Christmas wouldn’t quite be complete without Candy Cane Reindeer. 

They are the perfect edible Christmas ornament for you to make with your littles. Simple but adorable they can also be tucked in baskets or wreaths, taped to packages and gift bags, or make them for your childs class party.

I found these natural candy canes at the store, and while I want to say I bought them because they are better for the kids I have to be honest and say I bought them because I loved the pretty shade of red and cream. 

I thought they would lend themselves well to a more “vintage” look since I recall making  these as a little girl it just seemed appropriate.

These also make WONDERFUL items to sell at craft shows and bake sales, but make sure that you make a lot of them, because they will go like hot cakes!

You can create yours in any hue- they even sell neon colored sour candy canes that would be super fun for kids.

Supplies for Making Candy Cane Reindeer Ornaments

Candy Canes
Googly eyes
buttons
brown chenille stems
Plaid wired ribbon
hot glue/glue sticks or craft glue

How to make Candy Cane Reindeer

Cut off ⅓ of chenille stem.

Wrap longer piece around candy cane at the curve and twist tightly, add a dot of glue to secure.

Cut smaller piece of chenille stem in half, wrap each piece around the stem already on candy cane and bend to create antlers.

Attach a button nose (or use pompoms) and 2 googly eyes with glue.

To finish off your festive candy creation cut a piece of wired ribbon 6” long, tie into a bow and glue to straight portion of candy cane.

Aren’t these the cutest? 

We recently watched Netflix’s Christmas Chronicles and in that movie they reindeer LOVE candy canes. I asked a friend of mine who actually has pet reindeer if it’s true – do reindeers like candy canes? And guess what?? She said YES – they do! However, they aren’t particularly good for them so it’s not a good idea to let them eat them often. I should have known that reindeer really do like candy canes as horses love peppermint, at least ours do. Maybe I’ll have to try sharing these candy cane reindeer with our horses, lol!

Print the instructions for these fun handmade reindeer made out of candy canes

Candy Cane Reindeer Craft

Print

Fun and super easy, these darling candy cane reindeer make great Christmas gifts or package toppers - even party favors and place setting markers - so many fun uses for this simple country candy cane reindeer craft project for kids and adults.

Materials

• Candy Canes
• Googly eyes
• buttons
• brown chenille stems
• Plaid wired ribbon
• hot glue/glue sticks or craft glue

Tools

• Scissors
• Glue gun

Instructions

Cut off ⅓ of chenille stem.

Wrap longer piece around candy cane at the curve and twist tightly, add a dot of glue to secure.

Cut smaller piece of chenille stem in half, wrap each piece around the stem already on candy cane and bend to create antlers.

Attach a button nose (or use pompoms) and 2 googly eyes with glue.

To finish off your festive candy creation cut a piece of wired ribbon 6” long, tie into a bow and glue to straight portion of candy cane.

Looking for more homemade ornament ideas? 

Make sure to check out all of the other Homemade Gift Ideas that I am sharing right now! If you are up for trying more handcrafted ornaments, make sure to check out this Easy Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree ornament that I recently shared. 

This I Spy ornament is also a good one for preschoolers to make, they love to help make these and they LOVE to hunt for the treasures!

This Frosted Pinecone ornament is easy for all ages and looks wonderful as a package topper!

Check out this fun handmade Lifesaver Candy Train! This is a really fun one for craft shows and bake sales, the kids love these!