Transform your holiday season with our 31 DIY Christmas decor ideas! Discover creative projects to spark joy and elevate your festive spirit. Save this article for inspiration!
Why buy things from the store when you can create special moments together?
Making Christmas decorations yourself is just as fun as having the decorations once they are finished.
Making Christmas decorations together can be really special, whether you’re covered in glitter with your friends or working alone while listening to music. These simple ideas can create something wonderful for the holidays. Are you ready to have some fun and make your own decorations?
1. Large peppermint swirl door decoration created with painted cardboard and ribbon.
Think cardboard is only for packing? Not at all! You can make a big, fun peppermint swirl door hanger by cutting a round shape from strong cardboard.
Paint bright red and white swirls on your cardboard circle, then add a shiny coat to make it stand out. Tie on a striped ribbon for hanging, and you’ve got a cheerful decoration that costs less than a fancy drink.
Families really enjoy this project together. Kids have fun painting, and it turns out looking great. Just don’t forget, cardboard can’t get wet, so hang it inside or on a sheltered door.
Who says decorations need to cost a lot or be hard to make? Often, the easiest ideas bring the biggest smiles to everyone.
2. Wall tree with colorful geometric paper ornaments and string lights
Sometimes, less is more. You can make a wall tree using shiny string lights and fun paper shapes. It’s a cool way to decorate, even if your room is small. This idea helps you save space and some money, too.
Snip out fun shapes from colorful paper and stick them on the wall with tape. Then, drape some soft fairy lights around to make it shine.
Want to add some fun? Cut out triangles, circles, and hexagons in bright colors. In less than an hour, you can create a happy decoration that makes your space feel special.
Just a little heads up: the paper decorations might not stick around for long, especially in damp places. But don’t worry—it’s easy to switch them out or fix them up, so your wall tree can look great all season long.
3. Floating paper snowflake cloud for a magical winter hallway effect
Hang groups of white paper snowflakes from thin clear strings at different heights. This way, they look like they’re floating in the air, creating a magical scene for everyone who walks down the hall.
All you need is some tape, string, and a little bit of patience, along with the courage to cut out a few lopsided snowflakes.
This fun project brings winter magic to life without costing much. Your friends will stop and stare at the paper snowflakes floating above them. Just remember, this display doesn’t like strong winds or playful cats.
To get the best look, make sure to hang your snowflakes up high, away from warm air or little hands that might reach for them.
4. Playful garland of interconnected beaded triangle trees
Creating shiny beaded triangle trees can make any place feel happy and bright. All you need are some colorful beads, strong wire, and a little bit of time to spark your creativity.
You can make a bunch of little trees in just one afternoon. When you hang them up like a garland, your plain walls will feel like they’re ready for a festive celebration.
This fun project lets you play with different shapes and colors. You can use big and small beads, and even mix shiny, wooden, and see-through ones to make it more interesting.
One problem is that tiny beads can roll away quickly, and it can be frustrating. To avoid losing them, keep a tray nearby to catch any that might escape.
5. Small rustic wreaths featuring eucalyptus and wooden beads for an organic feel
Mini rustic wreaths are made with eucalyptus and wooden beads, creating a nice, natural feel for the holidays. You can wrap some wire with eucalyptus leaves and then add a few beads to make it look different and special.
These little wreaths are really cute on presents or as decorations. Plus, eucalyptus gives a nice smell that isn’t too strong.
Making these wreaths is easy and cheap. Just get some floral wire, eucalyptus leaves, and a few wooden beads. You slide the beads onto the wire, bend the wire into a circle, and then add the leaves.
Who would have thought something so easy could be better than what you find in stores? Add a touch of love to your decorations without all the sparkle.
6. Santa stone faces painted on smooth river rocks for mantel decor
River rocks painted with Santa faces add a fun touch to your shelf. Each rock is like a little picture, and every Santa is different in its own way.
All you need is some colorful paint, a couple of brushes, and a bit of time. This fun activity is great for everyone, so you can enjoy making holiday decorations together.
