If you want a special keepsake, try salt dough handprint or footprint ornaments—they’re simple: mix flour, salt, water, press baby’s print, bake, and decorate. Another favorite is a clear plastic ball filled with tiny memories like baby socks and Epsom salts for a snowy touch. You can also frame a favorite photo on a rustic wood slice or create a cute clay impression with baby’s footprint. These ideas blend love and craft beautifully, and there’s more creative inspiration just ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Create salt dough handprint or footprint ornaments by pressing baby’s hands or feet, baking, and decorating with non-toxic paints.
- Make air-dry clay ornaments by pressing baby’s foot, shaping with cookie cutters, and personalizing with name and birthdate.
- Craft photo ornaments using wood slices or popsicle stick frames to display baby’s picture with festive decorations.
- Fill clear plastic balls with Epsom salts, baby socks, and personalized messages for sentimental memory keepsakes.
- Sew felt ball ornaments embroidered with baby’s name and embellished with stars or hearts for a plush, decorative touch.
Salt Dough Handprint And Footprint Ornament
One of the most meaningful DIY ornaments you can create for your baby’s first Christmas is a salt dough handprint and footprint keepsake.
Using simple salt dough—a mix of flour, salt, and water—you roll it out evenly about 1/4 inch thick, then gently press your baby’s hands or feet to extract their unique prints.
After baking, you can get creative with non-toxic paints and add ribbons for hanging.
This ornament crafting not only preserves a precious moment but also connects you to family and tradition, making your tree feel even more like home during the holidays.
Clear Plastic Fillable Ball With Memory Keepsakes
A clear plastic fillable ball ornament offers a beautiful way to seize your baby’s earliest memories while adding a touch of sparkle to your Christmas tree.
Start by filling it one-quarter to one-third with Epsom salts for a snowy effect. Then, tuck in tiny keepsakes like baby socks or hospital bracelets—use tissue paper to keep their shape.
For ornament personalization techniques, I love using oil-based paint Sharpies to write my baby’s name and birth year on the outside.
Finally, seal the cap securely with glue and add a ribbon hanger. This simple project creates heartfelt memory keepsake ideas that connect us every holiday.
Wood Slice Photo Ornament With Gilded Frame
Crafting three to five wood slice photo ornaments with gilded frames is a delightful way to seize your baby’s first Christmas in a truly personal keepsake.
Start by painting smooth wood slices with white acrylic for a clean base. Then, use photo preservation methods by trimming and securing your favorite baby photo with Mod Podge.
Finally, add glam with gilding techniques: apply tacky glue around edges and press gold foil for a shiny frame. Hang with twine or ribbon.
Envision this:
- Rustic wood texture meets shiny gold foil
- Cherished baby photo sealed glossy and safe
- Cozy, handmade charm perfect for your tree
It feels like capturing a warm family moment!
Footprint Clay Impression Ornament Keepsake
Moving from the rustic charm of wood slice photo ornaments, let’s create something even more hands-on and personal: a footprint clay impression ornament.
Start by rolling out air-dry clay about 1/4 inch thick, then gently press your baby’s foot to seize every tiny detail—this footprint preservation technique is simple yet priceless.
Use a cookie cutter to shape the ornament and poke a hole for hanging. Once dry, clay ornament customization lets you paint your baby’s name and birth date.
Thread a ribbon through the hole, and voilà—your heartfelt keepsake is ready to hang and cherish forever.
Baby Sock Stuffed Ornament With Name Tag
One of the sweetest ways to seize your baby’s first Christmas spirit is by creating a Baby Sock Stuffed Ornament with a personalized name tag.
Start by filling a clear ornament with Epsom salts for a snowy look, then stuff a baby sock with tissue and scrunch it to fit inside.
Use oil-based paint Sharpies to add the baby’s name and birth year on the name tag.
Finally, secure the cap with glue and attach a ribbon hanger. This keepsake beautifully embodies the magic of your little one’s first holiday season.
- Snowy Epsom salt base
- Cozy stuffed baby sock
- Personalized name tag detail
Cork Swaddled Baby Doll Christmas Ornament
If you enjoyed making the Baby Sock Stuffed Ornament, you’ll love trying your hand at a Cork Swaddled Baby Doll Christmas Ornament next.
Start by carefully choosing your cork selection—look for one smooth and just the right size for your doll’s body. Wrap it snugly in fabric or felt to mimic a swaddling blanket, securing it with glue.
Add tiny beads or buttons for facial features, which makes ornament customization fun and personal. Finish with a ribbon loop for hanging and optional festive touches like bows or glitter.
This keepsake truly celebrates your baby’s first Christmas with warmth and charm.
Hospital Bracelet Memory Ornament Keepsake
Creating a Hospital Bracelet Memory Ornament Keepsake is a heartfelt way to preserve a precious piece of your baby’s first moments.
I love how this simple craft holds so much sentimental value, making your Christmas tree uniquely meaningful.
Start by placing the hospital bracelet inside a clear fillable ornament, then add a snowy touch with Epsom salts.
Don’t forget to personalize it by writing your baby’s name and birth date with an oil-based Sharpie.
Finally, seal the ornament securely with glue and add a ribbon hanger.
This keepsake beautifully celebrates your new family tradition!
- Hospital bracelet showcased inside
- Snowy Epsom salt effect
- Baby’s name and birth date personalization
Personalized Name And Birth Date Wooden Disc
After capturing the sweet memory of your baby’s first moments with a hospital bracelet ornament, you might want to try something a bit more hands-on that still feels personal and special.
