Baby's First Christmas Ornament: Handprint, Footprint & Keepsake Ideas
Every parent wants to hold onto that first holiday season a little longer. Whether you're pressing tiny hands into clay this weekend or shopping for a keepsake that's already made, here's everything you need to give baby's first Christmas a permanent place on the tree.
A first Christmas ornament is one of the few decorations that gets more meaningful every year it comes out of the box. Some families like to make theirs by hand with a handprint or footprint impression; others want something durable and beautifully finished without the mess of clay and paint on the kitchen table. Both paths work — below are four DIY methods, followed by the ready-made personalized baby ornaments option if you'd rather skip straight to something ready to hang.
4 Ways to Create a Handprint or Footprint Ornament
Air-Dry Clay Impression
ClassicFlatten a disc of air-dry clay, press baby's hand or foot in gently, and let it cure for 24–48 hours before painting and sealing.
Washable Ink Pad Print
Low-MessUse a baby-safe washable ink pad to stamp a hand or foot print directly onto a wood or ceramic ornament blank, then seal with a matte spray.
Salt Dough at Home
BudgetMix flour, salt, and water into a firm dough, press the impression, bake low and slow to dry it out, then cool completely before painting.
Skip the Mess, Order It Made
No-MessSend us a name, birth date, or photo and we'll turn it into a finished, ready-to-hang personalized baby ornament — no drying time, no cleanup, no do-overs.
Personalized Baby Ornament Styles We Offer
Handprint & Footprint Style
A printed or engraved impression styled to look hand-made, without the drying time.
Shop This Style →Photo & Name Ornaments
A favorite photo, birth date, and name printed on a durable, fade-resistant ornament.
Shop This Style →Twin & Multiples Announcement
Matching or paired ornaments sized and labeled for twins or multiples, made to order.
Shop This Style →Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best material for a baby's first Christmas ornament?
Wood and ceramic hold up best long-term and resist fading better than paper or dough-based ornaments, which can crack or discolor after a few seasons in storage.
Q: Can I get a personalized ornament made without doing a handprint myself?
Yes. Our personalized baby ornaments collection lets you customize with a name, date, or photo instead — no impression required.
Q: Where can I buy a twin baby announcement ornament?
We make matching pairs for twins and multiples in the same personalized baby ornaments collection — each one labeled individually.
Q: How far in advance should I order a personalized ornament?
Order a few weeks before you need it, especially in November and December when custom orders run at their busiest.
Give Baby's First Christmas a Keepsake That Lasts
Shop personalized handprint, footprint, photo, and twin-announcement ornaments made to order.
Shop Personalized Baby OrnamentsPlanning ahead for more than the tree? Browse more holiday decorating ideas for the rest of the house, or get inspired for the celebration itself with our baby shower theme guide.
In This Guide
Personalized Baby Ornaments
Handprint, footprint, photo, and twin-announcement styles, made to order.
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