Making these decorations is fun, but it can be a bit tricky, too. The rocks might slip out of your hands, and if you’re not careful, the paint can get messy.
Even if they aren’t perfect, that’s what makes them special. Put your funny Santa rocks on the shelf, and see how they make everyone smile.
7. Garland of felt gingerbread men adorned with mini candy cane details
Felt gingerbread men garlands are a fun and easy way to make your space feel festive. All you need is some brown felt, scissors, and thread—no special tools needed at all.
Include little striped candy canes for some fun. Kids can join in, and if things go wrong, that’s okay; wobbly shapes just make everyone giggle.
Stringing this garland across a mantle or window brings joy right away. The felt shapes stay nice for a long time, unlike the plastic ones you buy in stores.
But remember, it’s okay if things get messy. The hot glue can be tricky, and some candy canes might not last until New Year’s. What matters most are the fun times we share and those silly little mistakes.
8. Shimmering 3D star made from popsicle sticks for decorating treetops
Have you ever thought about making a special star for the top of your tree? With some popsicle sticks, glue, and a little bit of glitter, you can create a shining 3D star. It’s fun, simple, and surprisingly strong.
Kids can join the fun, but you might find that the grown-ups want to craft as well.
You can make a shiny star with just a few simple things. Use some sticks and glue to make a cool shape, then add glitter for sparkle. Just remember to let it dry overnight—glitter tends to end up all over, though!
But that’s what makes it exciting; your living room will shine bright for days.
9. Aromatic decorations made from dried orange slices, cinnamon, and star anise
Drying sliced oranges turns them into cheerful decorations that smell wonderful. You can hang them with cinnamon sticks and star anise, making a lovely sight that feels much nicer than anything made of plastic.
The lovely smell stays in the air, bringing a cozy holiday feeling to your home without any fake sprays or candles.
Making these is super easy: just cut the oranges into thin slices, bake them at a low temperature, and let the kids help put everything together. In the end, you have ornaments that don’t cost much and can go back to the earth when you’re done with them.
One thing to remember: if it gets too humid, they can become sticky. It’s best to keep them away from kitchens or bathrooms where there’s a lot of steam.
10. Brown yarn reindeer faces with red felt noses
With some brown yarn and a sprinkle of creativity, you can make a cute reindeer face from a simple pom-pom. All you need are a fork, some scissors, and a little glue to bring it to life.
Snip the yarn and wrap it around your fingers, then tie it up tight and watch it turn into a soft, fluffy ball. Children enjoy helping, and any little mistakes just make it even more special.
Stick on some googly eyes and a red felt nose to make it look like Rudolph. Then, add pipe cleaner antlers, and you’ve created a fun decoration that’s super cheap but brings lots of joy.
These are great for hanging on trees or adding to presents. They’re not meant to be perfect—it’s the funny shapes that make each reindeer special.
11. Dangler elf legs from door corners for a playful entryway vibe
Hanging elf legs from the corners of doors makes everyone laugh and feel happy when they arrive. Your friends will grin even before they knock.
All you need are colorful socks, some fluffy stuff inside, and a little bit of imagination. Why go for boring wreaths when you can hang funny legs that make everyone smile?
Some people might think this idea is a bit silly, but that’s part of why it’s so great. If you’re worried about hurting your doors, just use removable hooks or command strips.
Here’s a fun idea: change up the colors or add some bells for a little extra fun. This easy project will definitely get people talking and takes no time to put together.
12. Festive gift box wall setup adorned with bows as a striking centerpiece
Making a wall of gift boxes with big bows is an easy way to add some holiday happiness. Take some empty boxes, cover them in colorful paper, and stick on big, fun bows.
You can place the boxes in a grid or pile them together to make a fun display. This way, a boring wall becomes a bright and cheerful spot for everyone to enjoy.
It might seem like a big task, but this project needs more tape and patience than you think. If the boxes aren’t stuck down tightly, they can slip or droop, so make sure to use strong tape to keep everything in place.
