Some of the best ornaments on the tree aren’t from a store. They’re the ones made by tiny hands. These thumbprint Christmas ornaments turn a few dabs of paint into a keepsake that families will treasure for years.
Each ornament gets a sweet poem tag, so it’s ready to give the moment the paint dries. They make perfect gifts for grandparents, parents, and teachers. The craft is simple enough for toddlers and fun enough for older kids, and it works just as well at the kitchen table as in a busy classroom.
Below, you’ll find three easy designs: a candy cane, a reindeer, and a Christmas tree.
Craft Supplies:
- Cardstock paper (pre-cut into ornament-sized rectangles)
- White cardstock paper (for your printable)
- Free Gift Tag Printable – password is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026
- Washable finger paint {we used red, white and green}
- Baker’s twine
- Rhinestone gems
- Craft glue
- Markers/pencils
- Paper plates for paint, plus baby wipes for quick cleanup
Directions:
Design 1: Candy Cane
- Plan the hook. Lightly sketch a candy cane shape in pencil if your child wants a guide. Older kids can freehand it.
- Start with red. Press a thumb into the red paint and stamp it at the bottom of the cane.
- Switch to white. Wipe the thumb clean, dip it in white, and stamp just above the red print.
- Keep alternating. Continue red, white, red, white, working up the stick and curving over into the hook. About 10 to 12 prints makes a nice-sized cane.
- Let it dry. Set it aside on a flat surface.
Design 2: Reindeer
The brown kraft card becomes Rudolph’s furry face, so this one comes together fast.
- Add the eyes. Draw two small prints side by side near the top middle of the card.
- Add the nose. Press a thumb into red paint and stamp a big, round print below the eyes. This is Rudolph’s famous glowing nose.
- Optional extras. Use a brown or black marker to draw a smile or a pair of antlers.
- Let it dry completely before handling.
Design 3: Christmas Tree
- Build the tree. Dip a thumb in green paint. Start with one print at the top, then add two below it, then three, then four. Overlap the prints a little so the tree looks full and layered.
- Paint the trunk. Add a small brown square under the bottom row with paint or a marker.
- Let it dry. Wait until the green paint is fully dry before adding decorations.
- Add the star. Glue a yellow paper heart to the very top of the tree.
- Decorate. Glue purple rhinestone gems across the branches as shiny ornaments. Kids love choosing where each “ornament” goes.
Attach the Free Poem Printable
This is the step that turns a cute craft into a keepsake. Print the poem onto white gift tags, or write it by hand:
Every year when this goes on your tree,
I hope you’ll smile and think of me.
Love, ___________
- Sign the tag. Have your child write their name on the line. Little ones can add a scribble or a thumbprint instead. Writing the year on the back is a lovely touch.
- Punch a hole in the corner of the tag if it doesn’t already have one.
- Thread the twine. Cut about 8 inches of baker’s twine. Thread it through the hole in the ornament, then through the tag.
- Tie a loop. Knot the ends together to make a hanger, leaving the tag dangling just below the knot.
RELATED —> Potato Masher Stamped Candy Cane Craft Idea
That’s it! In one short afternoon, you’ll have a little stack of handmade gifts that capture just how small those thumbs were this year. Tuck them into gift bags, or slip one into a holiday card. Every December, when the box of ornaments comes out, these are the ones that will make someone stop and smile.
