25 DIY Cinnamon Stick Ornaments for a Cozy Christmas
25 DIY Cinnamon Stick Ornaments for a Cozy Christmas
There is something about the smell of cinnamon that instantly says Christmas. It is the scent of warm kitchens, crackling fires, and slow December afternoons spent crafting at the table. DIY cinnamon stick ornaments capture all of that in one tiny, beautiful package: they are charming, they smell wonderful, they cost almost nothing to make, and they look like they came straight out of a fancy farmhouse shop. If you have never made them before, you are in for the easiest win of your holiday crafting season.
This guide walks you through 25 DIY cinnamon stick ornaments, from the simplest twine-tied bundle you can make in five minutes to stars, snowflakes, reindeer, wreaths, and gift toppers that will make your presents the prettiest under the tree. Every idea includes the materials you will need, a rough cost, and a time estimate, plus tips for making your ornaments last for years. Whether you are crafting solo with a mug of cocoa, hosting a holiday craft night, or making gifts with your family, these cinnamon stick ornaments are the perfect place to start.
1. Classic Cinnamon Stick Bundle Ornaments
The classic cinnamon stick bundle is where every cinnamon ornament journey should begin. It is almost embarrassingly simple: gather three to five cinnamon sticks of similar length, wrap jute twine around the middle a few times, tie a knot, and leave a loop at the top for hanging. That is it. In under five minutes you have an ornament that looks rustic, smells heavenly, and costs less than a dollar.
For the prettiest bundles, choose cinnamon sticks that are roughly the same length and thickness. A sprig of faux pine, a tiny dried orange slice, or a single star anise tucked under the twine takes the bundle from plain to polished. Materials: 3 to 5 cinnamon sticks, jute twine, and optional greenery. Cost: about 50 cents to 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 5 minutes. Hang a whole cluster of these bundles at different lengths on one branch of the tree for a look that feels layered and intentional.
2. Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments
Cinnamon stick stars are the craft that makes people ask, “Wait, you made that?” They look intricate, but the trick is simple: arrange five cinnamon sticks into a five-pointed star shape, overlapping the ends, and secure each joint with a dab of hot glue or a wrap of twine. Once the star holds its shape, add a loop of twine at the top point and a tiny bow at the bottom for a finished look.
Work on a flat surface and lay the sticks out before you glue anything, so you can adjust the points until the star looks even. A glue gun works best here, but if you prefer a no-glue version, thin craft wire wrapped tightly at each joint holds just as well. Materials: 5 cinnamon sticks per star, hot glue or wire, twine, and optional ribbon. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 to 15 minutes. Stars look stunning grouped in threes on the tree or hung in a sunny window where the light catches the cinnamon bark.
3. Rustic Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments
Miniature Christmas trees made from cinnamon sticks are pure holiday magic. Start with one long cinnamon stick as the trunk, then cut or break shorter sticks to form the branches, arranging them from longest at the bottom to shortest at the top. Glue each branch across the trunk, add a tiny star anise or a wooden bead at the peak, and finish with a twine loop for hanging.
These little trees are wonderful for using up shorter or broken cinnamon sticks that are too stubby for bundles. A dusting of white paint on the branch tips mimics snow, and a few tiny red berries glued on as ornaments make the tree look decorated. Materials: 6 to 8 cinnamon sticks in graduated lengths, hot glue, twine, and optional berries or paint. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 15 minutes. Make a whole forest of them in different sizes and hang them together for a charming woodland cluster.
4. Cinnamon Stick Snowflake Ornaments
Snowflakes are one of the most satisfying cinnamon stick ornaments to make because the symmetry does the decorating for you. Cross six cinnamon sticks at their centers so they radiate out like the spokes of a wheel, then bind the middle tightly with twine or wire. The natural variation in the bark gives each snowflake a handmade, organic feel that no store-bought ornament can match.
For extra sparkle, brush the tips of the sticks with white craft paint or a little clear glue rolled in fine glitter, and glue a small wooden bead or a button at the center to hide the binding. Hang snowflakes near the top of the tree where they catch the light, or dangle them from a window with fishing line so they spin gently. Materials: 6 cinnamon sticks, twine or wire, white paint or glitter, and a bead. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 minutes.
