Make photo ornaments at a Christmas party
Print a favorite photo for each guest, let children decorate a frame, then add a ribbon and a gift tag. The instructions below cover three materials—craft sticks, foil-wrapped cardboard and baked salt dough—with supply counts for eight guests and an example schedule that leaves a break between building the frames and attaching the photos.
Prepare a sample before buying the full set of supplies. Check that your photo fits, the frame holds together and the finished ornament can be packed without disturbing wet glue.
Prepare the photos before the party
About a week before the party, ask each family for one picture of their own child to use on an ornament. Explain what you will make and who will receive it. Keep the replies and photos together so you can match each print to its guest.
For eight guests, prepare ten 2-by-3-inch wallet prints: one per guest plus two spares. Check the actual print dimensions before ordering; use one print to test all the frame designs you intend to offer.
Print the photos ahead
Upload the approved pictures to your chosen printing service, or print them at home if you have suitable equipment. Confirm the available print size and collection time with the service. Same-day pickup may be an option, but arrange enough time to check the prints before the party rather than relying on a particular turnaround.
Put the finished photos in a labeled basket or separate envelopes. Keep them away from glue and decorating supplies until the second craft round.
Use a printer at the table
If you already have a pocket printer that makes 2-by-3-inch photos, connect it to the host’s phone and test its app before party day. Have the charger, outlet access and enough compatible printing supplies ready. Print two spares before guests sit down; printing speed depends on the device.
You can also offer new party pictures if families agree. Confirm permission before taking a picture and separately before sharing it. A photo sent for an ornament does not automatically give permission for a group chat or another family’s gift.
The photo booth activity guide covers the camera area, waiting space and ways to join without being photographed. If you want an optional photo activity during the party, photo booth games includes turns and endings you can explain before starting.
Supplies for eight guests
These counts assume one ornament per guest. You can prepare all three options, or ask guests which material they want before shopping. Eight sets of every material provide choice; they are not required for eight ornaments in total.
| Supply | Amount to prepare | What the count covers |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet photos | 10 prints, 2 by 3 inches | Eight guest prints and two spares |
| Jumbo craft sticks | 32 for eight frames; 40 with two practice frames | Four sticks per frame |
| Cardboard | Eight 4-inch squares if everyone might choose foil | One square per foil frame |
| Aluminum foil | Half a roll as the source’s starting allowance | Check coverage with your sample square |
| Salt-dough bases | Eight finished bases if everyone might choose dough, plus optional spares | One base per dough ornament; batch yield needs checking |
| Ribbon | Eight 8-inch lengths, plus spare ribbon | One hanging loop per ornament; 9 feet leaves extra |
| Paper tags | Eight, plus any practice tags | One per guest |
| Kraft envelopes | Eight, 6 by 9 inches | One per guest, subject to the finished ornament’s fit |
| Shared supplies | White glue, tape, markers, optional mini pom-poms, hole punch, scissors and table cover | Match the supplies to your sample and guests |
For a mixed table, multiply each material by the number choosing it. Example: three stick frames need 12 sticks, three foil frames need three cardboard squares, and two dough ornaments need two finished bases. Add practice pieces and spares separately.
If you are still deciding whether to offer three materials or one, craft party ideas can help you compare the preparation involved. One frame material with different decorations is also a workable choice.
Make a craft-stick, foil or salt-dough ornament
Show a finished sample, then demonstrate the first step. Guests can use the decoration ideas above or draw their own patterns. Keep the photo opening clear and leave the pictures aside while frames are being assembled.
Craft-stick frame
Use four jumbo craft sticks per frame, white glue, markers and optional mini pom-poms. Tape holds the photo behind the finished frame.
- Lay the four sticks in a square, starting with the corners overlapped by about an inch.
- Place a spare photo behind the opening before gluing. Adjust the overlaps so the picture covers the opening and the subject remains visible. Stick dimensions vary; the source’s 2.5-inch cardboard spacer is only a starting aid, not a guarantee of fit.
- Glue the overlapping corners and leave the frame flat. Decorate with markers, then add any decorations using an adhesive suitable for the materials.