Using different sizes of boxes makes things look more exciting. You can ask your family to join in; it’s a fun way to get everyone ready for the holidays together.
13. Large ribbon bow adorned with greenery on stair railings or entrance doors
Big ribbon bows with some fake green leaves make stair railings and front doors look really nice. They seem fancy, but you can make them easily with wide ribbon, a little bit of fake pine, and some wire.
Use bright colors to catch the eye, or classic red for a warm feel. Make sure they’re tied on tight—no one wants a bow that escapes!
These decorations really stand out, but too many can make a place feel cramped. It’s better to pick one or two special spots for them. You can also add pinecones or tiny lights to make everything shine.
With just a bit of work, you can create a cheerful look that makes your friends and neighbors smile.
14. Clear Christmas balls filled with faux snow and mini pinecones
Clear Christmas balls filled with fake snow and little pinecones can make your tree feel wintry and special. They might seem fancy, but you can make them easily in just a few minutes.
Simply put a little fake snow and some small pinecones into each ball; it’s easy and fun to do.
This craft is perfect for families or anyone who needs to decorate quickly. The end result looks nice, but it’s not too fancy.
One thing to watch out for is that the pinecones might move around. If you want them to stay in place, just use a little glue. But if they shift a bit, it can actually make it look more interesting.
15. Round “hovering” hoop wreaths adorned with pine, berries, and metallic bells
Round hoop wreaths bring a fun new look to holiday decorations. You just need a metal hoop, some fake pine, a few berries, and shiny bells.
Place the green bits slightly to the side for a cool look, then hang the bells so they swing. It’s really easy to do.
You don’t need to be an expert—just grab some floral wire and scissors. These wreaths look lovely in windows, like they’re magically hanging in the air.
But be careful not to use too many heavy decorations, or your hoop might sag. If you use lighter things, you can make a pretty wreath in less than an hour.
16. Mini Christmas trees made from wrapped yarn cones
Little yarn Christmas trees add a warm, homemade touch to any room. You can make them easily: just wrap green yarn around a paper cone, glue it down, and stick on small buttons or beads as decorations. It’s simple and fun!
Even kids can join in, making this a fun and affordable project for the whole family.
But yarn can be tricky; it might slip or become loose if you hurry. So, slow down and add a little glue here and there to keep everything neat.
Want to make it even cooler? Use different colors or types of yarn. Who says Christmas trees can’t be colorful or shiny?
17. Small mitten garland draped over window frames
Why settle for plain plastic garlands when you can create a fun string of tiny mittens? Just find some leftover felt, some twine, and a needle, and get started!
Snip, stitch, and dangle your little crafts across a window. It’s easy and cheap, and it makes your space feel warm and inviting for everyone who comes to visit.
Sure, making these tiny mittens takes some time, and you have to be careful not to hurry. But the fun makes it worth it. You can use different colors, add cool designs, or let the kids make their own special ones.
Who would have thought that a line of little mittens could bring so much joy on chilly mornings?
18. Mason jar snow globes with bottle brush trees and glitter
Mason jar snow globes with little trees and sparkly glitter make any holiday decoration feel special and friendly.
Take a jar and put a little glue for your tiny tree to stand, then sprinkle some glitter like snow, and close it up tight. Shake it gently, and you’ve got a winter world that’s easy to make!
These snow globes seem like they belong in a fairy tale, but they can get a little messy. The glitter sticks to everything and making sure the jar is sealed tight is really important to stop any spills. But they don’t cost much and are fun for kids and grown-ups too.
If you want to make it special, you can add tiny toys or colorful sand to give your snow globe some flair.
19. DIY paper Christmas village with glowing LED tea lights
Take some cardstock or an empty cereal box, scissors, and glue. You can draw easy house shapes or print out templates. Cut windows from parchment paper for a warm look.
Put a little LED tea light in each house, and watch your paper village shine with a cozy glow.
This project is easy on the wallet and safe for kids because there are no flames. You can use markers or colored paper to make each house special.
