Your baby’s first Christmas is a magical milestone, full of joy, love, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
What better way to capture those memories than by creating DIY ornaments using keepsakes from your baby’s first year? Not only will these ornaments look beautiful on your tree, but they’ll also become cherished heirlooms you can revisit every holiday season.
Gather your crafting supplies and let’s turn those tiny treasures into meaningful holiday decorations!
Why DIY Keepsake Ornaments Are Perfect for Baby’s First Christmas
Baby’s first Christmas is a time to celebrate milestones, family traditions, and all the “firsts” that come with welcoming a new bundle of joy. DIY ornaments add a personal touch to your holiday decorations and allow you to preserve those fleeting moments in a way that’s both creative and sentimental.
These ornaments can be made with small keepsakes, like your baby’s hospital bracelet, a snippet of their first outfit, or even their first holiday photo. They’re a fun and heartwarming activity, and as your child grows, they’ll love seeing a piece of their history on the Christmas tree.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Creating DIY keepsake ornaments for your baby’s first Christmas is easy, and you don’t need to be a crafting expert. Here’s a list of basic materials you can use to bring your ornaments to life:
Clear plastic or glass ball ornaments
Mini shadowboxes
Fabric scraps (from baby clothes, blankets, or bibs)
Photos or printed ultrasound images
Ribbon, twine, or string
Glue, glitter, and festive embellishments (think holly, mini bells, or snowflakes)
Pro tip: You can find many of these materials at your local craft store or even online. (Here’s some Pinterest DIY ornament inspiration to spark your creativity!)
DIY Ornament Ideas for Baby’s First Christmas
1. Clear Ball Keepsake Ornaments
Clear ball ornaments are versatile and perfect for showcasing small keepsakes.
How to Make It:
Open a clear ornament ball and carefully place a keepsake inside, such as your baby’s hospital bracelet, a tiny sock, or a snippet of their first blanket.
Add decorative touches like glitter, faux snow, or a rolled-up note with your baby’s birth details.
Finish with a festive ribbon tied at the top for hanging.
These ornaments let you preserve delicate items while keeping them visible and protected.
2. Shadowbox Ornaments
Shadowbox ornaments are mini displays that can hold multiple items from your baby’s first Christmas.
How to Make It:
Fill a mini shadowbox with small items, such as a piece of baby’s first outfit, their first holiday photo, or a handwritten note about a special memory.
Add seasonal touches like tiny pinecones, fake snow, or even stickers with the year.
Seal the shadowbox and hang it with twine or ribbon.
Shadowbox ornaments are like a tiny time capsule that will make you smile year after year.
3. Fabric Star Ornaments
Repurpose baby clothes into adorable fabric ornaments!
How to Make It:
Cut a star (or other shapes like hearts or trees) from your baby’s first outfit or blanket.
Sew or glue two pieces together, leaving a small opening to stuff with cotton or batting.
Add a loop of ribbon for hanging and stitch the ornament closed.
Not only are these ornaments sentimental, but they’re also soft and lightweight, making them perfect for families with curious little ones.
How to Display Your DIY Keepsake Ornaments
Your baby’s first Christmas ornaments deserve a special spot on the tree. Place them front and center so they can shine! If you’re feeling extra festive, consider creating a dedicated “baby’s first Christmas” section on your tree with all their personalized ornaments grouped together.
You can also pair these keepsake ornaments with a memory book to document your family traditions and holiday highlights. Check out our personalized baby books to capture even more milestones!
Making DIY Ornaments a Family Tradition
Crafting ornaments can be a beautiful way to bond as a family. Invite grandparents, siblings, or close friends to join in on the fun. You can even turn this into an annual tradition, adding a new ornament to your collection every year.
As your child grows older, they’ll love helping you create ornaments to mark their milestones. One day, these keepsakes might even make it to their own tree!
Tips for Preserving Your Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments
To keep your DIY ornaments looking their best for years to come, follow these simple tips:
Store them carefully: Use a sturdy ornament box or a memory box to keep them safe during the off-season.
Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to light can cause colors to fade over time.
Use archival-safe materials: This will help protect photos, fabric, and paper from going bad.
These steps will ensure your ornaments stay just as special as the memories they represent.
Celebrate Baby’s First Christmas with Love and Creativity
Your baby’s first Christmas is a time filled with love, joy, and precious memories. By creating DIY ornaments, you’re capturing those moments in a way that’s personal and meaningful. These ornaments aren’t just decorations—they’re reminders of how special this time truly is.
Ready to start crafting? Gather your supplies, grab some cocoa, and let the holiday magic begin! And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see how you’re celebrating your baby’s first Christmas!
For more tips on preserving memories and celebrating milestones, explore our memory boxes and keepsake ideas. Happy holidays from all of us at Lettie & Co.!