Baby’s First Christmas Keepsake Ornament

The holiday season is a magical time, especially if you’re celebrating it with a new baby in the family! If you’re looking for a heartfelt, memorable keepsake to mark your baby’s first Christmas (or second, or third!), we've got the perfect project for you. Today, we're sharing how to create a beautiful ornament featuring a ribbon that’s as long as your little one is tall this Christmas. It’s a charming way to watch them grow through the years when you compare ribbons from one holiday to the next! And just so sweet to see hanging on the tree every year to remind you of how tiny they were. 

Why You’ll Love This Keepsake Ornament

  • Sentimental Value: This isn’t just another ornament—it’s a treasured memory of how small (or tall!) your baby was at this very moment in time.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal supplies mean even beginners can make it.
  • Great Gift Idea: Perfect for gifting to grandparents or other family members who love sentimental holiday decor.
  • Tradition Starter: Repeat this project each year to create a collection of ornaments that show your child’s growth over time.

Materials You’ll Need

All these materials can be found right here on our website for your convenience.

  • Clear Fillable Ornament
    A plastic or glass ornament that opens up or has a removable top.

  • Ribbon in Your Desired Color
    Select a color that complements your holiday palette or pick a special hue that symbolizes your baby’s first Christmas.
    Browse Our Ribbon Collection

  • Message Tag
    We made a FREE download for you to easily print off!
    Download Here

  • Measuring Tape (optional)
    To measure your baby’s length accurately.

  • Scissors
    A good pair of scissors for cutting ribbon.

  • Felt
    A sheet of felt for the back of your message.
    Shop Felt Here

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Measure Your Baby
Lay your baby down and measure their length from head to toe using a measuring tape. (Our with your ribbon)

Step 2: Cut the Ribbon
Cut a piece of ribbon equal to your baby’s length. If they’re 24 inches, cut a 24-inch ribbon. This ribbon will represent exactly how long they were this holiday season.

Step 3: Insert the Ribbon into the Ornament
Gently roll or fold the ribbon and tuck it inside the clear ornament. If you’d like, add a few sparkly sequins or small bits of confetti for extra festive flair.

Step 4: Make Your Tag
First, download our free printable here and then cut out the size you want it. We did 2" by 2.5".

Then, cut a piece of felt, slightly larger to put behind the paper. Poke a tiny hole in the top left corner for your string to go through.

Now, stack the paper on the felt and secure them together with hot glue.

After that's dried, take your string and go through the hole.

Now, secure your message to the ornament by tying the string to the top, like this.

And then you're done!

Rabom's Advice

  • Choose a Durable Ribbon: Any of our ribbon is a great choice, we loved doing this with satin or grosgrain ribbon that will hold up beautifully over the years.

  • Date Each Ornament:  You might want to include a date on the bottom of the ball so that over time, you’ll never have to guess which year it was.

  • Theme Coordination: Match your ribbon’s color to your holiday décor theme—whether it’s classic red and green, modern metallics, or a whimsical pastel palette.

  • Gift Idea: Make one for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or godparents. It’s a heartfelt gesture they’ll love hanging on their tree.

We hope you all loved this craft as much as we do! Share your own creations with us @overtheriverfelt :) 

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