One thing to remember is that thin paper can bend easily, so it’s better to use thicker paper if you can. But when you see the warm light shining through those little windows, it’s all worth it.
20. Metallic-painted toilet paper roll snowflakes for affordable wall decor
Why throw away those empty toilet paper rolls when you can make bright snowflakes? Just cut, twist, and glue the pieces together to create your own snowy designs.
A quick spray of shiny paint, like silver or gold, makes them sparkle right away. You can hang them up for a fun and cheap winter decoration.
This project is super cheap and easy to do. Just a small heads up: the paint smells a bit, so it’s best to spray it outside or open a window.
The result? Beautiful wall art that looks fancy without costing a lot. If you want to make it more exciting, use different sizes or group snowflakes together for a fun effect.
21. Twine-wrapped cone trees with gold leaf for a modern rustic display
Twine-wrapped cone trees add a cool, cozy touch to your holiday decorations. You just take some cardboard cones, wrap them carefully with jute twine, and then add a little gold leaf for some sparkle.
The mix of the rough twine and shiny gold is something everyone can love. It’s easy to make, doesn’t cost much, and really stands out.
But using gold leaf can be tricky. If you use too much, your trees can look too shiny and silly. If you use too little, you can’t even see it. Just put glue on a small part and gently press the gold leaf on it.
Looking for something to talk about? Put these trees together on a shelf and add some fairy lights. Your friends will wonder if you got them from a fancy store.
22. Shadow box display with vintage balls and velvet ribbon embellishment
Why have a boring display when you can make a special shadow box? Use old glass ornaments in bright reds, cool blues, or shiny silver to make it fun.
Tie on some soft velvet ribbon to add a different feel. This project turns happy holiday memories into something beautiful for your wall, making everyone smile and remember good times when they see it.
Making a display can be tricky sometimes. Vintage ornaments are delicate, so we have to be very careful with them. To keep each piece safe, use clear fishing line or glue dots before putting the shadow box together.
Change the ribbons with each season or add a special tag in your own handwriting. This makes it personal and festive, standing out more than store-bought decorations.
23. Bell-shaped decorations made from decorated plastic cups and jingle bells
Why spend money on fancy ornaments when you can make cute bell-shaped decorations from plastic cups? Just take some cups, paint them in fun colors, and put a jingle bell through the bottom. It’s easy and fun!
Kids really enjoy making these decorations. The soft sound of the bells makes the tree feel extra special.
One thing to think about is that plastic cups aren’t great for the planet. You can use cups that break down naturally or save ones from parties. Hang your pretty bells on door handles or branches to show them off.
You don’t need fancy things to make special decorations. All it takes is a bit of creativity and some hard work.
Sometimes, you can make the best Christmas decorations with things like pinecones. Find some, stick on little white balls for heads, and add tiny scarves made of felt.
Buttons can turn into funny hats, and each snowman will be different. Kids enjoy putting them together, and you don’t have to buy expensive decorations.
These pinecone snowmen bring a fun, cozy feel to your home. You can make them special by using old bits of fabric for scarves or different buttons for their hats.
Sure, hot glue can be a bit sticky, but that’s what makes it fun, and cleaning up is worth it for all the joy of the holidays.
25. Bold yarn pom-pom garland for the mantel or tree
Fluffy yarn pom-pom garlands make your mantel or tree look extra cozy. You just need some thick yarn, scissors, and a little patience to create them.
Wrap the yarn around your fingers, tie it in the center, cut the loops, and then fluff it up. When you put them on a string, you get a happy decoration for the holidays, and you don’t need to be an expert to do it.
This project is quick and cheap, perfect for anyone who needs to decorate in a hurry. You can choose whatever colors you like or even make different sizes to match your theme. The hardest part? Cleaning up all the little bits of yarn that fall everywhere while you create.
But when you make pom-poms at home, they feel warmer and friendlier than the ones you buy in a store.
