DIY Handprint Christmas Tree Ornament Craft for Kids

Creating handmade ornaments is one of our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas with the kids. These simple projects add a personal touch to your tree and become treasured keepsakes for years. This handprint Christmas tree ornament is the perfect craft for little hands. Kids love dipping their palms in green paint and stamping their own Christmas tree. Parents love the adorable keepsake that captures their child’s hand size and sweet creativity.

This festive handprint project is easy, fun, and budget-friendly. You only need a few craft supplies, and kids can complete the project in under 20 minutes. The finished ornament makes a thoughtful handmade gift for grandparents and teachers. It is also a wonderful classroom activity for holiday parties. With easy instructions, a little green paint, and some colorful pom poms, your child will create a memorable DIY Christmas tree handprint ornament that will hang on your tree year after year.

Why Kids Love This Handprint Christmas Craft

Kids adore projects that feel personal and playful. This craft lets them dip their hands into cool paint, press down on cardstock, and see their print transform into a bright Christmas tree. Pom poms become ornaments, and a simple shape becomes something magical. Children also love displaying their art on the family Christmas tree. Seeing their ornament sparkle on the tree helps them feel proud and included in the decorating.

This craft boosts creativity and fine motor skills. Kids practice painting, stamping, gluing, and decorating. Each ornament turns out unique because each handprint is unique. No two projects look the same, which makes this a perfect keepsake craft for siblings or classrooms.

Supplies Needed

You likely already have most of these supplies in your holiday craft bin. Gather the following:

This post contains affiliate links.

Bright foam sheets ( You could use White or kraft cardstock if you want a more simple look)
Green washable paint
A foam brush or small paintbrush
Small pom poms for ornaments
Ribbon, cording, or twine for hanging
Hole punch
Scissors
Glue
Gold Glitter, or you could use a glitter glue pen.
Paper plate for paint
Baby wipes or a washcloth for cleanup

These simple items make the craft accessible for kids of all ages. You can also substitute items you already have. Want more sparkle? Add glitter glue or sequins. Want a rustic look? Use kraft paper and natural twine.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Handprint Ornament

These steps are simple and work well at home or in a classroom setting. Keep wipes nearby for quick cleanup.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set out your supplies and place a piece of cardstock on the table. Put green paint on a paper plate. Help younger kids roll up sleeves or wear aprons. Lay down parchment or newspaper to protect your surface.

Step 2: Paint the Hand

Dip the foam brush into the green paint. Coat your child’s hand with paint. Cover the palm and fingers evenly. Kids love this part, so let them help if they’re old enough.

Step 3: Make the Handprint

Press the painted hand firmly onto the foam or cardstock to create the tree shape. Lift their hand straight up for a clean print. Let the paint dry. This print becomes the base of your DIY Christmas tree handprint ornament.

Step 4: Decorate with Glitter and Add Star

Add glue scallop stripes across your tree. Sprinkle on gold glitter. Allow to dry completely.

Cut out a yellow star from the foam. Glue this to the top of the handprint tree.

Step 5: Decorate with Pom Poms

Glue small pom poms onto the tree. These bright accents become ornaments on your child’s tree. Kids can choose their own colors and patterns. Some may want rainbow colors, while others prefer traditional red and green.

Step 6: Cut the Ornament Shape

Use scissors to trim the ornament into a rectangle shape. Leave room at the top for ribbon or twine. Older kids can cut their own shapes for extra practice with scissor skills.

Step 7: Add Ribbon for Hanging

Use a hole punch at the top of the ornament. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a bow. This step completes your handprint Christmas keepsake.

Creative Variations to Try

You can customize this ornament in many fun ways. Try these ideas:

Add glitter along the edges for sparkle.
Use kraft cardstock for a rustic farmhouse look.
Add a foam star sticker to the top of the tree.
Write your child’s name and the year on the back for memory-keeping.
Make matching ornaments for siblings using different ribbon colors.

These small changes make the craft feel new each year.

Why This Craft Makes a Meaningful Keepsake

Parents love keeping a record of their child’s growth. A handprint ornament freezes a moment in time. You will look back years later and remember how tiny their hands were. These ornaments also make heartfelt gifts for grandparents, neighbors, and teachers. A handmade keepsake with a child’s handprint feels personal and thoughtful. It adds charm to any Christmas tree.

This project also encourages kids to slow down during the busy holiday season. While crafting, they get to create, explore textures, and enjoy time with family. A handprint project like this becomes both a memory and a decoration.