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Pom-pom reindeer decorations are one of those crafts that instantly make your space feel cheerful and handmade. They’re fuzzy, festive, and full of personality—perfect for kids, families, or anyone who loves DIY holiday décor that’s quick and fun.
Each reindeer starts with a soft yarn pom-pom body, then gets its signature red nose, googly eyes, and cute pipe cleaner antlers.
You can hang them on your Christmas tree, line them along the mantel, or use them as adorable gift toppers.
How to Make Pom-Pom Reindeer Decorations
The best part? They don’t need to be perfect—each little reindeer looks uniquely charming no matter how it turns out.
Materials
- Yarn (cream, white, or light brown works best)
- Red pom-poms (for noses)
- Brown pipe cleaners (for antlers)
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- Cardboard or a pom-pom maker
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Optional: mini bells, glitter, or felt scraps for extra details
Shop the materials
The steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Yarn Pom-Pom
Wrap the yarn around your pom-pom maker or a small piece of cardboard (about 3–4 inches wide) around 80–100 times, depending on how full you want your reindeer to be.
The more you wrap, the fluffier it’ll look. Kids can help here—it’s like winding a cozy little ball of snow.
Step 2: Tie and Trim
Carefully slide the yarn bundle off your cardboard, then tie a short piece of yarn tightly around the center to hold it in place. Double-knot it so it doesn’t come undone.
Use sharp scissors to cut through both loops of yarn on either side. Fluff the strands gently with your fingers until you have a round, even pom-pom.
Step 3: Shape the Pom-Pom
Give your reindeer a “haircut.” Trim uneven strands so it looks neat and round. You can leave it a bit shaggy for a more rustic look, or snip carefully for a compact, plush finish.
Step 4: Make the Antlers
Take one brown pipe cleaner and cut it in half. Fold each half into a “Y” shape to resemble antlers. Twist the ends a little so they stay firm and don’t poke through the yarn later. For extra cuteness, you can bend the tips or add small side branches.
Step 5: Add the Face
Glue two googly eyes near the top of the pom-pom and a small red pom-pom below them for the nose. Use hot glue for a quick bond or craft glue if working with kids. Once those are attached, your reindeer will instantly come to life—Rudolph style!
Step 6: Attach the Antlers
Push the ends of your pipe cleaner antlers gently into the top of the pom-pom, one on each side. Secure them with a dab of glue underneath if needed. Adjust the angle until your reindeer looks expressive and balanced.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
Tie a small loop of twine or ribbon around the top so you can hang your reindeer. For extra flair, glue on a mini bell or sprinkle a touch of glitter on the antlers.
You can even make a herd in different yarn shades for variety—think white reindeer for a snowy theme or brown ones for a classic look.