26. Bohemian-style wooden bead and tassel ornaments for trees in vibrant hues
Wooden bead and tassel ornaments for the tree make your holiday decorations feel relaxed and fun. Their natural colors and silly shapes change things up from the regular red and green we always see.
Take wooden beads and some soft yarn, then use a needle to thread them together. When you’re done, you’ll have pretty ornaments that look fancy but didn’t cost much at all.
These decorations make your tree feel cozy and interesting. You can choose soft colors or bright ones, depending on how you feel. Children can easily tie knots, turning it into a fun family project.
But be careful: those beads can be a danger for little ones, so make sure to keep them up high where tiny hands can’t reach!
27. Wine glass snowmen with painted faces and mini scarves
Have you ever thought about making cute snowmen from old wine glasses? You can paint happy faces on the round part, give them some rosy cheeks, and then put a little scarf around the stem.
It’s easy and doesn’t cost much, plus you get to use things you already own. Your table will feel warm and a little magical right away.
This craft is fun, but glass can be tricky. Use acrylic paint and wait for each layer to dry. Don’t worry if your circles or lines are not perfect; a silly smile can make it special.
Also, kids can help by tying the scarves, turning it into a fun time for everyone in the family.
Have you ever thought about making a Christmas tree without all the usual mess? Just find some green buttons in different colors and sizes, some glue, and a little photo frame. It’s a fun way to be creative!
Arrange the buttons to look like a tree, putting the big ones at the bottom. Add a brown button for the trunk and place a star on top to finish it off.
This craft is cheap but full of charm. Kids enjoy finding and stacking the buttons, while grown-ups love the unique touch it adds to the holiday spirit.
The only trick is that hot glue can be a bit messy, so make sure a grown-up helps out. You can hang your special tree on a wall or give it to someone. Each tree will look different, just like you!
Picture making heart ornaments from red felt and shiny beads. It’s easy and fun! The soft felt and bright beads make your tree feel cozy and special.
Even if you’re new to sewing, you can make these heart ornaments easily. Just cut out two hearts from the felt, stitch them together, and then add some shiny beads to make them sparkle.
Kids enjoy getting involved, making it a warm winter activity for families. Hanging these ornaments brings a special, handmade feel to your home. Just remember, it’s important to stitch neatly; any mistakes will be easy to see on the felt.
Don’t worry about making it perfect; little mistakes add character to each heart. After all, who wouldn’t love a special ornament made with love?
30. Nature-inspired centerpiece with pine branches, candles, and cranberries
Why buy decorations when you can use things from your own yard? Just gather some pine branches, a few white candles, and toss in some cranberries. You can make a pretty and special centerpiece for your table with these easy items.
The smell of fresh pine can make your friends want to stay at the table for a while longer.
Collect some pine branches and place them around some candles. Add a few cranberries for a bright touch. It’ll make a cozy look for your table.
You don’t need fancy things or special skills, just your imagination and a good way to put things together. It’s cheap and good for the earth, but be careful of sticky sap and keep candles away from the little pine needles.
31. Cinnamon stick and twine starburst decoration
Cinnamon sticks tied with twine create a fun and simple decoration. It looks nice and adds a warm touch to any space.
Arrange five or six sticks to form a star shape, and tie them together at the points with twine. It’s easy, and the lovely smell will make everything feel cozy and festive, without any artificial scents needed.
This craft is easy and quick, which is great if you’re not waiting around. Just be careful because cinnamon sticks can break easily if you’re not gentle.
Hang your starburst in a window or over the table. People will smell the nice, warm scent and might even ask how you made it.
Final Thoughts
Are you excited? With these 31 fun DIY Christmas decorations, you can make your home shine and have a great time without spending too much money.
Who would have thought that things like cardboard, felt, or even toilet paper rolls could become beautiful decorations if you just use your imagination a little?
Are you ready to get creative? Choose a couple of fun ideas to make this week. You can ask your friends or family to join you for a nice night of crafting together.
Don’t forget, the best decorations are made when you’re laughing, getting sticky with glue, and telling stories with your friends and family as you create.
