Easy Salt Dough Ornaments: DIY Keepsakes for Toddlers & Kids

These ornaments are more than just decorations—they’re little memories you can hold onto. I love looking back and seeing exactly how tiny those hands or feet were that year.

• Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples (no emergency trips to the store needed!).
• Non-Toxic Fun: Safe for toddlers and kids to explore.
• Timeless Keepsake: They last for years and years, becoming a treasured family heirloom.
• Perfect Gift: A heartfelt, customized present that loved ones will adore.

They’re simple, meaningful, and make a perfect gift for grandparents or friends, too. Whether you keep them for yourself or give them as gifts, salt dough ornaments are a holiday craft you’ll treasure for years.

• Flour
• Salt
• Cream of tartar
• Water
• Mod Podge or paint for finishing
• Ribbon for hanging

Mix Your Dough

Start by combining 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 2 tablespoons cream of tartar in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil and slowly mix in 1½ cups water until the dough becomes soft and pliable. Adding the water gradually is key—you want it soft enough to roll but not sticky.

Roll It Out & Personalize

Roll your dough on a lightly floured surface. Now comes the fun part—press in tiny handprints or footprints. Use cookie cutters, cups, or even a vase to create festive shapes. This is a great way to make each ornament unique and memorable.

Make a Hole for Hanging

Before baking, use a straw or skewer to make a hole for your ribbon. This simple step makes it easy to hang your ornaments later without cracking or breaking them.

Bake Low & Slow

Place your ornaments on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 5–8 hours. It’s a slow process, but it ensures your ornaments dry completely and stay crack-free—perfect for keepsakes that last for years.

Seal & Hang

Once cooled, brush with Mod Podge to seal, or get creative and paint them in your favorite colors first. Thread a ribbon through the hole, and your handcrafted ornament is ready to hang on your tree—or give as a heartfelt gift

• Add a little sparkle: Brush a bit of glitter on the ornament before sealing for a festive touch.
• Try metallics: Gold or silver paint makes simple shapes feel extra special.
• Store carefully: Keep your ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent cracking over the years.
• Personalize with names & dates: Use a toothpick or skewer to write your child’s name and the year—these make every ornament a keepsake.
• Get creative with shapes: Don’t just stick to classic circles—heart, star, or tree shapes, or even DIY shapes made with a cup or vase — make fun, unique ornaments.

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Salt Dough Ornaments

Create lasting holiday memories with these easy salt dough ornaments for toddlers! DIY handprint Christmas ornaments are simple, fun, and perfect for gifting or decorating your tree.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1½ cups water add slowly
• Mod Podge and/orpaint
• Ribbon for hanging

Instructions

 

• Mix Dough: Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl. Add oil and slowly mix in water until dough is soft and pliable.
• Roll & Shape: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Press in handprints or footprints, or use cookie cutters, cups, or a vase to cut shapes.
• Make a Hole: Use a straw or skewer to create a hole for ribbon before baking.
• Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 5–8 hours until fully dry.
• Seal & Hang: Once cooled, paint or brush with Mod Podge. Thread a ribbon through the hole and hang on your tree!

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