Wooden disc customization is a charming way to celebrate your little one’s birth date significance. Start with a smooth wooden disc, paint it white, and once dry, neatly write your baby’s name and birth date with a permanent marker.
For extra warmth, add decorative tissue paper around the edges using Mod Podge. Finish by attaching a twine loop—now it’s ready to hang and cherish every year!
Hand Painted Ceramic Baby Face Ornament
One of the most delightful ways to celebrate your baby’s first Christmas is by making a hand-painted ceramic baby face ornament that highlights their unique little features.
Start with a plain ceramic base and use gentle ceramic paint techniques to depict those sweet eyes and tiny nose. Here’s what really helps:
- Use non-toxic acrylics for safety and vibrant colors
- Add a clear glaze for shine and durability
- Personalize with your baby’s name and birth year on the back
For charming ornament display ideas, hang it with a pretty ribbon on your tree or in a cozy nursery corner.
It’s a keepsake you’ll treasure forever!
Tissue Paper Transfer Ornament With Gold Foil
I’ve found that using tissue paper transfers combined with gold foil adds a stunning, delicate touch to any baby’s first Christmas ornament.
Start by printing your chosen images on tissue paper secured to cardstock, using laserjet for crisp results. Cut carefully, then apply Mod Podge evenly on the wooden base before placing the tissue paper—that’s key to smooth tissue paper techniques.
Once dry, add tacky glue where you want gold foil accents, gently pressing foil onto those spots. Finish with a securely glued ribbon loop for hanging.
This gold foil application makes your keepsake shimmer with special charm, perfect for celebrating new family memories.
Velvet Wrapped Ball With Ribbon Bow Detail
Creating a Velvet Wrapped Ball ornament brings a cozy and elegant vibe to your baby’s first Christmas keepsake.
Start by choosing velvet color choices that complement your holiday theme or baby’s nursery. Wrap a clear plastic ball tightly with the velvet fabric, securing it with glue.
Then, add a ribbon bow detail for a charming finish. To make it truly special, consider ornament embellishments like pearls or sequins.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Pick soft velvet in a meaningful color
- Secure fabric neatly with fabric adhesive
- Attach a delicate ribbon bow for elegance
This keepsake feels warm, personal, and timeless.
Fingerprint Tree Ornament With Family Handprints
Although it might seem tricky at first, making a fingerprint tree ornament with your family’s handprints is a wonderfully personal way to celebrate your baby’s first Christmas.
Start by rolling air-dry clay and cutting out a tree shape. Then, gently press each family member’s fingerprints into the clay to form festive leaves—a beautiful symbol of family unity.
Once dry, paint the tree’s trunk and add colorful details with acrylics, embracing your festive creativity. Don’t forget to personalize it with names and the year.
Finally, tie a ribbon for hanging. This keepsake will warm your heart every holiday season.
Photo Frame Ornament Window Style Display
A photo frame ornament designed like a window is a charming way to highlight your baby’s sweetest smile right on your Christmas tree.
To create this memory display, start with jumbo popsicle sticks painted green to mimic a festive frame. Then, add your baby’s photo securely with hot glue or double-sided tape.
Finally, bring warmth and sparkle by surrounding the frame with:
- Glitter and ribbons for a festive touch
- Small holiday-themed embellishments for charm
- A ribbon loop for easy hanging
This keepsake beautifully blends personal memories with joyful festive embellishments your family will treasure every year.
Embroidered Name On Felt Ball Ornament
When you want to add a personal touch that really stands out, stitching your baby’s name onto a felt ball ornament is a wonderful choice. Start with a 4-inch felt circle, picking felt color combinations that make the embroidery pop. Use simple stitching techniques like backstitch for names and decorative stars or hearts around it. Stuff it lightly for a plush feel, then add a ribbon loop for hanging. Here’s a quick guide:
| Step | Material | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cut felt circle | Felt | Choose contrasting colors |
| Stitch name | Embroidery floss | Use backstitch |
| Embellish | Embroidery floss | Try stars or hearts |
| Finish | Ribbon, stuffing | Add plushness and loop |
Resin Casting Baby Hands Or Feet Ornament
Capturing your baby’s tiny hands or feet in resin creates a beautiful, lasting keepsake that you’ll treasure for years.
Using resin casting, you can create a precise replica by selecting the right resin—clear, non-yellowing types work best. Follow curing process guidance carefully, as it typically takes 24 to 48 hours to set fully.
Here’s what helped me:
- Use silicone putty molds for perfect impressions
- Add glitter or paint inside the resin for a personal touch
- Drill a small hole after curing to hang your ornament
This craft is a wonderful way to celebrate your little one’s first Christmas together!
Personalized First Christmas Milestone Marker
Moving from the timeless charm of resin baby hand and foot ornaments, I want to share another creative way to celebrate your little one’s very first Christmas: making a personalized milestone marker.
Custom ornament designs like clear plastic balls filled with Epsom salts and baby socks create charming, sentimental keepsake memories. Adding your baby’s name, birth year, and a sweet message—like “My First Christmas”—makes it truly unique.
Use oil-based Sharpies to decorate the outside, ensuring your personalization lasts. These DIY markers not only commemorate precious moments but also make heartfelt gifts that bring family closer every holiday season.
