10 Origami Ornaments for Cute DIY Christmas Tree Decorations

The holidays are here and aside from baking mass quantities of sugar cookies, one of the best parts is decorating any space – big or small. Stringing up thousands of lights, wrapping garlands around every possible surface, and putting up that wintery tree always guarantees hours of happiness (okay, and maybe a little frustration). If your drab, store-bought Christmas ornaments just aren’t exciting you this year, origami ornaments are the most creative way to revamp your Christmas decor. 

The following ideas go beyond your classic spherical tree hangings, too. You can make Christmas crackers to adorn your tree, fill up clear orbs with color, and even felt an origami crane for every bough. The best part about DIY origami ornaments? Hands-on holiday crafts can help get the whole family in the merry-and-bright spirit. Regardless of what style you choose, upgrade your decor game with the help of this breathtaking art form and a little Christmas magic.

Ornaments are always a thoughtful holiday gift. But this heart origami from Bee Mello Flowers gives the gift idea a whole special meaning. Instead of clipping these heart tags on a carefully wrapped Christmas present, you can give these to loved ones to hang on their tree. This way, they can read back your sweet message inside, year after year. 

With touches of silver and similarly shaped to your traditional ornament, these gorgeous paper baubles created by Ann Martin are a great substitute for those metallic, glass spheres. Even if you haven’t mastered your origami skills, Martin was kind enough to break down the process on her blog, to ensure you end up with an intricately folded piece of art (rather than a frustrated crumpled blob).

Christmas wreaths aren’t only for the front door. Another masterpiece from Akiko Wakefield, this delicate wreath can make a beautiful ornament, perfect to cover up any bald spot on your Christmas tree. 

If your inventory is already full, use it to your advantage by mixing your folding capabilities with what you have on hand. Filling a clear bauble with an assortment of colorful paper stars, like Debora Argueta did here, takes a basic Christmas staple and turns it into a dreamy ornament you’ll want to have front and center.

These gorgeous pinecone ornaments by Country Hill Cottage will impress anyone admiring your twinkle-lit tree. The neutral decorations scream sophisticated and classic Christmas. And if you have a keen eye to detail, you’ll love diving into this DIY project. 

Along with cheer and good wishes, Christmastime is meant for spreading love. And in a year where you may not be able to see loved ones physically, hearts will show them you care and serve as a constant reminder. Bee Mello Flowers designed these particularly pretty hearts that, and crafting (or purchasing) some of your own adds a reason to smile to you or your recipient’s tree.

Even the most diehard Christmas fans can agree that red and green often feels a little overdone. If you’re feeling bold, why not switch up your traditional Christmas palette with these ornaments that are as vibrant and pretty as they are festive? Origami Blooms used paper from Anna Treliving to create these gorgeous baubles that are perfect for sprucing up any tree or window display.

This gorgeous bird ornament done by The Crafty Gentleman will elevate any tree, especially next to a few festive stars. Imagine making multiples of these to add to an all-white set up or a Scandi-inspired tree? *Chef’s kiss* they’re perfect!

Can’t bear to stray from red and green? Bump things up by constructing breathtaking ornaments that just so happen to use those colors. Another masterpiece from Ann Martin, these are made of wrapping paper and are the key to a dazzling Christmas tree, window display, or door hanging. They’re also a perfect DIY for using up leftover wrapping paper that can’t be recycled.

We could never forget about the minimalists out there. No matter how much you love the holidays, not everyone is down to deck the halls in neon reds and greens. Otto Finn’s snowy white ornaments here are the perfect embodiment of a minimalist’s dream Christmas decor. And that candy cane-colored string? It’s just *too* cute.

These holiday treats are just as exciting as stocking fillers and although Americans haven’t quite fully embraced this British tradition, their tiny gift and eye roll-worthy joke are not worth missing out on. This impeccable version from Yvette Ja are a great example of origami melding perfectly with Christmas. Set them under the tree or tie string around them for an impromptu ornament that’s also a gift.

A classic origami crane can magically transform into a beautiful tree addition with the help of fresh fabrics. Puddy Pad Designs’ stunning crane utilizes folding techniques but thanks to its wooly felt and deep red color it gives off a cozy wintery vibe.

With or without a tree, you can still fully embrace festive origami ornaments. Rather than hanging them on a faux Christmas tree, take some inspiration from Akiko Wakefield who fashioned a set of paper trees into a gorgeous garland. Hang yours over the fireplace, like Wakefield did, or string them over doors, mirrors, cabinets and more—this festive, space-friendly decor will fit practically anywhere.