Get festive without breaking the bank! Discover 25 must-try upcycled Christmas crafts that are budget-friendly and eco-chic. Transform your holiday decor—save this article for creative inspiration!
It’s fun to be creative, save money, and help the Earth all at the same time.
Have you ever seen a soup can and thought it could be a pretty lantern? Or looked at an old sweater and imagined a gnome with a fuzzy beard? These fun projects show that with just a bit of creativity and some leftover materials, anyone can make their home shine.
1. Small Christmas trees crafted from rolled book pages and twine decorations
Have you ever made little Christmas trees from old pages of a book? It’s easier than you might imagine. Just roll the pages into cone shapes, glue them together, and group them to create a cheerful display.
These trees add a special feel to your room and help old books feel important again.
Twine garlands are a fun way to make your home feel cozy without much work. Just tie or braid some twine, add bits of fabric or paper, and hang it across your mantel for a cheerful look.
These garlands have a nice, homemade look that makes them special, even if they get a little messy sometimes. That just adds to their charm!
Bottle cap snowmen ornaments turn everyday trash into something special. Gather some metal caps, paint them white, and stack them in a row. Then, make happy faces with a marker to bring them to life.
Old buttons can turn into cute little scarves. It’s a fun way to make something special for the holidays and help the Earth at the same time.
This craft is great for kids, and even adults might find it fun. The only tricky part? You need some bottle caps and a bit of patience for the tiny painting.
The result, a playful and Earth-friendly decoration, is totally worth the work. Go ahead and give it a try; it will bring joy to everyone!
3. Lanterns made from soup cans featuring star-shaped cutouts and tea lights inside
Soup cans often get tossed in the recycling bin, but think about making something new with them! All you need is a clean can, a star-shaped stencil, and a hammer with a nail.
Make some stars by tapping holes in the can, then drop in a little tea light. Just like that, you have a magical lantern to brighten your windowsill!
These lanterns glow with a special light, creating lovely shapes on cold winter nights. Just be careful, because the edges can be sharp. We want the holiday fun to last, not end with a trip to the doctor!
It’s an easy craft that’s great for families or anyone who wants to make things shine without spending a lot of money.
4. Sweater sleeve gnome dolls with faux fur beards and woolen hats
Got old sweaters lying around? Why not make gnome dolls from them? Just cut the sleeves, fill them up, and shape them. Then, stick on a fluffy beard and finish with a cozy hat.
You don’t need to be a sewing expert—just grab some glue, scissors, and a bit of imagination. These fun decorations can get people talking and help keep old clothes from being wasted.
Getting faux fur can be hard and sometimes costs more than you expect. But when you finally make your gnome doll, it turns out to be a cheerful, friendly decoration that’s good for the planet.
Kids adore their funny noses, and grown-ups enjoy the memories they bring back. How about having everyone in the family create their own?
Pinecones are great for making tiny Christmas trees, especially when you add fun buttons and beads. You can find pinecones in your yard, wash them quickly, and then let your imagination shine.
Every tree becomes unique, showing off the funny mix of special buttons you gather.
The coolest thing about this project is that it helps you save money and reuse things. But it can be hard to find really amazing old buttons. You might ask your family or look at thrift stores for hidden treasures in sewing kits.
Let the kids join in. They can choose colors and help stick things together. Suddenly, decorating for the holidays becomes something special, good for the planet, and enjoyable.
6. Christmas tree wall decor made from wooden pallets with string lights
Old wooden pallets can be turned into lovely Christmas tree art for your wall.
You can use some nails and your creativity to make a tree shape out of wooden slats. Then, you can wrap string lights around it for a warm glow. It’s a fun way to decorate that’s good for the Earth and looks nice, too.
Why spend money on plastic when old wood has its own story to tell?
But remember, pallet wood can be a bit rough and sharp. You’ll need to smooth it out by sanding. Also, watch out! Some pallets have chemicals on them, so choose the ones with the heat stamp that says “HT” to be safe.
Once you’re ready, you’ll have a pretty backdrop that everyone will love talking about. This project mixes fun, care for the planet, and a little bit of your own hard work.
7. Wreaths made from mason jar lids adorned with plaid fabric and small bells
Take some old mason jar lids, find some bits of plaid fabric you don’t need anymore, and gather a few little bells. Wrap the fabric tightly around each lid and tie a knot to keep it in place.
