25 Best DIY Photo Ornaments to Make Your Christmas Tree More Meaningful
Fill your tree with family and friends!
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Christmas is all about spending time with your nearest and dearest. So why not incorporate them into your holiday décor? This year, give your Christmas tree decorations a personal touch by adding a few DIY photo ornaments featuring snapshots of your closest family and friends. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up the best DIY photo ornaments for every style, budget, and skill level. Choose from projects featuring snow globes, sleds, reindeer, and more.
Each one of these DIY Christmas decorations makes the perfect keepsake, one that is sure to find a home on your tree for many years to come. A lot of the projects are designed with little ones in mind, like an adorable Rudolph-inspired ornament that tops off your child's photo with a tiny red nose or a smile-worthy popsicle stick plane with their photo in the pilot's seat! Can someone say easy Christmas crafts to pass the cold days?
DIY Christmas ornaments also make meaningful and affordable gifts for parents or even stocking stuffers that will no doubt bring a smile to the lucky recipient. Once you’ve found your inspiration from this gallery, you’ll be on your way to creating a family tree that showcases your most precious memories!
Beaded Wreath Ornament
Wreaths aren't just for your front door—especially these mini versions crafted of the cutest Christmas-colored beads and ribbon. String a photo on the inside for an added personal touch.
See more at The Craft Patch.
Salt Dough Frame Ornament
It hardly gets more classic than dough ornaments! Reminiscent of tasty Christmas cookies, these photo frames can be shaped however you like then decorated with items like glitter and pom poms. How sweet!
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Popsicle Stick Train Ornament
All aboard the DIY express! But you don't need tickets to make this delightful decoration... just popsicle sticks, bead, paint, fabric, and a few other crafting essentials. Oh! And don't forget a cute conductor photo!
See more at Studio DIY!.
Retro Fabric Ornament
If vintage Christmas décor is kinda your thing, you'll really appreciate these old-timey fabric photo ornaments that you can easily make yourself! Just pick your favorite retro pattern and trim then get to crafting.
See more at Polkadot Chair.
Popsicle Stick Airplane Ornament
Okay, this one is just plane awesome! Get it? Plus, it's easy to put together using popsicle sticks, a wooden clothespin, and of course, a photo of your kiddo as the pilot!
See more at The Craft Patch.
Baby Footprint Stocking Ornament
While this one is technically a baby's first Christmas ornament, you could also make the little wooden stocking sans footprint for a festive display that's fit for any family photo!
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Photo Medallion Ornament
These playfully patterned fan ornaments offer a great way to sneak photos into your Christmas decor. You'll only need a few things to complete this project, including card stock, a hot glue gun, scissors, and, of course, your favorite photos!
See more at The Homes I Have Made.
Pom Pom Photo Ornament
This project is a great way to make use of your kids' extra school photos. And it's simple enough that they can even help craft the ornaments.
See more at One Little Project.
Rudolph Reindeer Photo Ornament
These easy Rudolph-inspired ornaments are sure to bring a smile to kids from 1 to 92. We can't decide what's cuter, the tiny red noses or the curly pipe cleaner antlers!
See more at Hello Wonderful.
Wood Slice Photo Ornament
To make these rustic ornaments, you can purchase craft wood slices or cut your own from a tree branch. Either way, your loved ones will look so cute on display! Did we mention these ornaments can double as gift tags?
See more at Inspired by Charm.
Black and White Photo "Ornament"
Technically, there's no DIYing involved in this photo "ornament," but hey, maybe you need a break from crafting! For this project, all you have to do is print off black and white family photos and nestle them into your tree.
See more at Delia Creates.
Felt Snowflake Ornament
Every snowflake is unique, and the same is true for children! These DIY felt ornaments put your little one’s individuality on display in the cutest way.
See more at Happiness Is Homemade.
Salt Dough Heart Ornament
These salt dough hearts will add a little extra love to your tree. You'll want to keep them around through Valentine's Day!
See more at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Cornstarch Dough Photo Ornament
Can you believe these homemade ornaments are crafted from cornstarch and glue? You can use tiny stamps to give the frame texture.
See more at Club Crafted.
Gold Leaf Frame Ornament
These gold leaf frames are perfect for bringing a touch of glam to your tree. Add a gauzy or velvet ribbon for a pretty finishing touch.
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Sled Ornament
This adorable sled is made from popsicle sticks and personalized with photos of your loved ones. They’re a little bit rustic, a little bit modern, and a lot of fun.
See more at The Craft Patch.
Fabric Photo Ornament
This photo is printed on fabric for added texture. The blogger also used embroidery floss to make the details really pop.
See more at Charisa Darling.
Photo Transfer Ornament
The photo transfer technique is easier than you might think, and it offers a vintage vibe that will give you warm and fuzzy feelings.
See more at Landeelu.
Snowman Handprint Ornament
Your little one's handprint will look so sweet dressed up as tiny snowmen. Include their photo on the flip side for added cuteness.
See more at Little Red Window.
Snow Globe Keepsake Ornament
These mini snow globe ornaments are so festive and joyful. You can make six in less than an hour.
See more at The Crafting Nook.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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