5. Cinnamon Stick Reindeer Ornaments
These reindeer are the cutest ornaments on this list, and they are a favorite for family craft nights. Use one cinnamon stick as the body, glue two small twigs to the top as antlers, add two tiny googly eyes, and finish with a red pom pom or a small red bead for Rudolph’s nose. A twine loop around the middle lets it hang at a jaunty angle.
The charm is in the details, so keep the antlers small and slightly uneven, just like a real reindeer. If you are making these with children, let them place the eyes and the nose while an adult handles the hot glue. Materials: 1 cinnamon stick, 2 small twigs, googly eyes, a red pom pom, hot glue, and twine. Cost: about 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 10 minutes. A whole herd of reindeer in different sizes looks adorable on a kids’ tree or a classroom tree.
6. Cinnamon Stick Cross Ornaments
Cinnamon stick crosses are a meaningful, elegant addition to a Christmas tree, and they are one of the simplest ornaments to make. Lay one cinnamon stick vertically and a shorter one horizontally across it, about a third of the way down from the top. Bind the joint with twine wrapped in a neat cross pattern, or secure it with a dot of hot glue and wrap a thin ribbon over the joint for a polished finish.
These crosses are lovely as gifts for friends and family, especially when paired with a handwritten note or tucked into a Christmas card. A small dried flower or a sprig of greenery tied at the center adds a soft, natural touch. Materials: 2 cinnamon sticks, twine or ribbon, and hot glue. Cost: under 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 5 minutes. Make a batch in an evening and you will have heartfelt, handmade gifts ready for everyone on your list.
7. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments with Dried Orange Slices
Pairing cinnamon sticks with dried orange slices is a match made in holiday heaven. The warm brown of the cinnamon against the translucent amber of the orange looks gorgeous, and the combined scent is the very definition of Christmas. Tie two or three cinnamon sticks together, then thread a dried orange slice onto the twine and let it rest against the bundle, or glue the orange slice flat against the sticks.
You can dry your own orange slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours, or buy them ready-made at a craft store. Either way, choose slices that are fully dry and slightly stiff, since soft slices can attract moisture. Materials: 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 dried orange slice, twine, and hot glue. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 minutes. These ornaments look beautiful on the tree, but they are also perfect for hanging in a kitchen window where the light shines through the orange.
8. Cinnamon Stick and Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones and cinnamon sticks belong together, and this ornament proves it. Take a small, open pinecone and glue a bundle of two cinnamon sticks along one side, or tie the sticks to the pinecone’s stem with twine. Add a plaid or burlap ribbon bow at the top and a twine loop for hanging, and you have an ornament that looks like it was gathered from a winter forest.
Choose small pinecones that are fully open and dry, and shake out any loose debris before you start. If your pinecones are closed, bake them at a low temperature for about thirty minutes and they will open right up. Materials: 1 small pinecone, 2 cinnamon sticks, ribbon, twine, and hot glue. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 minutes. These are wonderful for a woodland or cabin-style tree, and they pair beautifully with wooden bead garlands.
9. Mini Cinnamon Stick Wreath Ornaments
Mini wreaths made from cinnamon sticks are tiny, fragrant, and endlessly giftable. Form a small circle using four or five short cinnamon sticks, overlapping the ends, and glue or wire the joints. Once the ring holds, decorate it with tiny sprigs of faux greenery, a few red berries, and a miniature bow at the top. The result is a wreath small enough to hang on a tree branch but detailed enough to steal the show.
Keep the decorations small so the wreath does not get top-heavy. Miniature berries, tiny pine sprigs, and a half-inch bow are all you need. Materials: 4 to 5 short cinnamon sticks, hot glue or wire, greenery, berries, and ribbon. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 15 minutes. These mini wreaths also make lovely napkin rings for a Christmas table, just slip one over a rolled linen napkin.
10. Cinnamon Stick Scented Sachet Ornaments
Scented sachet ornaments are the gift that keeps on giving, because they perfume a whole room, a drawer, or a closet long after Christmas. Fill a small muslin bag with broken cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves, and a pinch of dried lavender or star anise. Tie the bag shut with ribbon, add a twine loop, and hang it on the tree, on a doorknob, or inside a closet.