- Once the joints are ready to handle, tape the photo to the back. Attach the ribbon loop at the back of the top stick with tape and check the fastening on your sample.
For children who need help, prepare the frame structure before the party and leave the decorating to them. The craft party activities guide has more advice on dividing the steps between guests and helpers.
Foil-wrapped cardboard frame
Use a 4-inch cardboard square, foil, tape and a hole punch. Prepare the 2-by-3-inch photo window before the party for younger guests, including children under eight who need that help.
- Cut the window in the center of the cardboard square and check it against a spare print.
- Wrap the cardboard in foil like a present. Open the foil over the window, fold the edges toward the back and tape them down.
- Let guests press patterns into the foil with their fingers or add a paper decoration using tape.
- Tape the photo behind the opening. Punch a ribbon hole near a top corner, leaving enough cardboard around it to hold the loop.
This version uses tape rather than wet glue for the frame and photo. Guests can still wait until the second round to add their pictures so everyone follows the same sequence.
Salt-dough photo ornament
Prepare the dough bases the day before the party, or earlier if your test batch needs more drying time. The source recipe is 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt and 1.5 cups warm water.
- Mix the ingredients and roll the dough half an inch thick.
- Cut 3.5-inch circles and press a straw hole near the top for the ribbon.
- Bake at 250°F for about two hours, then let the pieces cool overnight. This is the supplied starting method; check your sample rather than assuming every piece will be dry and firm at that time.
- At the party, decorate the prepared base and attach the photo to its face with a suitable adhesive. Leave it flat for the drying time the adhesive requires.
Check the photo fit: a full 2-by-3-inch rectangle extends beyond a 3.5-inch circle at its corners. Test the picture on the base before the party. Trim the corners if that leaves the subject intact, or use a smaller print for this option.
Make extra bases if you want replacements, but do not rely on a fixed batch yield or assumed breakage rate. Count the finished pieces you can actually use.
Arrange the table and record each guest’s project
Cover the table and put each material in its own tray. Keep the photo basket separate until round two. At the end of the table, put out the ribbon lengths, hole punch, tags, markers and labeled envelopes.
Leave a flat place for unfinished ornaments, with each guest’s name beside their work. A helper can look after the ribbon and packing while you explain the next step. If guests will need help with different materials at the same time, simplify the choices or arrange another adult to help.
For someone who does not want a photo ornament, prepare a drawing they can put in a frame or offer another craft. The Christmas paper puppet kit has character instructions you can prepare ahead; its cards are instructions, not cut-out templates.
Printable guest planning sheet
Use these rows to track photo preparation and frame choices before the party. During the activity, add a note if a project needs longer to dry.
Party date: ____________________ Guests: __________ Helper: ____________________
| Guest | Photo ready? | Frame material | Gift recipient or drying note |
|---|---|---|---|
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
| __________________ | __________ | ______________ | __________________________ |
Print collection or printer test: __________________________________________
Game during the break: __________________________________________________
Place for drying ornaments: ______________________________________________
Extra supplies or unfinished projects: _____________________________________
An example 50-minute ornament session
This example allows 15 minutes to build and decorate, a 20-minute pause, and 15 minutes to add photos and finish: 50 minutes total. It assumes the photos, cardboard cuts and baked bases are ready beforehand. Add time if guests need it or if your adhesive requires a longer wait.
- 0:00–0:15 · Build and decorate the frames. Show the sample, hand out the materials and help guests assemble their frames. Keep photos out of the working area. Put names beside the projects before leaving the table.
- 0:15–0:35 · Leave the frames flat and play a game. Begin the planned 20-minute pause once the last frame is set down. If building finishes late, move the next round back rather than shortening the last guest’s drying time.
- 0:35–0:50 · Attach photos, add tags and prepare for pickup. Check the frame joints before moving them. Tape photos behind the stick and foil frames, or attach them to the dough bases. Add ribbon and tags. Pack only pieces that are ready; let freshly glued photos remain flat for any additional drying time needed.
