How to Make Christmas Ornaments
With a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, you can create unique Christmas ornaments that add charm and personality to your tree. From sparkling glitter and glass ornaments to rustic wooden designs, there’s a style to match every holiday décor. Follow these steps to make Christmas ornaments that capture your favorite memories and celebrate the season in style.
1. Select Your Ornament Material & Style
Start by choosing the type of ornament you want. Whether you prefer elegant glass, sleek metal, classic snowflakes, or whimsical snow globes, there’s a style to suit your tree and personal taste. Browse our 2025 collection of new Christmas ornaments to find designs that feel fresh, festive, and uniquely yours.
2. Upload Your Favorite Photos
Pick the photos that capture the moments you want to remember this year. You can highlight a single family photo or create a collage of multiple memories. Our templates make it easy to fit your images beautifully onto your ornament.
3. Customize the Text
Add a message that spreads holiday cheer. Choose from classic greetings like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Peace on Earth,” or write your own. You can also include details like your family name or the year to make the ornament extra special.
4. Add Embellishments
Make your ornament truly one-of-a-kind with decorations, backgrounds, and themed designs. Use our builder tool to experiment with colors, patterns, and text placements until your ornament feels just right.
5. Order
Once your design is complete, place your order and get ready to celebrate the season with a keepsake that will bring joy year after year.
Popular Photo Christmas Ornament Styles
Shutterfly has a delightful collection of ornament styles to brighten your holiday décor and celebrate your favorite memories. From classic round designs that never go out of style to sparkling snowflakes and playful snow globes, each piece brings a touch of festive magic to your tree. Crafted with care from high-quality materials, these ornaments capture the joy of the season and create keepsakes that your family will treasure for years to come.
Metal Ornaments
Sleek and elegant, metal ornaments bring a modern touch to your holiday décor. Made from durable metal, these ornaments can be personalized with a favorite memory, creating a keepsake that adds a polished, timeless look to your tree.
Snow Globe Ornaments
Snow globe ornaments are whimsical and magical, featuring a clear globe filled with glittering “snow” that dances around your cherished image. They add movement and sparkle, making your memories feel truly enchanting.
Glass Cloche Ornaments
Glass cloche ornaments bring a vintage-inspired charm to your tree. Their delicate glass domes encase photos or small keepsakes, creating a striking display that captures the eye and adds a touch of holiday elegance.
Jeweled Snowflake Ornaments
For a hint of glamour, jeweled snowflake ornaments sparkle with shimmering gemstones. Their intricate design adds luxury and festive sparkle, making your tree feel extra special this season.
Glass Ornaments
Classic glass Christmas ornaments offer a transparent and elegant way to highlight memories or designs. They work beautifully as gifts or on your own tree, letting your favorite moments shine through with simplicity and charm.
Luxe Frame Ornaments
Ceramic Ornaments
Ceramic ornaments have a timeless, cozy appeal. With delicate detailing and a smooth finish, they add warmth and nostalgia to your holiday décor.
Wooden Ornaments
Rustic and full of charm, wooden ornaments bring a cozy, natural feel to your holiday tree. Their warm tones and simple design make them a timeless addition, perfect for adding a touch of homespun charm to your festive décor
Family Name Ornaments
Add a festive touch to your tree with family name ornaments, featuring your last name or every member of your household, creating a charming keepsake that celebrates your family and makes holiday memories feel even more special.
Unique Christmas Ornament Ideas
Custom photo ornaments are a wonderful way to celebrate the memories that make your year special. From joyful family gatherings to funny outtakes and milestones worth remembering, these ideas will inspire you to create ornaments that bring warmth, cheer, and personality to your holiday décor.
Family Portraits
There’s never any harm in staying true to a classic family Christmas portrait! Honor the connection you share as partners, pals, or family by putting it front and center in this season’s personalized ornaments. Keep it simple by stepping out in front of the place you call home or go the extra mile by setting out in search of a winter wonderland. Check out our 50 Festive Christmas Photo Ideas for more inspiration!
Everyday Moments
The beauty of the holidays often lies in the little moments we might otherwise overlook. Capture those spontaneous, silly, or heartfelt snapshots from daily life throughout the year, and transform them into ornaments that celebrate the simple joys that make your family unique.
Milestones & Special Events
Celebrate the year’s most meaningful moments with life milestone ornaments that turn special events into lasting memories. From weddings and new additions to the family to personal achievements and unforgettable experiences, these keepsakes make it easy to honor your story while adding a heartfelt, festive touch to your tree.
Pets & Furry Friends
Pets are part of the family, and they deserve their place on the tree too. Personalized pet ornaments let you celebrate your cats, dogs, or other beloved companions, capturing their personalities and adding extra charm to your holiday décor.
Hobbies & Passions
Commemorate the hobbies, interests, and activities that bring joy to your life. Whether it’s sports, music, crafting, or adventures outdoors, ornaments inspired by your passions turn treasured memories into festive decorations that reflect what makes your year memorable.
Selfies & Fun Moments
Not every holiday memory needs to be posed or perfectly staged. Capture spontaneous selfies, funny faces, and playful antics with friends and family to create ornaments that are full of personality and joy. These keepsakes bring laughter and warmth to your tree, celebrating the lighthearted moments that make the season truly memorable.
Kids & Babies
Celebrate childhood with ornaments that capture your little one’s favorite moments and milestones. Baby’s first Christmas ornaments are a sweet way to mark that special first holiday, while other fun or playful designs can highlight memories from the rest of the year.
Related Resources on How to Make Your Own Ornament
Crafting your own ornaments is a chance to celebrate the moments that matter most and add a personal touch to your holiday season. Have fun, get creative, and let each ornament tell a story that brings joy to your tree year after year.
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