DIY Baby’s First Christmas Footprint Ornament Craft

While baby boy isn’t quite ready to join us for this Christmas, I’ve been swooning over all of the adorable “Baby’s 1st Christmas” stuff I’ve been seeing everywhere. I’m resisting the urge to pick up an outfit for next year since he’ll be 11 months old & I have no idea what size he’ll be wearing, so in the meantime I thought I’d share this adorable and easy DIY Baby’s First Christmas Ornament Craft!

If you’re celebrating a new arrival this year, you can treasure the magic of your baby’s first Christmas for years to come with this heartwarming and personalized DIY project! This delightful and easy-to-follow tutorial requires just a few simple materials and is done in minutes- because when you have a baby at home, the last thing you need is a complicated project!

This hands-on craft is not only a delightful way to commemorate this special milestone but also makes for a cherished keepsake to adorn your Christmas tree for years to come. {These also make the best gifts for family, especially those far away!} Get ready for a joyful and memorable crafting experience as you create a beautiful ornament that encapsulates the spirit of your baby’s first holiday season!

Do I need to use a specific type of Christmas bulb ornament?

​No, you can definitely customize this however you’d like! If you want to go with blue or pink or something more neutral, there’s definitely an option out there for you! You could even use the same technique for wood ornaments instead of a bulb if you’d prefer.

What type of paper is best for drawing the outline?

The best paper to use for making these Christmas ornaments is definitely a heavyweight paper or cardstock. The thickness of the paper provides stability, making it way easier to trace the foot in the first place and then easier to transfer the outline!

Are there any other ways to get the foot outline?

Yes! If this just isn’t working out for you or you’d rather try something else, new parents can use different methods like ink pads, washable paint, or even a photocopy!

Do I have to use tacky glue?

Tacky glue is the perfect ornament glue because it’s super sticky and bound to last. However, if you don’t have it you can use craft glue or even Mod Podge- just know that it may not last as long or go on as easily.

What type of glitter works best for these keepsake ornaments?

​You can use fine glitter or chunky glitter, depending on your tastes. I’d recommend buying an extra ornament bulb to experiment with first, and use it to test if your chosen glitter sticks well to it.

Alternatively, you could use glitter glue pens for an even easier process- just be sure to test them on another bulb first to make sure they’ll work as all glitter glue pens are different and so are all bulbs!

Can I speed up the dry time?

If you’re making a bunch of baby ornaments to give to family members {they make the perfect gift!} or you’re making them last minute, you might need them to dry fast. To ensure they dry as fast as possible, you should use a thin layer of glue, and work in a warm, low humidity room. You can blow a fan near the ornament to help dry it, but make sure you use it on low speed to avoid making the glitter go everywhere and to avoid smearing it with too much force.

I would not recommend using a hair dryer as the heat from it can make the glue too hot. It can also smear the pattern pretty easily.

Ultimately, the better way is to try to plan ahead and allow it enough time to dry naturally if possible!

Can I add other decorations to the 1st Christmas ornament?

Of course! Make this your own however you’d like. You can add a ribbon or bow, small jingle bells, personalized tags including baby’s name or birth year, or even miniature ornaments like a rocking horse or a teddy bear. There are a vast selection of baby items to choose from to make this exactly the ornament you want to make for your newest addition!

How can older siblings help with making this personalized Christmas ornament?

Depending on their ages, there are lots of ways older siblings can get involved:

• Help with tracing the baby’s foot onto the ornament.
• Help with glue application
• Add the glitter {definitely depending on age here!}
• Help pick the colors
• Make their own personalized ornaments- their feet may be too big for matching ornaments, but they can get creative and make their own!

How can I protect this ornament from fading over time?

You can apply a clear sealant over the entire ornament- including over the glitter- to help prevent fading and add durability. Avoid displaying outdoors and be sure to store it in a cool, dry place when not in use- not in your garage in the hot sun if you can help it!

What supplies do you need to make this Baby’s First Christmas Ornament?

To make this homemade ornament, you’ll need:

{These links are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!}

• Christmas Bulb Ornament
• Tacky Glue
• Glitter

Step by Step Guide

Ready to make it? Here’s what you need to do! {Be sure to grab the printable version of this tutorial at the bottom of the page!}

1. On a piece of paper, draw an outline of your little ones feet (or you can use a ink pad, and stamp an outline).

2. Cut out the outline and trace it onto the Christmas bulb.

3. Fill in the outline with tacky glue and coat in glitter. Tap off any excess glitter and allow to dry for 24 hours.

As you can see it’s super simple {as long as you can wrangle your little one long enough to get their footprint!} but so cute!

Have you ever made your own ornaments?

Looking for more Christmas magic?

Want even more fun ways to celebrate the holidays? Check out these ideas:

• DIY Gingerbread Salt Dough Ornaments
• DIY Nightmare Before Christmas Zero Ornament
• DIY Warm Fuzzies Ornament
• DIY Winter Hat Ornament
• DIY Gumball Machine, Tinsel Tree and Mini Snowglobe Ornaments
• 25 More DIY Christmas Ornaments