider:

Macramé Cord Kit: Create your own macramé ornaments with this versatile cord kit. Perfect for festive crafting.
Macramé Ornament Set: Add charm to your tree with ready-made macramé ornaments for a cozy holiday feel.
Macramé Starter Kit: Explore macramé art with this starter kit and craft your unique holiday decorations.

12. Knit Sweater Ornaments

Knit sweater ornaments creating a cozy feel.

Repurpose old sweaters into cozy knit ornaments. These soft decorations bring a warm and inviting feel to your holiday ambiance. I once made a set of these with my grandmother using her old wool sweaters. I find that they add a unique texture that store-bought ornaments often lack.

A few suggestions:

Assorted Knit Sweater Fabric Scraps: Create cozy ornaments with these vibrant sweater scraps; perfect for crafting unique holiday decor.
Mini Sweater Ornament Making Kit: Easily craft charming sweater ornaments with this comprehensive kit; ideal for festive fun.
Crafting Needle and Thread Set: Ensure durability of your ornaments with this high-quality needle and thread set for crafting.

13. DIY Pine Cone Ornaments

Pine cone ornaments with glitter and ribbon on a Christmas tree.

Gather some pine cones from your local park and transform them into charming ornaments. A little glitter and a festive ribbon can turn these natural treasures into sparkling beauties. I showed a client how to forage for natural materials and create their own unique holiday decorations. I feel it’s a great way to bring the outdoors in.

Consider these options:

Craft Glitter Set: Add a touch of sparkle to your pine cones with this versatile craft glitter set.
Assorted Ribbon Rolls: Elevate your ornaments with beautiful ribbons in assorted colors and patterns.
Hot Glue Gun Kit: Secure your decorations easily with this reliable hot glue gun and accessories.

14. Mini Snow Globe Ornaments

Mini snow globe ornaments with snow and trees.

Capture the essence of winter with mini snow globe ornaments. Fill clear baubles with fake snow and tiny trees for a charming winter wonderland effect. I advised a client to add a tiny sprinkle of iridescent glitter for an extra touch of magic. I think it would be fun to add tiny figurines inside as well.

Possibly handy products:

Clear Fillable Baubles: Design your own snow globe ornaments with these transparent and customizable clear baubles.
Artificial Snow Flakes: Add a frosty touch to your globes with realistic-looking artificial snow flakes.
Miniature Pine Trees: Create a charming winter scene with these detailed miniature pine trees.

15. Geometric Paper Ornaments

Colorful geometric paper ornaments on a tree.

Craft geometric shapes from colorful paper for a modern twist. These origami-style ornaments are simple yet striking and allow endless color possibilities. A client of mine created a stunning modern tree using only black, white, and gold paper ornaments in geometric shapes. I feel like these are a great option for anyone on a budget.

A few relevant products:

Colorful Origami Paper Set: Craft vibrant shapes with this colorful set, perfect for unique geometric ornaments on your tree.
Metallic Paper String for Ornaments: Add a chic touch to your ornaments with this shiny metallic string, ideal for hanging decor.
Diamond Shape Paper Punch: Easily create precise geometric pieces with this punch, simplifying your ornament crafting process.

16. Cultural Heritage Ornaments

Ornaments reflecting cultural heritage on a Christmas tree.

Celebrate your heritage with ornaments that reflect your cultural traditions. Whether it’s a specific color scheme or symbolic shapes, these add a personal story to your decor. For a client with Ukrainian heritage, I sourced beautiful pysanky ornaments. I like how they can be a conversation starter and a way to connect with family history.

Useful items to consider:

Handcrafted Ethnic Christmas Ornaments: Enhance your tree with unique handcrafted ornaments reflecting rich cultural traditions and artistry.
Traditional Motif Christmas Balls: Celebrate your heritage with ornaments featuring traditional motifs and symbolic colors. Transform your decor.
Cultural Themed Hanging Ornaments Set: Add a personal touch to your tree with a cultural themed ornament set. Share your story.

17. Leather Cut-Out Ornaments

Leather cut-out ornaments for a modern look.

Craft ornaments from leather scraps for a sleek, modern look. These minimalist designs are perfect for a contemporary holiday setup. For a client who loved modern design, I crafted some simple leather star ornaments. I think it’s a great way to use up small leather scraps.

Might be a good match:

Leather Crafting Tool Set: Craft intricate leather ornaments effortlessly with this complete tool set, perfect for any DIY project.
Assorted Leather Scrap Pack: Experiment with different colors and textures using this assorted leather scrap pack for unique ornaments.
Leather Hole Punch Tool: Easily create precise holes in your leather ornaments with this essential crafting hole punch tool.

18. Modern Metallic Ornaments

Gold, silver, and copper metallic ornaments on a tree.

For a sleek look, opt for metallic ornaments in gold, silver, or copper. These shiny accents add a touch of elegance and glamour to any tree. I once designed a Christmas tree using only metallic ornaments and white lights for a sophisticated and glamorous look. I find that they reflect the light beautifully.

Some handy options:

Gold Metallic Christmas Ornaments Set: Elevate your tree with shimmering gold ornaments for a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Silver Glitter Ball Decorations: Add a sparkling silver touch to your tree, enhancing its elegance and festive charm.
Copper Metallic Holiday Ornaments: Introduce warm copper hues for a trendy and modern flair to your Christmas decor.

19. Whimsical Character Ornaments

Whimsical snowman and reindeer ornaments adorning a tree.

Create a sense of fun with character ornaments featuring playful designs. Think cute snowmen or reindeer that add a touch of whimsy to your decor. I remember when my kids were little, their favorite thing was putting the character ornaments on the tree. I think these ornaments can bring out the child in anyone.

Maybe worth checking out:

Cute Snowman Christmas Ornament: Add joy to your tree with a playful snowman ornament that brightens up holiday spirits.
Reindeer Character Ornament: Enhance your festive decor with an adorable reindeer ornament, perfect for a touch of whimsy.
Playful Christmas Character Set: Create a magical winter wonderland with a set of playful holiday character ornaments.