Reindeer Thumbprint Ornaments 

by

Reindeer Thumbprint Ornaments

Transform plain ornaments into adorable keepsakes with this easy, kid-friendly craft! Perfect for holiday gifts, classroom activities, or family memory-making.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

 Simple & mess-friendly – Only 4 supplies needed!

 Great for all ages – Toddlers to grandparents can join in.
Personalized memories – Capture little fingerprints forever.
Budget-friendly – Costs pennies per ornament.

Materials Needed

  • Plain glass/plastic ball ornaments (any size or color)

  • Brown and red acrylic paint (washable for kids)

  • Black permanent marker (Sharpie works best)

  • Small paintbrush (or use fingers!)

  • Ribbon/ornament hooks

  • Optional: Glitter, white paint (for snowflakes), or metallic pens

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ornament

  • Remove metal cap carefully (store in a bowl so it doesn’t roll away).

2. Create the Reindeer

  • Dip thumb in brown paint, press firmly onto ornament to make the head.

  • Pro tip: Rotate ornament so the thumbprint “points” downward for a natural reindeer shape.

3. Add Details

  • Once dry, use a black marker to draw:

    • Antlers (branch-like lines above the thumbprint)

    • Eyes (two tiny dots)

  • Use red paint to add a small nose (pinky finger works for kids!).

4. Personalize

  • Write the child’s name and year on the back with marker.

  • Extra flair: Add white snowflakes or glitter glue around the reindeer.

5. Reassemble & Display

  • Let dry 1 hour (or use a hairdryer to speed it up).

  • Replace metal cap, tie a ribbon, and hang on the tree!

Tips for Success

 For crisp lines: Use a paint pen instead of a brush for antlers.
Mess-free option: Apply paint to the ornament with a brush first, then have kids press their thumb onto it.
Memory keeper: Take photos of kids making them for a sweet scrapbook addition!

Variations

 Snowman version: White thumbprint + black hat/eyes.
Rudolph squad: Give each reindeer a different-colored nose.
Santa hats: Add a red triangle and white pom-pom above the thumbprint.

Display Ideas

  • Gift tags: Tie onto presents as personalized decor.

  • Garland: String several together with twine.

  • Teacher gifts: Have a whole class make them!

Final Thought

These thumbprint reindeer ornaments become instant heirlooms—sweet, simple, and full of holiday cheer.

More Kid-Friendly Crafts:
Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Melted Crayon Christmas Trees

Leave a Comment