Reindeer Handprint Ornaments Kids Will Love Making

Handmade Christmas ornaments always feel extra special, especially when they capture a child’s tiny handprint. These Reindeer Handprint Ornaments are one of our favorite kids’ Christmas crafts because they add a personal touch to your Christmas tree and make adorable keepsakes for grandparents, teachers, and neighbors. This easy DIY uses simple supplies like cardstock, brown pipe cleaners, a red pom pom, and an ink pad to create a cute child’s handprint reindeer that you will cherish for years.

This project is perfect for preschoolers, older kids, and families who love holiday crafting traditions. You only need a few minutes, some craft supplies, and your child’s sweet little hand. Let’s jump into this festive holiday activity!

Every mom loves to have handprints of their children because they grow way too fast! We made these DIY Reindeer Hand Print Ornaments so that I could remember my little ones’ hands every Christmas! Plus the kids loved to help me make them and hang them on the Christmas tree.

Supplies You’ll Need

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• Cardstock –  Red and cream
• Ink pad – washable and kid-safe in brown or black
• Scissors
• Scallop Scissors
• Hole punch
• Brown pipe cleaner
• Red pom pom
• Hot glue gun (or strong craft glue)
• Google eye
• Ribbon or twine for hanging

These easy-to-find supplies make this one of the simplest Christmas crafts for kids, and the finished ornament looks so cute on the tree.

Step 1: Stamp Your Child’s Handprint

Rub ink on your child’s hand. This works better than pressing your child’s hand in the ink. Press down firmly on the tan paper to make the hand print mark.

This step creates the base of the ornament and becomes the body of your reindeer. Little hands grow quickly, so this craft doubles as a memory you’ll treasure for years.

Step 2: Cut Out the Handprint

Next, grab your scissors and carefully cut around the handprint. Kids can help with this step if they’re ready to practice fine motor skills. If you’re crafting with preschoolers or toddlers, you may want to handle this part yourself.

The cut-out handprint forms the perfect reindeer body and antlers. This sweet shape always looks adorable hanging on the Christmas tree.

Step 3: Add the Reindeer’s Face

Use your hot glue gun or craft glue to attach a google eye to the thumb area of the handprint. This becomes the reindeer’s eye. Next, glue a red pom pom onto the tip of the thumb to create a bright Rudolph-style nose.

This step instantly turns the handprint into a recognizable reindeer. Kids always get excited seeing their artwork come to life!

Step 4: Mount Handprint 

Cut around the hand print and then glue on the red paper to create a cute border. Then using cut around the red paper with scallop scissors to leave a darling edge.

Step 5: Punch a Hole for Hanging

Use a hole punch to create a small hole at the top of the ornament. Thread a piece of ribbon or baker’s twine through the hole and tie it into a loop.

This creates a sturdy hanger so the ornament can sit beautifully on your Christmas tree year after year.

Step 6: Adding Antlers

Next you will cut your pipe cleaner in half (so you have 2 halves). Then take one half and cut that in half. SO you will have one bigger piece and 2 smaller pieces. Take the bigger piece and push through the hole. Then twist it together on top. Then add the small pieces to each side to create that antlers.

Step 7: Display or Gift Your Ornament

Hang the completed handprint reindeer ornament on the tree or attach it to a wrapped gift. Kids love seeing their creations displayed during the holidays. Moms also love that this project is quick, inexpensive, and meaningful.

These ornaments also make thoughtful holiday gift ideas for grandparents, teachers, or family friends. Add the year to the back using a marker for an extra personal touch.

Make sure to add your child’s name and the date to their reindeer so that you can remember their precious hand print!

Why This Craft Is a Family Favorite

This child’s handprint craft is simple, sweet, and meaningful. The project requires minimal setup and very little mess, especially if you use pre-colored cardstock instead of an ink pad. It’s a fun Christmas activity for kids who love hands-on crafting, and it provides a keepsake you’ll treasure.

This ornament also supports fine motor development, creativity, and sensory play, making it a wonderful craft for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids.

For more great Christmas Kids’ crafts, check out these posts:

Hand-Sewn Paper Plate Christmas Tree

Christmas Suncatchers

Rudolph Candy Canes