Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft (Free Reindeer Template)

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This Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft is the perfect holiday project to spark creativity with your kids. The holiday season brings the smell of cookies in the oven, twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, and festive music in the air, making it the ideal time to sit down together and enjoy a fun, hands-on Christmas craft.

It’s a Christmas project that comes with a free Reindeer Template, and it’s fun, simple to make, and perfect for kids this Christmas.

Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft

There’s something special about making Christmas ornaments by hand. Each one tells a story, and years later, when you pull them out of the box, you’ll remember the laughter and little hands that helped make them.

This reindeer ornament is a keepsake that you’ll treasure, whether it’s hanging on the tree, gifted to a loved one, or part of your holiday parties.

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Supplies Needed To Make This Reindeer Ornament Craft:

Before diving in, here’s a quick list of the craft supplies you’ll want on hand. Most are items you may already have around the house, making this a very easy Christmas project.

• Popsicle sticks (or craft sticks)
• Reindeer Printable Template (Get the Free resource at the bottom of this post)
• Brown paint
• Paint brush
• Googly eyes
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue (or hot glue gun for older children)
• Yarn
• Pipe cleaner or fuzzy wire
• Optional: pom pom for the nose

When you line up all your supplies, it feels like a mini workshop ready to go. Having everything prepped makes the activity smoother, especially if you’re doing this with younger kids or preschoolers who can’t wait to jump right in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make your popsicle stick reindeer ornament.

Step 1: Paint and Prepare the Base

Start by painting two popsicle sticks with brown paint. These will be the reindeer’s bodies. Once dry, trim the tops slightly to give them a rounded look. Paint the bottom tips black to create little reindeer feet.

Then glue the two sticks together to form the body. This little popsicle stick base is the starting point for your reindeer craft.

Step 2: Cut Out the Details

Using construction paper and the printable reindeer template, cut out the antler shapes, ears, and body details. If you’re working with preschoolers or younger children, you can prepare these shapes in advance.

For older children, cutting is a great fine motor activity. Handprint antlers or even a full handprint reindeer variation can make it extra special.

Step 3: Assemble the Reindeer

Glue the antlers and ears to the top of your popsicle stick body.

Then, add a white oval for the reindeer face, a red circle for the nose (hello, Rudolph!), and two black ovals for the little arms. This step really brings the reindeer face to life.

Step 4: Add the Eyes and Scarf

Now for the details! Glue on the googly eyes and tie a piece of yarn around the “neck” to make a cozy scarf. If you want extra texture, use a pipe cleaner or even a brown pipe cleaner as a little wrap.

This yarn-wrapped craft stick reindeer gives a warm and playful look.

Step 5: Finish and Hang

Finally, attach a loop of yarn or ribbon at the top so you can hang it on your tree. You’ve just made an adorable popsicle stick ornament that looks like it came from Santa’s workshop!

Tips for Crafting with Kids

Crafting with kids is always full of fun and surprises. Here are some helpful tips:

• Younger kids may need help with cutting, so pre-trim the antler shapes.
• Older children can handle using scissors and may even want to experiment with designing their own reindeer.
• Use hot glue or a glue gun if you want faster results (best for adults or older children to handle). For younger children, a glue stick works just fine, even if it takes longer to dry.
• Don’t stress perfection. The charm of this project is in its handmade look. The slightly crooked antler or off-center nose is what makes it unique.

Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids

If you’re searching for an easy popsicle stick project, this one checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment when they see their finished ornament hanging proudly.

This is the kind of reindeer ornament craft for kids that doubles as both a holiday activity and a way to create lasting memories. It’s also the perfect Christmas craft for kids if you’re planning school projects, church groups, or preschool holiday parties.

Plus, these reindeer popsicle stick ornaments make adorable little gifts. Tie one to a present, hang one on a neighbor’s doorknob, or include one in a holiday card for an extra thoughtful touch.

Free Reindeer Template

Crafts like this aren’t just about keeping kids busy; they’re packed with learning opportunities too.

• Fine motor skills: Cutting, gluing, and wrapping yarn all help strengthen little hands.
• Creativity: Kids can design their own reindeer face or experiment with colors.
• Patience: Waiting for glue to dry teaches self-control.
• Memory-making: Every time they see the reindeer next year, they’ll remember the fun they had.

DIY Christmas Projects For Preschoolers

Imagine building a collection of reindeer ornaments over the years—each one a little different, showing how your child’s skills have grown. These cute popsicle stick decorations become more than just crafts; they’re keepsakes.

Making Christmas ornaments like this is a wonderful tradition that adds warmth to the holiday season. And if you want to expand, you can create a whole set of popsicle stick Christmas ornaments—snowflakes, Santas, trees, and even snowmen.

More Fun Popsicle Stick Crafts

If you enjoyed the Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft, here are more creative popsicle stick projects you can try next.

• Santa Stick Puppet – A festive Santa puppet craft that’s fun to make and play with.
• Turkey Popsicle Craft – A colorful turkey craft perfect for Thanksgiving.
• Easy Popsicle Stick Lion Craft – A cheerful lion project that’s simple and fun for kids.
• Popsicle Stick Reindeer Craft – Another fun reindeer design, perfect for holiday crafting.

This popsicle stick reindeer ornament is more than just a holiday activity. It’s a way to slow down, enjoy simple moments, and make adorable decorations that bring joy year after year.

With a few basic supplies, a little creativity, and plenty of laughter, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory-making session.

So grab your popsicle sticks, gather your craft supplies, and start creating!

Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft

Yield: ! Reindeer Ornament

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

This Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft is a fun and festive way to get creative during the holiday season. With Christmas lights twinkling, cookies baking in the oven, and cheerful music playing, it’s the perfect time to gather together and make a handmade ornament that adds a personal touch to your tree.

Print

Materials

• Popsicle stick
• Brown paint
• Paintbrush
• Googly eyes
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Yarn
• Fuzzy wire (pipe cleaner)
• Free reindeer template

Instructions

1. Begin by painting two popsicle sticks brown. Once they’re dry, trim the ends into rounded curves, then glue the sticks together to form the reindeer’s legs. Paint the bottom tips black to create little hooves.
2. Cut out the pieces from the free reindeer template. Trace them onto the appropriate colors of construction paper and cut them out again.
3. Assemble the paper pieces one by one and glue them onto the popsicle stick base.
4. Attach the antlers to the top on each side.
5. Glue the ears in place next to the antlers.
6. Add the reindeer’s face, complete with googly eyes for a playful look.
7. Attach the body piece to complete the shape.
8. Finally, tie a fuzzy wire just below the face like a cozy scarf, then add a loop of yarn at the top so your reindeer can hang as an ornament.
   

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