For the break, you could prepare Christmas picture bingo. That page supplies text calls and a blank board, so add matching pictures before using it with children who do not read. Christmas word games offers sheets and answer keys for readers; the word-search grid needs preparation ahead.
If you would rather play without printed sheets, browse Christmas family games for a seated or movement game that fits the room. Choose one before the party so you are not organizing it while the frames are waiting.
Your preparation checklist
Start the photo request about a week ahead. Spread the remaining preparation over the days before the party, allowing more time for any unfamiliar printing or dough steps.
- Ask each family for one photo and explain how it will be used.
- Confirm which guests want a photo ornament and prepare a non-photo option for anyone who prefers it.
- Make a sample of each frame material you will offer, including the ribbon fastening and packing step.
- Check photo dimensions and fit before ordering the guest prints.
- Count the frame choices and buy supplies for those quantities, plus your chosen spares.
- Prepare cardboard windows and any frame structures younger guests will need.
- Make and dry the dough bases ahead, if using them; count the finished usable pieces.
- Print or collect one photo per guest plus two spares, and test any printer you will use at the table.
- Cut the ribbon, prepare tags and label the eight envelopes.
- Put out the trays, photo basket and a named place for drying projects.
- Prepare the game for the break and agree who will help with finishing and pickup.
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Add ribbon and tags, then pack the ornaments
Use an 8-inch ribbon length as the starting amount for each hanging loop. Thread it through the prepared hole in cardboard or dough and tie the ends. For stick frames, use the attachment you tested on your sample. Check that the loop and frame hold before handing over the ornament.
Ask each guest to write their name, the year and who the gift is for on the back or on a paper tag. A simple example is “Made by Sam · 2026 · For Grandma.” Write the sample on a spare tag so guests can copy the format without copying the name.
Slide a dry, flat ornament into its pre-labeled 6-by-9-inch kraft envelope, with the flap open while you check the fit. Do not force a bulky decoration into the envelope or seal a piece that is still drying. Keep those projects flat in a suitable tray or box and tell the family what still needs time.
The ornament can be the take-home gift; you do not have to add a separate favor bag. The birthday party favors guide explains how to count guests, packaging and costs without counting the craft supplies twice.
If families would like a picture of the finished ornament, photograph it beside its envelope after checking their sharing preferences. An envelope can serve as gift packaging, but mailing a fragile ornament may require additional protection.
Other crafts to consider
If the photo preparation does not suit your party, choose a different main project rather than adding another full station at the last minute.
- Cardboard animals give guests a standing character to decorate. Read the cutting and standing-test instructions before preparing the bases.
- Cardboard collage houses use prepared house pieces and collage materials for a shared street display.
- Craft birthday party ideas compares other finished projects and their preparation.
- Teen craft party ideas includes personalized picture frames if older guests would prefer a frame for their room.
- Sleepover craft ideas includes paper photo props and other projects guests can work on during a longer gathering.
Questions about photo ornaments
How do you make Christmas photo ornaments with a group of kids?
Prepare one photo per guest plus two spares, then let children decorate a craft-stick frame, foil-wrapped cardboard frame or baked salt-dough base. Build and decorate first; attach the photos in a second round once the frames are ready to handle.
What size photo should I print?
Use 2-by-3-inch wallet prints as the starting size and test one with each design. A full rectangular print will not fit entirely within a 3.5-inch circular medallion, so trim the corners without cutting into the subject or use a smaller print.
Do I need a photo printer at the party?
No. Collect the photos ahead and arrange printing before guests arrive. If you use a pickup service, confirm its print dimensions and collection time. A tested pocket printer is an optional way to make replacements or agreed party photos.
How long should I bake the salt-dough ornaments?
The supplied recipe uses half-inch-thick pieces baked at 250°F for about two hours, then cooled overnight. Treat that as a starting point rather than a guaranteed drying time; make a sample before the party and allow longer preparation if the pieces are not dry and firm.
How should guests carry their ornaments home?
Put a dry, flat ornament in a labeled 6-by-9-inch kraft envelope if it fits without bending or pressing on decorations. Use a flat tray or suitable box for pieces that are still drying or too bulky. An envelope alone is not a promise of protection in the mail.