Ornament Memory Game
Christmas ornament images on card stock make a seasonal memory game that can be played during December decorating, at Christmas parties, or on Christmas morning while waiting for everyone to wake up. Children help create the cards, which adds a making phase before the playing phase — and the handmade quality of the game makes it feel special in the way purchased games never quite can.
What You'll Need
- White cardstock — cut into 3x3 inch squares, 24–32 squares total (12–16 pairs)
- Christmas ornament stamps or stencils — OR children draw the images freehand
- Red and green markers — for coloring
- Glitter glue — to make the ornaments sparkle
- Clear contact paper — to laminate for durability
- A decorative box or tin — for storage
How to Do It
Step 1: Plan the pairs. Choose 12–16 Christmas images to use as matching pairs: a round red ornament, a star, a candy cane, a Christmas tree, a snowflake, a bell, a gift box, a stocking, a reindeer, a holly sprig, a wreath, a gingerbread man.
Step 2: Make the cards. Draw or stamp each image twice — once on each of two cards. Children color and add glitter glue to each image.
Step 3: Make the backs. Paint or color all card backs identically — a simple repeating Christmas pattern in red and green.
Step 4: Laminate. Once dry, cover with clear contact paper. Trim neatly.
Step 5: Play. Standard memory rules: face down, take turns flipping two cards, keep matching pairs. The Christmas theme means children talk about the ornaments as they find them, adding a vocabulary element.
Skills Your Child Will Develop
Working memory — Holding card positions in mind while tracking other players' flips is core executive function.
Holiday vocabulary — Naming ornament types during the game builds seasonal language.
Turn-taking and patience — Waiting while other players take their turns is social skill practice.
Tips & Variations
- Play with fewer pairs (6–8) for younger children to maintain success and engagement.
- Use actual small ornaments for a 3D version: feel and find matching pairs.
- Give the game as a Christmas gift in a decorated tin.
My Two Cents
Glitter glue on the card images makes this feel like a genuinely Christmas object rather than a plain card game. Apply it sparingly — a light sparkle accent, not a full coating — and let dry completely before laminating.
