Easy Birdseed Ornaments For Kids To Make

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Our easy birdseed ornaments are a simple and enjoyable winter project for kids. They are simple to make and a thoughtful way to help backyard birds find food when they need it most.

Two hanging birdseed ornaments made with gelatin and twine. Text overlay: Easy Birdseed Ornaments With Gelatin.

The days are getting colder, and life is getting harder for our feathered friends. So, now is the ideal time to show some kindness to the birds in our backyards.

Kids will love mixing, pressing, and molding the birdseed ornaments. It is also fun watching the birds flock to these handmade treats. Plus, hanging them up is a great excuse to bundle up, step outside, and enjoy a bit of nature together!

This post is part of my growing collection of easy arts and crafts for kids. Easy projects your kids will love to try. Need more inspiration to keep kids busy? Our Indoor Activities page is packed with fun ideas.

Ingredients for Birdseed Ornaments

Bird seed ornaments ingredients on a marble counter — a bowl of mixed birdseed, a packet of Knox gelatin, a muffin tin, and a spoon.
  • Birdseed – The main ingredient and the “treat” your feathered friends will love.
  • Unflavored gelatin – Acts as the natural glue that holds the birdseed together once it sets.
  • Water – Helps dissolve the gelatin and evenly distribute it through the seed mixture.
  • Boiling water – Activates the gelatin, allowing it to blend smoothly and bind everything firmly.

Tip: Cornell Bird Lab has a helpful guide to seed types for birds

Birdseed ornament hanging from a snowy tree branch with a red ribbon. T

This recipe uses a muffin pan. However, you can substitute cookie cutters or mason rings (place on waxed paper). I also like the idea of a silicon heart-shaped mold. You can find one here.

How to Make Birdseed Ornaments

A bowl of dissolved gelatin beside a bowl of birdseed, ready to mix together for the bird seed ornaments recipe.

Start by adding your gelatin powder to a small amount of room-temperature water. Give it a good stir until it’s all dissolved. Then pour in the boiling water and whisk until the mixture looks smooth and clear—this will be the “glue” that holds everything together!

Parent Tip: Be careful when handling the boiling waterand hot gelatin to avoid burns. Children should be supervised carefully.

Add the birdseed to the warm gelatin mixture. Stir it well until all the seeds are coated. It should look sticky but not soggy—just right for molding.

Spray each cup of your muffin tin with a little cooking spray. This makes it easier to pop the ornaments out later (trust me, it’s worth it!).

Muffin tin filled with birdseed mixture, ready to chill and set.

Scoop the birdseed mixture into each section of the muffin tin. Press it down firmly with the back of your spoon so everything sticks together nicely.

Gently press a straw piece into the center of each one, making sure it goes all the way through. Wiggle it a bit to make sure there’s a clean hole, as this is where the string will go later. Don’t make the hole too close to the edge, or the ornament might break when you hang it up.

Straws inserted into the center of each birdseed ornament in the muffin tin to create hanging holes.

Place the muffin pan in the fridge and forget about it for at least three hours. This is when the magic happens—the ornaments will firm up beautifully as the gelatin cools.

Once they’re solid, run a butter knife around the edges and lift them out carefully. They should slide out easily if they’re fully set.

Pull out the straws, thread a ribbon or piece of twine through the hole, and tie a knot. Now you’ve got adorable birdseed ornaments ready to hang!

Finished birdseed ornament hanging from a tree branch with twine.

Take your creations outside and hang them from a tree branch—about five feet up so other animals can’t reach. Then step back and delight in the sight of the birds coming for a snack, enjoying the treats your kids made by hand.

Single hanging birdseed ornament on a blurred branch background with soft lighting.

Tips for Success

  • Hang the ornaments in sheltered areas to protect them from rain and wind.
  • Try placing them near shrubs or trees where birds already perch.
  • Be sure to hang the birdseed cookies at least 5 feet off the ground so dogs and other animals can’t reach them.
  • Make extra ornaments to share — they make sweet homemade gifts for neighbors who love birds too.
Bird seed ornament on a gray background with pine sprigs, berries, and seeds scattered around. Text overlay: Easy Birdseed Ornament Recipe — A DIY Bird Feeder.

A Simple Winter Tradition

There’s something magical about watching birds flutter to a feeder your kids made with their own hands. These little ornaments add a touch of joy to grey winter days — and remind us how even small acts can make a big difference. What to save this idea for later? Save one of the pins on this page.

Stuck inside and need more ideas? Our Indoor Activities page is packed with crafts, games, science experiments and more to keep kids happily busy.

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As a mother of three adult children, I understand the demands and joys of parenthood. With a teaching degree focusing on children aged 6-13, I've dedicated over 40 years to designing educational programs for children and tweens. I know what activities work and what kids need from you. My passion lies in supporting busy parents in making the most of their valuable time with their kids.