Christmas is one of the most special times of the year – it’s a holiday that everyone looks forward to. But when this celebration is coupled with the arrival of a baby, it becomes even more magical.
For new parents, their baby’s first Christmas is a monumental occasion that’s worth celebrating in style. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a special ornament to commemorate the event.
If you’re looking for ideas for your baby’s first Christmas ornament, you’re on the right page.
This guide will let you in on tons of great ornament ideas. Once you’re done reading this, you’ll have a better idea on which ornament to get that will capture the essence of your baby’s first holiday.
Related: Best Christmas Ornament Ideas
Personalized Ornaments
Uniqueness is a huge deal when it comes to choosing an ornament to commemorate your baby’s first Christmas.
After all, having a one-of-a-kind ornament that no one else has will surely bring a sense of pride and joy to any parent.
That’s why personalized ornaments are a great option to consider.
Handprint or Footprint Ornaments
These types of ornaments make for a sentimental keepsake. You can make this through ceramic clay kits which are very easy to use, even for beginners.
But if you want something simpler, you can capture your baby’s footprint and handprint through ink and paper.
Use baby-safe ink or paint to ensure that your baby will be safe from any skin reaction.
Name and Date Ornaments
Special names and dates are always worth remembering, especially when it comes to your baby.
A personalized ornament with your baby’s name and the date of their birth is a classic and timeless option that will never go out of style.
There are tons of customizable options for this ornament that you can find online such as ones made from wood, metal, or even glass. You can even choose the font and color scheme to match your decor.
These ornaments usually come with a little pouch to store the ornament in after the holiday season is over.
Related: Custom Ornament Ideas for the Holidays
Photo Ornaments
Just like any parent, you’re probably trying your best to capture every moment and milestone of your baby’s life.
Your favorite photos can finally transcend from being buried and forgotten in your camera roll to being proudly displayed on your Christmas tree.
You can choose to have a photo of your baby alone or one with the whole family.
Alternatively, you can create a photo collage of your baby’s first year – their first step, first smile, first vacation – it doesn’t have to be a milestone, even just a cute photo will do!
No matter which photos you choose, as long as you love them, they will help you look back on all the special moments your baby has had.
Learn More: Ultimate Guide to Personalized Christmas Ornaments
DIY (Do It Yourself) Ornaments
For crafty parents, DIY ornaments can be a fun way to make an ornament for your baby’s first holiday.
Fabric scraps ornament
Who says your baby’s first clothes have to be kept in a box forever? You can use those cute onesies or blankets and turn them into a DIY ornament.
Patchwork designs work best for this type of ornament since it allows you to create a design that includes all of your baby’s favorite clothes.
To start, gather all the fabrics you want to include, and cut them into small squares or rectangles.
Then, arrange them in a patchwork design, and use a sewing machine or needle and thread to stitch them together into whatever shape you want – an angel, a Christmas tree, or a Christmas ball.
Finally, add a ribbon or hook at the top to hang the ornament on your tree.
Bottle Cap Keepsakes
Unleash your creativity by making your very own bottle cap keepsake ornament for your little one.
First, you’ll want to clean the bottle caps, removing any labels or residue. Then, fill the bottle caps with tiny mementos of your baby such as their hospital bracelet.
Add glitter, sequins, or beads to give the ornament a festive feel. Once you’ve filled the caps, glue them shut and decorate the outside with paint, stickers, markers, or yarn.
Baby’s First Toys
Shadow boxes are a fun way to display your baby’s first toys since they create a sense of depth and texture. To make this ornament, choose a shadow box frame that suits your style and fits your child’s toy.
Make sure it comes with a hinged door or removable back panel for easy access. Then, cut a piece of decorative paper or fabric or print something that fits the back of the shadow box. This will be the background for your display.
The next step is to gather your baby’s first toys and trinkets. Start by arranging the toy and any other items you want to include in the box.
When attaching these toys, don’t use too much glue since it may be visible. You can add more elements like fake trees and snowflakes to make it more cohesive.
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, seal the shadow box and add a hook or ribbon to hang it on your tree.
Theme-Based Ornaments
Having themes for your Christmas tree is a great way to add some personality and style to your holiday decor. Here are some inspirations.
Storybook Characters
What’s your baby’s favorite bedtime story? If they have a favorite character from a storybook, why not make an ornament out of it?
You can find pre-made figurines and photo cards featuring popular characters like Winnie the Pooh, Curious George, or Dr. Seuss.
If your baby’s favorite characters are not as popular as the ones mentioned above, don’t worry.
You can simply print images of these characters or draw them yourself – whether it may be mermaids, unicorns, or even dragons.
Alternatively, you can also create your own plush toy version of the character by sewing it from scratch.
This way, you can customize the color and texture of the fabric to match your decor.
Finally, you can also use polymer clay to mold and shape your favorite characters into an ornament.
Paint them with vibrant colors and add glitter or beads for extra sparkle. Your baby will love seeing their favorite storybook characters every year on the tree.
Animals and Nature
Does your baby get excited when he/she sees a bird, or maybe a teddy bear? Leverage this excitement by creating an animal or nature-themed Christmas tree.
This theme is perfect for the little ones who love animals and the outdoors.
You can easily draw various animals like rabbits, birds, squirrels, and bears, and add extra ornaments using twigs, pinecones, and leaves.
No matter what you choose, your baby will love seeing their furry and feathery friends on the Christmas tree.
Holiday Symbols
For those who want a classic theme, sticking to DIY holiday symbols like snowflakes, candy canes, Santa hats, and wreaths is a great option.
These easy-to-make ornaments can be created using materials like cardboard, paper, felt, a cutter, and paint.
One fun way to incorporate your baby into these ornaments is to print out a photo of them and add it to the center.
