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40+ Paper Christmas Ornaments for the Tree

If you love paper Christmas ornaments, get over 40 ideas to decorate your home and tree! These are easy to make for both kids and adults.

Paper Christmas Ornaments

I’m 46 years old, soon to be in my late forties. I never thought I’d say that! Haha. Not because I didn’t think I’d make it this long, but because I always just think of myself as a big child.

The holidays are one of those times that I definitely revert to my childhood. For example, no matter how old I am, I love breaking out the Christmas decorations every year.

But not my decorations. Not mine at all! My parents – because that’s where the memories are.

For example, I have a Hello Kitty ornament from 1979, when I was 2. Or should I say, it’s in my parents collection and it goes on their tree each year. So does the picture of me when I was 3 in a macaroni rame, spray painted gold.

And we can’t forget the straw and paper chains I made. That my mom STILL has. How many things have been lost over the years, yet a kids Christmas craft made with paper still remains.

And yes, they still go on the tree!

Paper Christmas ornaments are not only surprising durable, they’re also so easy to make! I’ve pulled together a list of over 40 for you to check out.

They’re great for either adults or kids and especially because a lot of them have templates. So get out your scissors, a stack of paper, and grab one of these ideas. Let me know what you try in the comments!

1
thehousethatlarsbuilt.com
Paper Candle Ornaments
These candle Christmas ornaments will brighten up your tree this year! Made with paper and glitter, these are completely safe for your Christmas decor.
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2
DIY paper Christmas balls
Paper Christmas Balls to Decorate Your Tree
Add shimmer and shine to your tree this year with these unique glitter ornaments! The lights of your tree will glisten off of these beautiful Christmas balls. Perfect family project for the holidays!
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3
Gingerbread House Ornaments
todayscreativelife.com
Gingerbread House Ornaments
I love gingerbread house themed decor for Christmas, and these house ornaments are too cute! Easy to make with chipboard and chalk markers.
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4
ohhappyday.com
Printable Holiday Tree Ornaments
Feel like you need a few extra ornaments this year? These printable patterned trees will make a perfect addition! They also make great place cards for the holiday table.
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5
heyletsmakestuff.com
Cut Paper Christmas Ornaments
These cut paper ornaments are made with an array of cute papers and cut on the Cricut Maker or other electronic cutting machine! Get the free SVG cut files and learn how to assemble these beauties.
Get the Tutorial
6
www.hellowonderful.co
Stacked Paper Tree Ornaments
Do you have a stack of scrapbook paper scraps that need something done with them? Turn them into small Christmas trees! You can make these as ornaments or use them as table decor.
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7
thehousethatlarsbuilt.com
Printable Retro Ornaments
These printable retro ornaments are great for adding some shape and color to your tree. Find out how to make them along with some other DIY ornament ideas!
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8
prettylifegirls.com
DIY Paper House Ornaments
This DIY paper house ornament tutorial is so fun! These houses can be put together in a snap with a simple design and your cutting machine!
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9
Colorful Paper Ornaments
www.apieceofrainbow.com
Colorful Paper Ornaments
If you want to load the tree with colorful ornaments quickly, these paper ornaments with beautiful designs are super easy to make. You can decorate an entire tree in no time at almost no cost!
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10
Border Punched Ornaments
lisastorms.typepad.com
Border Punched Ornaments
There's nothing easier than punching paper, and border punches come in all sorts of unique designs. Cut strips of paper in various colors and you can make the cutest ornaments ever.
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11
www.apieceofrainbow.com
Make 3D Paper Snowflakes
Make easy, dimensional paper snowflakes for beautiful Christmas and winter decorations. AND of course, they are also able to be hung on the tree too.
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12
Easy 3D Paper Ornaments
www.thatswhatchesaid.net
Dimensional and Colorful Paper Ornaments
The colors of these cute paper ornaments remind me of Whoville and put a smile on my face! Pick brights and your kids will love to help make them too.
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13
thegraphicsfairy.com
DIY Christmas Book Page Paper Rosettes
Learn how to make beautiful paper rosettes using book pages, Christmas ephemera medallions, and some glitter!
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14
3D Paper Bird Christmas Ornaments
www.apieceofrainbow.com
3D Paper Bird Ornaments
Make paper birds with Scandinavian folk art inspired free patterns. These easy paper crafts make beautiful Christmas ornaments and year 'round decor.
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15
diycandy.com
Mini Wreath Photo Ornament
This mini wreath photo ornament is so easy to make! It’s the perfect little gift for grandmas, moms and newlyweds to decorate their trees.
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16
Holiday Card Ornaments
www.creatingreallyawesomefunthings.com
Holiday Card Ornaments
Turn old Christmas cards into easy DIY ornaments with a circle hole punch, glue, and bakers twine. They're perfect for any Christmas tree!
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17
Printable Bell Ornaments
www.countryhillcottage.com
Printable Bell Ornaments
These paper bell ornaments are a quick and easy Christmas craft that will bring festive charm to your home. There's a free printable too!
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18
Printable Paper Loop Ornament
www.curbly.com
Printable Paper Loop Ornament
How much easier does it get than making loops? It doesn't! And it turns out patterned loops make for some cute Christmas tree decor. These would be really fun with double sided paper too.
