Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament: A Sweet and Simple Holiday Craft

There’s something timeless about handmade Christmas ornaments. Each one tells a story—tiny snapshots of holiday seasons gone by, little memories you can hold in your hand. The Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament is one of those crafts that children love making year after year. With its cheerful red nose and silly personality, it’s a festive project that’s as fun to make as it is to hang on the tree.

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What You’ll need to make this reindeer popsicle stick ornament

an ornament craft made of popsicle sticks that looks like a reindeer

This craft is wonderfully easy, using materials most teachers and parents already have on hand—popsicle sticks, paint, paper, and yarn. With a few simple steps, kids can transform everyday supplies into an adorable reindeer that instantly brightens up any holiday display. Whether you’re planning a classroom art project or a cozy afternoon of crafting at home, this reindeer ornament is the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and holiday cheer.

How to make the reindeer popsicle stick ornament

brown paint a black marker paintrbsuh popsicle sticks clothespins scissors construction paper and red yarn

To make a Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament, you’ll need three popsicle sticks, brown paint, a paintbrush, scissors, construction paper, glue, a clothespin, red yarn, a marker, and googly eyes. Grab my free template for the ears – it makes assembly even easier. These are all affordable, low-mess materials that work beautifully for both individual and group crafts.

Begin by painting the three popsicle sticks brown. You can use any shade you like—from light tan to dark chocolate brown—depending on the look you want for your reindeer. Once the paint is dry, trim the ends of two of the sticks and both ends of the third one. Arrange the sticks in a triangle shape, gluing or taping them together at the corners. This forms the reindeer’s face and gives the ornament its sturdy base.

reindeer ears cut out of brown construction paper

Next, it’s time to give your reindeer its signature features. Use the ear template to cut out two matching ears from brown construction paper, and then cut smaller inner ear pieces from a lighter color, such as tan or beige. Glue the smaller pieces onto the larger ones to create layered ears. Attach the ears to the back of the popsicle stick triangle so they peek out from the top corners.

reindeer ears and eyes cut out of construction paper

Now add the googly eyes near the top of the triangle, right under the ears. Kids love this part—placing the eyes gives the reindeer personality, and no two ever look quite the same. Some may look surprised, while others seem sleepy or silly. That’s part of what makes this project so charming.

popsicle sticks painted brown arranged into a triangle with reindeer ears and eyes

Next, take the clothespin and clip it to the very top of the triangle. This acts as the reindeer’s antlers. It’s a clever touch that gives the ornament dimension and character. If you’d like, you can even add a bit of brown paper or pipe cleaner to the clothespin to make the antlers stand out even more.

The final touch is the nose. This is what turns an ordinary reindeer into Rudolph himself! To make the nose, take the red yarn and wrap it around your fingers several times to form a small bundle. Carefully slide it off, tie a short piece of yarn around the center, and trim the ends until it forms a fluffy pom pom. Glue the pom pom to the bottom point of the popsicle stick triangle to complete your reindeer’s face.

When it’s all finished, your ornament will have a sweet, rustic look that fits perfectly with the charm of handmade Christmas decorations. Add a loop of yarn or ribbon at the top for hanging, and it’s ready for the tree.

Benefits of creating this reindeer ornament craft

One of the best parts of this project is how it brings together creativity and skill-building. Painting and gluing strengthen fine motor coordination. Cutting the ears and wrapping yarn for the pom pom encourage focus and hand control. Following the steps in order reinforces sequencing, and choosing colors and facial expressions helps children express their individuality. It’s the kind of craft that feels like play but still supports important developmental learning.

How to use this reindeer popsicle stick ornament craft

In a classroom, this project is a holiday favorite. Teachers can prepare the materials ahead of time—painting the sticks or pre-cutting the ears—so students can focus on assembly and decoration. The finished reindeer ornaments make a wonderful bulletin board or hallway display before going home as gifts. Parents love receiving these ornaments because they’re both adorable and personal. Each one becomes a keepsake that captures a little moment of their child’s creativity.

At home, the Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament makes a perfect family craft. It’s simple enough for young children but still engaging for older kids who want to add their own touches. Families can make the ornaments together while listening to Christmas music or sipping hot cocoa. Once finished, they can hang their reindeer on the tree or attach them to wrapped gifts as a handmade decoration.

Pair it with a good book

Pairing this craft with a Christmas read-aloud makes it even more magical. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May is, of course, the perfect choice and helps children make the connection between their craft and the beloved story. Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh adds a fun twist with a playful, modern take on the classic reindeer tale. Dasher by Matt Tavares is another beautiful story that tells the origin of Santa’s reindeer, filled with rich illustrations and a heartwarming message. Reading one of these stories before starting the craft sets the scene and fills the room with holiday excitement.

Connect it to learning

You can also extend this project into other areas of learning. For writing, children could create a short story about their reindeer—where it flies, what its name is, or how it helps Santa prepare for Christmas Eve. For math, they could count how many popsicle sticks or pom poms they used, or measure the length of their triangle. For science, teachers could connect the craft to a lesson about real reindeer and how they live in cold climates.

A practical and affordable christmas craft

This craft is also very practical. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and quick to clean up. Popsicle sticks and construction paper are classroom staples, and yarn and googly eyes can be found in any craft section. The materials store well, which means this can easily become an annual project. It’s one of those crafts that feels classic, yet never gets old because kids can personalize it differently each year.

The Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament is more than just a holiday art project—it’s a keepsake in the making. Each one captures a little bit of the child’s imagination and holiday spirit. When families pull these ornaments out year after year, they’ll remember not just the craft itself but the laughter, the paint-stained fingers, and the joy of creating together.

A heartfelt seasonal craft that you’ll cherish for years to come

a reindeer popsicle stick ornament craft

Christmas is a season built on traditions, and crafts like this one are what make those traditions feel personal and heartfelt. Whether you’re a teacher looking for a simple classroom project or a parent hoping to create new holiday memories, this reindeer ornament is a wonderful choice. It’s creative, easy to make, and full of seasonal charm.

So gather your supplies, turn on the Christmas music, and get ready for a little holiday magic. By the time the glue dries, you’ll have a whole herd of reindeer ready to take their place on the tree—each one unique, handmade, and full of Christmas cheer.

Get your free reindeer ornament template below

free reindeer ornament template

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