The beauty of this project is that it uses the cinnamon stick pieces that are too broken or short for other ornaments, so nothing goes to waste. You can also tuck a sachet into a gift box or a stocking for an extra touch. Materials: small muslin bags, broken cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried lavender, and ribbon. Cost: about 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 5 minutes. Refresh the scent each year by adding a drop or two of cinnamon essential oil to the bag.
11. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments with Ribbon and Bows
Sometimes the simplest upgrade is the prettiest one. A plain cinnamon stick bundle tied with a beautiful ribbon can look completely different depending on the ribbon you choose: red velvet for a classic Christmas, buffalo plaid for a farmhouse feel, gold for a touch of glamour, or sage green for a soft, modern look. The ribbon does all the decorating, so this is the fastest way to make a whole set of ornaments that match your tree.
To make the bow look full and professional, cut the ribbon a little longer than you think you need, tie a simple bow, and trim the tails at an angle. A dab of hot glue under the bow keeps it from sliding down the sticks. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, and ribbon in your chosen color. Cost: about 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 5 minutes. Make sets of three ornaments in the same ribbon for a coordinated look, or mix ribbons across the tree for a collected, eclectic feel.
12. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments for Gift Toppers
Cinnamon stick ornaments pull double duty as gift toppers, turning an ordinary wrapped present into something that smells like Christmas before it is even opened. Tie a small bundle of cinnamon sticks with twine, tuck a sprig of pine or a dried orange slice under the knot, and attach the whole thing to the ribbon on top of a wrapped gift. The recipient gets a present and an ornament in one.
This works best on gifts wrapped in kraft paper, plain white paper, or simple solid colors, where the natural cinnamon and greenery really pop. Use a glue dot or a loop of twine to attach the ornament to the gift ribbon so it stays put in transit. Materials: 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, twine, greenery, and ribbon. Cost: about 1 dollar per gift. Time: 5 minutes per topper. Save the prettiest bundles for the gifts you are most proud of, and your presents will be the ones everyone photographs.
13. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments with Wood Beads
Wood beads bring a soft, Scandinavian feel to cinnamon stick ornaments, and they are wonderfully easy to work with. Thread wooden beads onto a length of twine, then tie the twine around a cinnamon stick bundle so the beads drape like a garland. Or string a few beads above the bundle on the hanging loop, so the ornament has a beaded tassel effect.
Natural, unfinished wood beads look best with cinnamon, but you can paint a few beads red or green for a pop of color. Vary the bead sizes for a more handmade, collected look. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, wooden beads in assorted sizes, and optional paint. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 minutes. These ornaments are perfect for a Scandinavian or minimalist tree, where their simple, natural palette fits right in.
14. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments with Greenery and Berries
Greenery and berries are the classic finishing touch for cinnamon stick ornaments, and for good reason: the deep green and bright red against warm cinnamon brown is the most Christmassy color combination there is. Tuck a small sprig of faux pine, cedar, or eucalyptus under the twine on a cinnamon bundle, then glue on three or four red berries. Keep the arrangement small and tight so the ornament hangs evenly.
Faux greenery works best here because it will not dry out or shed, but fresh rosemary is a lovely alternative that adds its own wonderful scent. If you use fresh greenery, expect it to dry in place over a few weeks, which still looks charming. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, faux greenery sprigs, and red berries. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 minutes. Cluster these on the tree near the ornaments with dried oranges for a cohesive, natural look.
15. Painted and Glittered Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
If your tree leans glamorous rather than rustic, painted and glittered cinnamon sticks are the answer. Brush the ends of the sticks with white, gold, or silver craft paint, or dip the tips in glue and roll them in fine glitter. Let them dry completely, then bundle them with a metallic ribbon. The painted tips catch the light beautifully, and the glitter adds just enough sparkle without overwhelming the natural bark.
For a snowy effect, use white paint and a dry brush so the bark texture shows through. For a frosted look, add a sprinkle of faux snow or white glitter while the paint is still wet. Materials: cinnamon sticks, craft paint, glitter, glue, and metallic ribbon. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 15 minutes plus drying time. These are the ornaments to make when you want your natural tree to have a little extra sparkle.
16. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments for a Farmhouse Tree
A farmhouse Christmas tree is all about natural materials, neutral colors, and handmade texture, and cinnamon stick ornaments are practically made for it. Combine bundles, stars, and snowflakes on one tree with wooden bead garlands, burlap ribbon, dried orange slices, and a few white ornaments for contrast. The cinnamon sticks provide the warm brown tones that tie the whole look together.