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19
picklebums.com
Star and Circle Paper Christmas Decorations
Kids are going to love to help with these colorful, uniquely shaped ornaments that are really easy to put together. I really love the star! The beads are a great addition too.
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20
Leslie Manlapig
Origami Christmas Ornaments
Make these colorful origami ornaments using bright and cheery paper! These are so easy, and teach children basic folding skills.
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21
Rolled Paper Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Amy Bell
Rolled Paper Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Learn how to craft rolled paper ornaments that look like something you'd buy in the store! Don't be afraid to experiment with unique color combinations here.
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22
Colorful Rainbow Ornaments
www.dreamalittlebigger.com
Colorful Rainbow Ornaments
These rainbow paper ornaments are such an easy decoration for a fun and colorful Christmas! How cool would these look on an all white or silver tree?
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23
DIY 3D Christmas Stars
www.gatheringbeauty.com
DIY 3D Christmas Stars
Making beautiful paper stars to decorate your home is way easier than you think! Use them hung by thread from the ceiling, or a mini version as a star ornament hung from a tree branch.
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24
Ornaments That Double As Gift Tags
overthebigmoon.com
Ornaments That Double As Gift Tags
I love it when Christmas crafts do double duty! These paper crafts look awesome as gift tags, but they're also perfect for hanging from the tree.
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25
Christmas Balls with Bows
ogcrafts.com
Christmas Balls with Bows
When I first saw these Christmas balls I thought they were made of plastic or resin! Nope – they're made of paper. Very cool, and you could do these in some pretty bold color combinations.
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26
Easy 3-D Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments
anoregoncottage.com
Easy 3D Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments
Make stunning 3D vintage sheet music ornaments with this quick and easy DIY using a pattern and glue gun to hang on trees, mantels, and windows.
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27
Mid-Century-Inspired-Modern-Mini-Wreaths
www.happinessishomemade.net
Mid-Century Inspired Mini Wreath Ornaments
These modern mini wreath ornaments were inspired by a mid-century foil version, and they're made from recycled toilet paper rolls!
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28
Geometric Glitter Ornaments
thesweetescape.ca
Geometric Glitter Ornaments
These diamond shaped boxes are easy to make and turn into ornaments, and there's a template included! Just add glitter in any color you like.
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29
www.dossierblog.com
Paper Fan Ornaments
These mini paper fan ornaments are perfect for neutral trees and decorations! These would look perfect matched with other unfinished wood decor.
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30
Hand-Drawn Recycled Cardboard Stars
jenniferrizzo.com
Hand-Drawn Recycled Cardboard Stars
Make pretty DIY hand-drawn cardboard stars from recycled cardboard and white gel pens. This is a great recycled Christmas decoration with a pattern included.
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31
DIY Paper Honeycomb Ornaments
thehousethatlarsbuilt.com
DIY Paper Honeycomb Ornaments
The jewel tones of these ornaments are perfect for this Christmas season! They're big and make such an impact. You can make with a cutting machine or scissors.
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32
Toilet Paper Roll Stars
www.recyclart.org
Toilet Paper Roll Stars
I always have a ton of toilet paper rolls and scrap paper lying around. Use either rolls or a thicker paper to make these cute ornaments. I love the color palette of these!
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33
krokotak.com
Simple Paper Cut Ornaments
You can make some cute ornaments with origami paper and simple paper cutting techniques! These are bold and fun for the kids.
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34
DIY Christmas Music Wreath Ornament
www.lovelyetc.com
DIY Christmas Music Wreath Ornament
Learn how to make a beautiful music wreath ornament with just a few supplies. You can use old hymnal sheets or a free download found at the post.
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35
Mini Paper Angels
www.thecrafttrain.com
Mini Paper Angels
Make some sweet mini paper angels with the provided template! Create some ornament-sized angels perfect for hanging on your tree.
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36
3D Paper Snowman Ornament
www.redtedart.com
3D Paper Snowman Ornament
This modern snowman is made from paper! He's got a colorful scarf and an orange paper nose. You can add any other details you like.
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37
diyinspired.com
Recycled Christmas Card Ornaments
I shared some recycled Christmas card balls above, but this is a different way to use up those cards! Create ornament "flower" shapes with jewels in the middle.
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38
DIY Paper Mouse Christmas Ornament
www.livinglocurto.com
DIY Paper Mouse Christmas Ornament
Kids will love making these little paper mouses that can hang by the tree from their tails! You'll need a few supplies including pom poms and googly eyes.
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If you enjoyed these paper Christmas ornament ideas, I’d love for you to check out these other holiday posts too:

Advent CalendarsDIY Candle HoldersDIY Glass OrnamentsDIY SignsDollar Tree CraftsDoor DecorFree PrintablesGift Wrap IdeasMason JarsMod Podge OrnamentsNapkin RingsRecycled DecorationsRustic PrintablesWall DecorWood Crafts

Monday 25th of November 2024

What a wonderful collection of paper ornaments! I’m always looking for new ways to add a homemade touch to our Christmas tree, and these ideas are perfect. The 3D paper poinsettias and the vintage-style paper baubles are so charming. I can’t wait to try making them this year. Thanks for the inspiration—I’m sure my tree will look even more special with these added!