3. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
This is the project your future self will be glad you made. The recipe is simple: one cup of flour, half a cup of salt, and about half a cup of water. Mix until a soft dough forms, roll it to roughly a quarter inch thick, and press a hand or footprint firmly into the surface.
Before baking, poke a hole near the top with a straw for your ribbon. Bake at 200°F for two to three hours, flipping once, until the ornaments are completely dry and hard. Let them cool, then seal both sides with a coat of matte sealer or Mod Podge so they hold up year after year. Write the name and year on the back with a fine marker.
Time: 20 minutes of hands-on work plus drying. Difficulty: easy, though small children need help with the pressing. The most common mistake is rolling the dough too thick, which leads to cracked, underbaked centers. Aim for even thickness and be patient with the drying time.