7 Hilariously Adorable DIY Handprint Ornaments to Make This Holiday Season

Looking to add a personalized touch to your holiday decor this year? What better way than immortalizing the tiny (or not-so-tiny) hands of your loved ones in festive form?

Why You’ll Love DIY Handprint Ornaments

• Personalized keepsakes: These ornaments double as cherished memories.
• Easy to make: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Family bonding: A fun activity for the whole gang!
• Budget-friendly: Most materials are affordable or even already in your craft stash.

The Ultimate Guide to Making DIY Handprint Ornaments

Materials You’ll Need

Material	Recommended Brand	Price Range
Washable Kids’ Paint	Crayola Washable Kid’s Paint	$5–$10
Canvas Ornaments / Wooden Shapes	Made by Mark Wooden Rounds	$8–$15/set
Glitter Glue	Aleene’s Glitter Glue	$3–$6
Ribbon / Twine	Olympos Cotton Cord	$4–$8

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pick your medium: Canvas, clay, wood, or felt? Choose based on age, mess tolerance, and drying time.
2. Paint those paws: Use washable paint to make clean-up easier. Pro tip: Try one color per hand to avoid muddy mixing.
3. Press gently but firmly: Hold the hand steady for 3–5 seconds to get a clear print.
4. Add the bling: Once dry, let creativity reign with glitter glue, markers, or stickers.
5. Hole punch & hang: Add a ribbon loop for easy hanging on the tree or around the house.

Top 7 DIY Handprint Ornament Ideas

1. The Classic Reindeer Handprint

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this simple idea uses two handprints for antlers and a nose sticker to create a Rudolph lookalike.

• Best For: Ages 1–5
• Time Needed: ~30 minutes
• Supplies Needed: Red, brown, and white paint, black marker, red pom-pom

2. Gingerbread Family Tree

Create a gingerbread-style ornament using handprints as cookies. Add names and dates to track growth over the years.

• Best For: Families with multiple children
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Supplies Needed: Brown paint, felt accents, name tags

3. Polar Bear Snowball Fight

This playful design uses two handprints side by side to create polar bears holding snowballs made from cotton balls or puff paint.

• Best For: Siblings or twins
• Time Needed: 45 minutes
• Supplies Needed: Blue, black, and white paint, cotton balls

4. Christmas Tree Handprint

Use green paint and cut out a triangle shape from cardstock to turn handprints into a mini Christmas tree. Add star stickers or glitter glue at the top!

• Best For: School-aged kids who can hold scissors
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Supplies Needed: Green paint, cardboard, gold stars

5. Elf Hands Ornament

This is a cute twist on handprint art — use red and green paint to make elf hands with pointy fingers. Great for siblings!

• Best For: Ages 4+
• Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
• Supplies Needed: Red and green paint, metallic pens

6. Santa Boot Print

Use feet instead! Trace little toes and decorate them like Santa boots with felt trim and buckles. It's quirky and unforgettable.

• Best For: Babies and toddlers
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Supplies Needed: Black paint, red felt, fabric glue

7. Memory Milestone Ornament

Write a note about each child’s milestone that year—first day of school, lost tooth, etc.—on the back. Great for grandparents and gift-giving!

• Best For: All ages
• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
• Supplies Needed: Permanent marker, journaling tags

Pro Tips for Perfect Handprint Keepsakes

• Test on paper first: Let kids practice their “handprint pose” before painting.
• Keep wipes nearby: For quick cleanup and smudge control.
• Label them immediately: Avoid confusion by writing names and dates right after printing.
• Let it dry overnight: Especially if using thick paints or glues.
• Seal it up: Spray with a clear sealer to protect your masterpiece.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Materials for Your DIY Project

Best Paint for Kids' Crafts

Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – Non-toxic, easily washable, and comes in bright colors perfect for little artists.

• Features: AP-certified safe, no-run formula, dries quickly
• Price: ~$9
• Best For: Ages 2+

Wooden Ornaments for Painting

Made by Mark Wooden Rounds – Natural birch wood slices with pre-drilled holes, perfect for handprint art.

• Features: Eco-friendly, sanded edges, compatible with acrylics and markers
• Price: $8–$15 depending on size and quantity
• Best For: all holidays and occasions

Fabric Panels for Textile Keepsakes

Jute Craft Mini Canvas Panels – Ideal for making handprint wall art or framed keepsakes.

• Features: Durable canvas surface, fits standard small frames
• Price: ~$12 for 10-pack
• Best For: permanent decorations or gifts

Glitter Glue & Embellishments

Aleene’s Glitter Glue Bottles – Adds sparkle without the mess of loose glitter. Available in multiple metallic shades.

• Features: Acid-free, non-toxic, washable
• Price: ~$4–$6 each
• Best For: accenting details like eyes, noses, or holiday decor elements

Where to Display Your Masterpieces

• On the Tree: Classic placement during the holidays.
• Nursery Wall Art: Frame them and hang in baby’s room.
• Grandparent Gifts: Include a note on the back for sentimental value.
• Annual Memory Box: Store them in a special container with other holiday mementos.

Conclusion: Keep Creating and Cherishing

DIY handprint ornaments are more than just holiday crafts — they’re timeless keepsakes that capture fleeting childhood moments in the most magical way. Whether you're looking for a rainy-day project or a sweet way to personalize your tree, these ideas will bring joy and laughter to your home.

So grab the paints, round up the kids (and maybe some wine), and get crafting. You’ll thank yourself every holiday season when you see those adorable prints hanging proudly on the tree.

Need more inspiration? Check out our full guide on Family-Friendly Home Decor Projects for more ways to personalize your space with love, laughter, and a little bit of glitter.