Safe Christmas Ornaments for Toddlers

Everything changes when you have a child, and Christmas is no exception. We get to relive the magic we enjoyed as children ourselves, but as parents, the safety of our children is always our primary concern. Keeping your holiday safe starts with your Christmas tree.

Christmas Cards

Recycle old Christmas cards by turning them into child safe Christmas ornaments. Use a glass to trace circles on old cards with pretty designs, or cut out specific images. Involve your toddler by letting him or her pick out the cards they'd like to see on the tree. To hang these ornaments, punch a hole near the top of the cut out and thread reused ribbon through to create safe, festive hooks.

Candy Canes

Candy canes are easy to hang, and their bright colors really stand out against the branches of an evergreen. If your toddler likes to satisfy his sweet tooth by swiping candy canes off the tree, try a non edible substitution on your Christmas tree: twist red and white pipe cleaners together tightly and then bend into a candy cane shape.

Ornaments

If you can't give up the traditional round ornaments, look for touchable replacements. Some big box stores and online retailers sell unbreakable and shatterproof ornaments. Another option is to buy styrofoam balls at your local craft store and decorate them with paint or glitter with your toddler.

Pine Cones

Add a natural touch to your Christmas tree by hanging pine cones on it. To help them stand out, let your toddler decorate them with glitter glue.

Felt Mice

Another craft project that can be used to safely decorate your tree is felt mice. Cut out a round or oblong shaped piece of felt to use as the mouse's body. Near the side that will be the mouse's head, cut two small slits. Cut out another piece of felt in the shape of a solid 8. This piece will serve as the mouse's ears. To attach them, thread them through the two slits you cut near the felt mouse's head. Glue on googly eyes and a tail to complete your felt mouse. Attach a ribbon with a hot glue gun to hang the felt mouse, or just let him perch on the branches of your Christmas tree.

Wooden Ornaments

Small wooden ornaments can be purchased at your local craft store for as low as $.50 a piece. These are often available in fun Christmas shapes, such as wreaths and candy canes. You can paint these with your toddler, but do so with care, as the acrylic paint you would use can stain.

Use these ideas for safe, fun, and festive ornaments to enhance your holiday experience. Less time spent guarding the tree leaves more time for the fun things like cookie baking and gift wrapping. Merry Christmas!