These ornaments are perfect for a cozy and traditional Christmas tree and will make your baby feel like they’re part of the holiday festivities.
Vintage and Heirloom Ornaments
These ornaments are perfect for those who want to add a sentimental or rustic touch to their Christmas tree.
Family Heirlooms
Ornaments passed through generations are priceless treasures, and adding them to your tree can be a meaningful way to honor your family history.
Look through your family’s collection of ornaments and choose ones that have been passed down through the years.
These could be vintage glass baubles, hand-sewn or crocheted ornaments, or delicate porcelain figurines.
If you don’t have Christmas-related family heirlooms, you can create your own by using sentimental items like jewelry from a loved one.
Use a ribbon or string to attach the item to the tree. If you want to take the extra mile, include a small tag explaining its significance.
Vintage Finds
If you’re not lucky enough to have family heirlooms, you can easily find vintage ornaments at flea markets, antique stores, or online marketplaces.
Not only are these affordable, but they also add a lovely touch of nostalgia to your tree. Look for retro and unusual ornaments like vintage sleds, wooden toys, or antique Christmas balls.
Although these items are old, they still hold a timeless charm.
The trick to choosing vintage ornaments is to go for ones that complement your overall decor. Don’t forget to check the quality and condition of the ornaments before purchasing them.
Eco-friendly Ornaments
Creating eco-friendly ornaments is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Wooden Ornaments
Wooden ornaments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for any Christmas tree. You can find pre-made wooden ornaments at craft stores or online.
You can even make your own by cutting out shapes from scrap wood and carving them. Wooden ornaments are pretty hard to make so don’t be too hard on yourself if it turns out a little rough around the edges.
The imperfections will give it charm. After cutting your shapes, sand them down and add a layer of clear coat to protect them from wear and tear.
Felt and Fabric Ornaments
For a cozy and textured look, felt and fabric ornaments are an incredible option for ornaments. These can be colorful, soft, and cute. It’s available in plain colors or in various prints, like polka dots, stripes, and floral designs.
While you can buy felt and fabric ornaments since they’re very common, why not take it a step further and create your own?
You can find tutorials online or use your own creativity to make unique designs. Cut out shapes from felt or fabric and sew them together, stuffing them with a little bit of cotton for added texture.
You can even add little embellishments like buttons or beads for added detail. These ornaments are not only cute but also easy to make.
Recycled Materials
Take a look at the things you already have in your house. Chances are, there are items you can upcycle and repurpose into eco-friendly ornaments.
For example, old Christmas cards can be cut into shapes and strung together to make a garland or individual ornaments.
Additionally, you can use old CDs or DVDs to create glitter snowflake ornaments. Cut the discs into snowflake shapes, paint them with white glue, and sprinkle glitter on top.
You can also use old newspapers and magazines to make paper mache ornaments. Just mix flour and water together to make a paste, layer strips of paper onto a mold, and let it dry.
Once dry, you can paint and decorate the ornaments however you like.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using recycled materials. Not only are you reducing waste, but you’re also creating an ornament that no one else will have.
Plus, it’s a great way to teach your child the importance of sustainability and creativity in the future.
Considerations When Choosing Ornaments
Whenever you’re choosing ornaments for your Christmas tree, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind. These will ensure that the ornaments you choose are safe, child-friendly, and will last a long time.
Safety
When choosing ornaments, safety should always be your top priority. Avoid ornaments with small parts that can easily break off and become choking hazards, especially if you have young children or pets in the house.
Additionally, be mindful of ornaments that are fragile or made of glass, as these can easily break and cause injury. Opt for sturdy, shatterproof materials instead.
Ornaments with sharp edges should also be avoided, as they can be dangerous. Choose ornaments that are smooth and rounded to ensure that they won’t cause any harm if accidentally knocked off the tree.
Finally, prioritize non-toxic materials when selecting ornaments. Avoid using ornaments made of lead, mercury, and methylene chloride since they can be harmful to your family’s health.
Durability
As much as possible, you want your Christmas ornament to last for years to come. Choose ornaments made from materials that are durable and can withstand wear and tear. This is especially important if you plan on using the ornaments year after year.
Invest in ornaments made from sturdy materials like metal, resin, or wood, as they have a long lifespan and can withstand rough handling.
Avoid ornaments made from cheap and flimsy materials that are easily broken or damaged.
These types of ornaments may look appealing, but they won’t last long and will need to be replaced frequently so you’ll end up spending more money in the long run.
Storage
What happens to your baby’s first ornament after the holiday season is over? Consider how you’ll store your ornaments to ensure that they remain in good condition and can be used for the years to come.
You can get a sturdy ornament storage box that has compartments for each ornament. This will not only keep your ornaments organized and easy to find but also protect them from damage.
When storing fragile or delicate ornaments, wrap them in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from getting scratched or broken.
If you’re short on space, consider using a vertical storage system, where you can hang your ornaments on a rack or a hanger. This will save you space and keep your ornaments from getting crushed or damaged.
Cleaning your ornaments before storing them is also key to ensuring their longevity.
Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down each ornament. Be wary of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may scratch or damage the ornament’s surface.
A microfiber cloth dipped in warm water can do wonders to ensure all ornaments are free of dirt.
In addition, make sure to store your ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and humidity.
Avoid storing them in the attic or basement, as these areas are often damp and prone to temperature fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
Every moment you share with your baby is precious, and the memories you create during the holiday season are no exception.
It may seem overwhelming to find the perfect baby ornaments but all your time and effort in choosing or making these ornaments will be worth it.
After all, these ornaments will serve as a reminder of the special moments shared with your little one during their first Christmas.
Even as you hang these ornaments in the years to come, you’ll be able to relive those cherished memories and marvel at how much your child has grown. Happy decorating!