Toddlers and preschoolers can make this simple Styrofoam initial ornament using a recycled styrofoam produce tray, metallic paint and craft gems. It’s a quick, budget-friendly holiday craft that’s ideal for little hands and introduces children to letters, texture and basic decorating techniques.
This easy Christmas craft uses mostly materials you can find around the house or at the dollar store. Reusing a styrofoam tray gives the project an eco-friendly twist, and inexpensive craft supplies like glitter glue, sequins and gems make the finished ornaments sparkle.
The project is very adaptable: younger children can press and paint, while older kids can add more detailed decorations. Below you’ll find the supplies and simple step-by-step instructions to make these initials with toddlers and preschoolers.
You may also like our yarn-wrapped initial ornaments and painted cardboard initial ornaments, which are similarly simple and low-cost.
To make our Styrofoam Initial Ornaments, you’ll need:
Supplies:
Choose non-toxic, child-safe paints and glues. For convenience, many of these items can be found at discount stores.
- Metallic paint (craft-store brands work well)
- Styrofoam meat or produce tray (wash and dry thoroughly before use)
- Paintbrush
- Glitter glue
- Craft gems and sequins
- Large traceable letters or a letter stencil
- Hole punch
- Cording or ribbon for hanging
Instructions:
1. Trace the letter: Place a large letter or stencil on the bottom of a clean, dry styrofoam tray and trace the outline of the initial. This makes a sturdy base that’s easy for small hands to work with.
2. Add texture: Give children the end of a paintbrush or another rounded tool to press dots, lines and squiggles into the styrofoam inside the traced letter. These indents create interesting texture that holds paint and adds visual detail.
3. Paint the letter: Apply a coat of metallic paint over the textured letter. A single coat is usually enough for a bright finish, but you can add a second coat if needed. Let the paint dry completely before the next step.
4. Add glitter and gems: Use glitter glue to create lines, dots or a border on the painted letter. While the glue is still tacky, press sequins and craft jewels into it to secure them. This step lets kids practice placement and creates a sparkly, finished look.
5. Punch a hole and add a hanger: Once everything is dry, punch a hole at the top of the initial using a hole punch. Thread a length of cording or ribbon through the hole to make a hanger for the ornament.
These ornaments make sweet keepsakes and easy gifts. They’re also a fun way for young children to practice letter recognition, fine motor skills and creative expression.
More initial ornament ideas to try at home include painted cardboard initials and yarn-wrapped initials, both of which use inexpensive materials and simple techniques.
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