For a cohesive farmhouse tree, stick to a limited palette: warm browns, cream, sage green, and one accent color like red or black. Make your cinnamon ornaments in batches so the tree feels full and intentional rather than random. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, burlap ribbon, wooden beads, and dried oranges. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament. Time: 10 to 15 minutes each. A farmhouse tree dressed this way looks like it took weeks of careful curation, when really it took one cozy crafting evening.
17. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Kids Can Help Make
Cinnamon stick ornaments are one of the best holiday crafts to make with kids, because the steps are simple, the materials are safe, and the results are genuinely pretty. Children can sort the cinnamon sticks by size, wrap the twine, choose the ribbons, and glue on the berries and pom poms, while an adult handles the hot glue gun. Even very young children can help by placing the decorations and tying simple knots.
Set up a craft station with everything laid out in small bowls so kids can mix and match their own designs. Bundles and reindeer are the best starter projects for little hands, since they need no precise measuring. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, ribbon, pom poms, googly eyes, and glue. Cost: about 1 dollar per ornament. Time: 10 to 20 minutes each. The ornaments your kids make this year will become the keepsakes you reach for first every December, so date the back of each one with a marker.
18. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments to Sell at a Holiday Market
If you love making cinnamon stick ornaments, they also make a wonderful product to sell at a holiday market or craft fair. They are inexpensive to produce, lightweight to transport, and they sell themselves, because shoppers can smell them from across the aisle. Make them in sets of three or five, tie each set with a pretty ribbon, and attach a small tag with care instructions and your shop name.
Price sets of three at around 8 to 12 dollars, depending on your local market, and offer a small discount for buying two sets. Display them hanging from a small branch or a mini tree at your stall so customers can see how they look in use. Materials: cinnamon sticks, twine, ribbon, tags, and decorative extras. Cost: about 1 to 2 dollars per ornament to make. Time: 10 to 15 minutes each. Bring a mix of styles, from simple bundles to stars and wreaths, so every shopper finds something they love.
19. How to Make Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Last for Years
One of the best things about cinnamon stick ornaments is how long they last. Unlike paper or fresh greenery ornaments, cinnamon sticks do not fade, crumble, or go stale if you store them properly. After Christmas, pack your ornaments in a sturdy box with tissue paper between the layers, and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements and hot attics, since moisture and heat can dull the scent and loosen the glue.
If an ornament loses its scent after a year or two, refresh it with a drop of cinnamon essential oil rubbed lightly onto the back of the sticks. Check the twine loops each year and re-tie any that have loosened. Materials for storage: a sturdy box, tissue paper, and optional silica gel packets. Cost: free to a few dollars for supplies. Time: 15 minutes to pack up after the holidays. With a little care, your cinnamon stick ornaments will smell just as wonderful on their fifth Christmas as they did on their first.
20. Cinnamon Stick Ornament Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest craft has a few pitfalls, and cinnamon stick ornaments are no exception. The most common mistake is using too much hot glue, which squeezes out around the joints and looks messy once it dries. Use small dots of glue and hold the pieces together for a few seconds until they set. Another common mistake is choosing cinnamon sticks that are too thick or too curved, which makes bundles lopsided and stars uneven, so sort your sticks before you start.
Do not hang cinnamon ornaments in a steamy bathroom or right above a radiator, since heat and moisture can weaken the glue and fade the scent. And resist the urge to varnish or seal the sticks, because the coating traps the scent inside and defeats the whole point of a cinnamon ornament. Finally, always test one ornament before making a whole batch, so you can adjust the design before you commit your supplies. A little patience at the start saves a lot of redoing later.
21. Budget Breakdown: How Much Do Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Cost?
Part of the magic of cinnamon stick ornaments is how little they cost. A bag of cinnamon sticks from a bulk or dollar store usually runs 3 to 5 dollars for a pack of twenty or more, which works out to about 20 cents per stick. Twine, ribbon, and glue are items most crafters already have at home, and decorative extras like dried oranges, pinecones, and berries can be gathered outside or bought for a few dollars. All told, most of the ornaments in this guide cost between 50 cents and 2 dollars each.
