This pom pom ornament craft is one of those projects that actually works out. The supplies are inexpensive, the steps are simple, and kids end up with something they’re genuinely proud to hang on the tree. It works well for preschoolers and older kids alike, and it fits right in with our 14 Christmas ornament crafts for kids we’ve been working through this season.
As with any craft involving glue, read the instructions on your supply packages before you start. Adult supervision is required throughout.
What you need
The supply list for this craft is short. You need a round plastic ornament, a mix of pom poms, and non-toxic craft glue. That’s it.
For the ornament base, a thrifted ball ornament works perfectly. Thrift stores often have bags of old ornaments for very little money. If you’d rather buy new, a bulk pack from a dollar store does the job just as well. Styrofoam balls work too, if you happen to have some on hand. Stick with plastic or foam rather than glass, especially with younger kids.
For pom poms, grab a mixed bag with a variety of sizes and colors. Since the pom poms will cover most of the ornament surface, the color of the base ball doesn’t really matter. Choose whatever pom pom colors your child is drawn to.
Lay down some paper or a silicone mat to protect your work surface before you begin. Having everything set out and ready before you invite your child to the table makes the whole process go more smoothly.
How to make a pom pom ornament
Start by having your child pick out the ornament and choose their pom poms. This part matters more than it sounds. Letting kids make choices at the beginning gives them ownership of the project and keeps them engaged through the messier gluing steps.
Next, it’s time to glue. There are two approaches that work well, and different kids tend to prefer different methods. Some children do best by dipping each individual pom pom into a small puddle of glue before pressing it onto the ornament. Others prefer having the glue applied directly to a section of the ornament surface so they can press pom poms onto it right away. Try both and see which clicks for your child. Preschoolers will generally need more hands-on help than older kids, particularly with getting the pom poms to stay put while the glue sets.
Work in sections if that helps. Covering one side at a time and letting it rest before flipping the ornament can prevent pom poms from sliding off before the glue grabs. Fill in any gaps once the main areas are covered.
Once the ornament is fully covered, set it aside to dry completely. Rushing this step leads to pom poms falling off, which is frustrating for everyone.
If the ornament didn’t come with a hook or hanging loop, attach a piece of ribbon or a metal ornament hook before hanging it on the tree. Most round ornaments have a small cap at the top that a hook threads through easily.
A no-glue version for younger kids
If your child is not quite ready to work with glue, there is still a way to include them. Clear fillable ornaments are a great alternative. Just remove the top cap and let your child drop pom poms inside until the ball is full. Replace the cap, and you have a finished ornament without any glue at all. It takes about two minutes and kids love watching the ball fill up with color.
This version also works well as a sensory activity. Younger toddlers enjoy the process of picking up each pom pom and dropping it in, and it gives them something to hang on the tree alongside the rest of the family’s ornaments.
Tips for a smoother craft session
Keep the pom pom pile contained in a small bowl or tray so they don’t roll all over the table. A shallow dish of glue is easier for little hands to dip into than a glue bottle. If you’re working with a group of kids, set each child up with their own small bowl of glue so there’s less reaching and spilling.
Let kids take the lead on color choices and arrangement. The ornament doesn’t need to look a certain way to be successful. The point is the process, and a fully covered, glue-smudged pom pom ball made by a four-year-old is exactly what it should be.
This is also a nice craft for practicing fine motor skills. Picking up individual pom poms, dipping them in glue, and pressing them into place all require the kind of hand control that preschoolers are actively developing. It doesn’t feel like a skill-building exercise, but it is. If you’re looking for more ways to build those skills through play, the activities for toddlers section has plenty of ideas.
More ornament crafts to try
If your family has caught the ornament-making bug, there are plenty more to work through. We’ve made pom pom star ornaments and piñata Christmas tree ornaments that kids enjoy just as much as this one. The reindeer craft for preschoolers is another good one for this age group, and the melted crayon ornaments are a bit more involved but really satisfying for older kids. For a full list of what we’ve been making, check out the Christmas ornament crafts for kids roundup.
However many ornaments end up on your tree this year, the ones kids make themselves always seem to be the ones they notice first. This pom pom version is simple enough to actually finish in one sitting, which makes it a good choice when you want a craft that delivers without a lot of stress.
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