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Turn a few simple craft supplies into the cutest little Popsicle Stick Reindeer ornaments! This classic Christmas craft is easy for kids to make and looks adorable hanging on the tree. Using popsicle sticks, wiggly eyes, a red button nose, and pipe cleaner antlers, children can create their own Rudolph in just a few simple steps.
You may enjoy pairing this craft with our Pine Cone Reindeer Ornaments!
Craft Stick Reindeer Ornaments
Perfect for home or school, this reindeer craft encourages creativity while keeping things mess-free and budget-friendly. I remember making these with my kids when they were younger—they loved painting the popsicle sticks, adding wiggly eyes, and twisting the pipe cleaner antlers. It’s a fun way for kids to stay busy on a chilly December afternoon, and each ornament becomes a sweet keepsake to remember the holiday season.
Why You’ll Like This Reindeer Ornament Craft
This reindeer craft is the perfect mix of simple, cute, and festive. It’s easy for kids to make, fun to decorate, and looks so lovely hanging on the tree. You’ll appreciate how little prep it takes and how much kids enjoy adding their own creative touches.
- Simple setup – You only need a few inexpensive craft supplies you probably already have on hand.
- Quick to make – The paint dries fast, so kids can finish their ornaments in one sitting.
- Perfect for all ages – Preschoolers, elementary kids, and even older siblings will enjoy decorating their own reindeer.
- Encourages creativity – Kids can personalize their reindeer with glitter, different nose colors, or fun antler shapes.
- Adaptable for skill levels – Younger children can follow simple steps, while older kids can add extra details or decorations.
- Festive keepsake – Each child can write their name and the year on the back for a memory that lasts.
- Great for groups – Perfect for classroom crafts, holiday parties, or family crafting sessions.
Craft Supplies Needed for Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament
Gather these simple materials before getting started:
How to Make a Popsicle Stick Reindeer
Follow these simple steps to turn a few popsicle sticks and craft supplies into a festive reindeer ornament your kids will love to display.
STEP 1: Build the reindeer’s face. Glue 3 wide craft sticks into a slightly overlapping triangle, as pictured below. This will form the base for your reindeer ornament.
STEP 2: Paint the reindeer. Use brown paint to cover all 3 popsicle sticks and let them dry completely. This will be the base color for your reindeer’s face.
STEP 3: Add the string and antlers. Twist 2 pipe cleaners around the top popsicle stick to create antlers, then trim them to your desired length. Attach a loop of string or ribbon for hanging.
STEP 4: Add the eyes and nose. Glue 2 wiggly eyes near the bottom of the triangle, then attach a red button or pom-pom at the point for Rudolph’s nose.
STEP 5: Add festive decorations (optional). Twist a black pipe cleaner into a spiral, then gently stretch it into a looser shape. Wrap the spiral around the reindeer’s antlers, then glue small pom-poms on it to look like Christmas lights. We used sparkly red, green, and white pom-poms for a cheerful holiday touch. Enjoy your finished Christmas ornament!
Take It Further
Once your reindeer ornaments are complete, there are plenty of ways to extend the fun and creativity! Here are some ideas to get even more out of this simple craft:
- Read festive books – Pair this craft with holiday favorites like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert, or Olive, the Other Reindeer.
- Classroom fun – Use this craft in school by letting each student decorate their own reindeer and display them on a bulletin board or classroom tree. It’s perfect for lessons about animals, winter, or creative expression.
- Gift it – Tie a ribbon around the top and give these as homemade gifts to family, friends, or neighbors. Kids can even write a short holiday note on the back.
- Creative variations – Make silly reindeer by giving them googly eyes of different sizes, multicolored noses, or glittery antlers. You can even turn them into a reindeer family with small, medium, and large popsicle sticks!
More Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts
Looking for even more fun Christmas crafts? These popsicle stick crafts are simple, festive, and perfect for kids of all ages:
Save This Craft
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This craft was originally published November 22, 2015.
