DIY Christmas Ornament Gifts for Grandparents
Kids can craft lasting photo, handprint and cinnamon ornaments with low-cost supplies and simple safety steps.
DIY Christmas ornament gifts for grandparents are low-cost keepsakes made by kids, such as salt-dough handprints, photo balls and cinnamon shapes. Salt dough means a simple mix of flour, salt and water that hardens into a lasting ornament. They use pantry staples and craft basics, so cost stays low.
Michigan State University Extension notes in its salt-dough guide that kneading, rolling and measuring build fine-motor skills, coordination, math and social skills.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
How long will salt dough last?
Childhood Magic reports that salt-dough keepsakes bake low at about 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipped to dry both sides. The high salt content acts as a natural preservative, so finished pieces can last years or decades. First Day of Home notes that sealing cooled fronts and backs with Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray prevents cracking and moisture damage.
Unbaked pieces can air-dry 4-7 days instead of baking about 2 hours at 250°F.
How do you keep small children safe?
The Art & Creative Materials Institute advises choosing AP-Seal paints and coatings for children in sixth grade or younger in its materials-safety guidance. It says board-certified toxicologist review found no injurious quantities under ASTM D4236 and LHAMA. The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission states in its business guidance that products for children under age 3 must not contain small parts. Keep beads, pom-poms and ornament hooks away from toddlers, and test for parts that could release.
- Choose AP-Seal paints for young children
- Keep beads, pom-poms and hooks away from toddlers
- Let adults handle sealing sprays and hooks
What goes in a grandparent photo keepsake?
Factory Direct Craft describes heavy-gauge clear acrylic fillable balls in sizes such as 100mm that look like glass but are shatterproof. They snap open and can hold photos, dried flowers or hospital bracelets for a grandparent keepsake. Emily Reviews notes that handprint and photo ornaments work well personalized with the child's name and year on the back plus ribbon for hanging.
Add clear sealer for durability.
When does a cinnamon ornament fit?
Easy Dessert Recipes gives about 1 cup cinnamon to 3/4 cup applesauce, then air-dry about 24 hours or bake about 2 hours at 200°F. The dough cuts cleanly and dries firm enough to hang with ribbon. They are non-toxic to handle but not edible and are unsafe for dogs.
Keep them out of reach of dogs.