Transform old toys into cute holiday ornaments

One of the joys of a Christmas tree is the collection of memories captured in its decorations: handmade popsicle-stick frames from school, delicate tissue-paper wreaths crafted by the kids, or a ballet slipper ornament brought home after a trip to see The Nutcracker. Beloved toys can evoke just as much nostalgia—so instead of packing them away in boxes, why not display them on your tree every holiday season?

Grace Donovan

City note

One of the joys of a Christmas tree is the collection of memories captured in its decorations: handmade popsicle-stick frames from school, delicate tissue-paper wreaths crafted by the kids, or a ballet slipper ornament brought home after a trip to see The Nutcracker. Beloved toys can evoke just as much nostalgia—so instead of packing them away in boxes, why not display them on your tree every holiday season?

What You’ll Need

Old toys

Embroidery thread

Large sewing needle (optional)

Craft wire

Hot glue gun

Spray paint (optional)

Choose Your Toys

Invite your children to pick a few favorite toys they’d like to turn into ornaments. Some fun choices include a small plush animal, a miniature skateboard, a tiny tea set, or even a slinky. Action figures, dolls, toy cars, and board books can also be easily transformed into tree decorations.

Getting Started

There are two approaches: simple or slightly more advanced.

Basic Method:
Wrap craft wire around part of the toy, or thread embroidery floss through a soft section. Toys with natural loops—like a teacup handle—are easiest. For action figures, you could attach craft wire to a wrist or arm and hang them directly on the tree.

For example:

Plush toy: Poke a small hole in an ear or soft section, thread craft wire or string through, and create a loop for hanging.

Mini skateboard: Wrap craft wire around one of the wheels and bend the top into a hook for tree placement.

For added sophistication, use a large needle to thread embroidery floss through plush sections for a secure hold.

Elevate the Design

If you want to take it up a notch, you can decorate the toys further using glue or paint. One idea is to spray-paint all your toys in a single color for a cohesive, modern look.

For a slinky, consider shaping it into a stable form by gluing certain points, then add a string loop at the top for hanging.

Multi-piece toys, like a miniature tea set, can be arranged in different ways:

Glue matching pieces together (cup with saucer, teapot with sugar bowl) to make a single ornament.

Glue pieces to cardboard for stability.

For a creative twist, make a tiny tray from cardboard and tin foil, then attach all the tea set components to it.

Tips & Ideas

Pretty much any toy can become an ornament as long as it’s not too large. Each holiday season, as you decorate the tree, you’ll be reminded of playful memories—tripping over the tiny skateboard or watching your child carry their favorite plush friend everywhere. These ornaments aren’t just decorations—they’re miniature time capsules of cherished moments.

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