Compare that to store-bought ornaments, which often cost 5 to 15 dollars apiece, and the savings add up fast. A full tree dressed in cinnamon ornaments might cost 20 to 30 dollars in supplies, versus 150 dollars or more for a tree full of shop-bought decorations. If you buy your cinnamon sticks in bulk online, the per-ornament cost drops even lower. This is one of the rare crafts that is genuinely budget-friendly, not just budget-friendly in theory.
22. Styling Your Finished Cinnamon Stick Ornaments Around the Home
Once you have a basket full of cinnamon stick ornaments, the fun is finding places for them all. Hang them on the tree, of course, but do not stop there. Tie a few to the garland on your mantel, hang one from each stocking, dangle a cluster in a window, or lay a star on top of each place setting at Christmas dinner. A cinnamon bundle tied to a bottle of wine or a jar of homemade jam turns an ordinary gift into something memorable.
Cinnamon ornaments also work beautifully outside the tree. Hang them from a branch in a vase for a simple centerpiece, string them along a doorway garland, or attach one to a wreath on your front door. Wherever you put them, they add warmth, texture, and that unmistakable cinnamon scent that makes a house feel like Christmas. Make more than you think you need, because once your friends see them, they will want some too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cinnamon stick ornaments really smell like cinnamon?
Yes, they do, and the scent is one of the best parts. Fresh cinnamon sticks have a strong, warm fragrance that fills a room, especially when they are near the warm lights of a Christmas tree. The scent naturally fades a little over time, but you can refresh it with a drop of cinnamon essential oil. Store your ornaments in a sealed bag or box between seasons to preserve the fragrance.
How long do cinnamon stick ornaments last?
With proper storage, cinnamon stick ornaments can last for many years. Cinnamon sticks are naturally durable and resistant to pests, and they do not crumble or fade the way paper ornaments do. Keep them in a cool, dry place wrapped in tissue paper, and check the twine and glue each year. Most crafters find their cinnamon ornaments look just as good on their fifth Christmas as their first.
What kind of cinnamon sticks should I use?
Look for whole cinnamon sticks that are straight, unbroken, and roughly the same length. Cassia cinnamon sticks, which are the most common and affordable kind, are thicker and darker, while true Ceylon cinnamon sticks are thinner and more delicate. Either type works beautifully for ornaments, so choose whichever you can find at the best price. Buy them in bulk bags rather than small spice jars to keep the cost down.
Can I make cinnamon stick ornaments without a hot glue gun?
Absolutely. Twine, thin craft wire, and even strong craft glue can hold most cinnamon ornaments together. Bundles, crosses, and snowflakes work perfectly with twine alone. For stars and trees, wire wrapped tightly at the joints is a reliable glue-free alternative, though it takes a little more patience. If you are crafting with children, twine and wire are safer choices than a hot glue gun.
Are cinnamon stick ornaments safe around pets?
Cinnamon stick ornaments are generally safe to hang on a tree, but keep them out of reach of pets that like to chew. Cinnamon in small amounts is not highly toxic to most pets, but eating large quantities of cinnamon sticks can upset a pet’s stomach. Hang your ornaments higher on the tree and avoid placing them at nose height for curious dogs and cats. If a pet does chew one, remove it and monitor them, and call your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Can I use cinnamon stick ornaments outdoors?
Cinnamon stick ornaments can be used outdoors for short periods, such as on a covered porch wreath or a protected entryway display, but they are not designed for long-term outdoor exposure. Rain and snow can soften the bark, loosen the glue, and fade the scent. If you do use them outside, keep them sheltered from direct weather and bring them indoors during storms. For a front door wreath, hang them on the inside-facing side of the door instead.
Conclusion
DIY cinnamon stick ornaments are proof that the best Christmas decorations are not the most expensive ones. They are the handmade ones, the ones that smell like cinnamon and look like they were made with care, because they were. With a bag of cinnamon sticks, some twine, and an afternoon at the craft table, you can fill your tree, your mantel, and your gift boxes with ornaments that cost pennies and look like treasures.
Start with a simple bundle, then try a star or a snowflake, and before you know it you will have a whole collection of cinnamon ornaments that your family reaches for first every December. Save this guide, gather your supplies, and make this the year your Christmas smells as good as it looks. Happy crafting, and merry Christmas.
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