Tie the little bells on with some string or wire. Just like that, what used to be old stuff in your kitchen turns into a fun and cheerful wreath for your door.
These wreaths are easy to make and good for the Earth, but they take a little time to put together. If you want to make them special, add some buttons, ribbons, or pinecones. It’s even more fun if you let the kids join in.
This fun project shows that you don’t need a lot of money or fancy things to make something special for the holidays. All it takes is a little imagination and some happy sounds.
Old Christmas cards can stack up quickly, but throwing them away seems wrong. Instead, cut them into cool shapes, make a hole, and add some shiny gold ribbon to turn them into pretty gift tags.
Use a bold marker to write your favorite words on the tags. Just like that, you’ve made something special that didn’t cost a thing and helped save paper, too.
The designs might not always go with your wrapping paper, but that’s what makes them special. Each tag becomes a tiny treasure. Want to make it fancy? Use a shiny pen to write names or fun messages.
Friends see that you tried, and you skip the boring tags from the shop each year.
9. Reindeer made from toilet paper rolls with twig antlers and red pom-pom noses
Got some empty toilet paper rolls? You can make reindeer with them! Just add some twigs for antlers and a red pom-pom for the nose. Kids enjoy collecting twigs and sticking everything together.
The reindeer you made are fun and colorful, just right for sitting on windowsills or hanging on the tree. It’s amazing how something you thought was trash can make everyone happy during the holidays!
This craft is fun and good for the Earth, but hot glue can be hard to use for kids, so make sure an adult helps. If you don’t have pom-poms, red buttons or rolled-up paper work too. Remember, little mistakes make it even more special!
Create a fun line where everyone tries to make the silliest reindeer face! It’s like a friendly contest that makes everyone laugh and enjoy making their crafts together.
10. Tin can snowman family centerpiece with painted carrot noses
Old tin cans can be the coolest decoration for your holiday table when you turn them into a snowman family. Find cans of different sizes, peel off the labels, and paint them all white.
Stack the cans to create snowman bodies and add little orange carrot noses with paint. It’s a great way for everyone to join in and make a fun family tradition.
You can use old things that might get thrown away to make something new and fun. It saves money and helps the Earth, too. Here’s a little idea: use fabric scraps to make cute scarves and hats by gluing them on with hot glue.
But be careful with the cans; they can be pointy. In the end, you’ll have lovely decorations that make people smile and inspire new ideas.
11. Vintage sweater mittens and stockings adorned with cheerful felt decorations
Why throw away that old sweater when you can turn it into a warm mitten? Just take some scissors and cut out mitten shapes, then sew them together. You can even decorate them with felt stars, snowflakes, or funny reindeer.
Now you have a special decoration for the holidays, and you didn’t spend much money or create more trash.
These mitten stockings are fun to make your own. Kids can help by sticking on buttons or sparkly things to make them shine. Just be careful—sweater fabric might come apart, so it’s good to sew the edges a bit.
But the magic is worth it. Each stocking has its own tale, changing old clothes into new holiday memories for everyone to enjoy.
12. Rustic twine-bowed stars made from wine corks for Christmas
Wine cork Christmas stars are a fun way to be creative and help the planet. You can collect old corks, stick them together to make star shapes, and add a little twine bow on top for a special touch.
These decorations are pretty on trees or presents. Who would have thought that the wine we enjoyed last summer could shine brightly in our holiday decorations now?
When you’re crafting these stars, remember that the corks can be different sizes. Some might need a little cutting or more glue to stay really strong. But figuring this out is all part of the fun!
Every star turns out a bit unique, which is kind of special. Why choose something made in a factory when something made by your hands can tell a story?
13. Vintage light bulb ornaments dipped in metallic paint and glitter
Old light bulbs gathering dust? Let’s turn them into shiny Christmas decorations! Just paint each bulb with shiny paint and, while it’s still wet, sprinkle some glitter on top.
The result is beautiful decorations for the tree that don’t cost much at all. It’s a smart way to make something special and help the planet too.
These bulbs shine brightly, but be careful, as glass can break easily. Use strong glue to add a ribbon, and let them dry completely before you hang them up.
If you’re afraid they might break, you can show them off in bowls or wreaths instead. This idea helps you decorate for the holidays without spending much money and is good for the Earth too. Plus, it has a nice old-fashioned touch.
14. Fabric pocket advent calendar featuring stitched numbers and sweet surprises
Do you have old jeans just sitting in your closet? You can make them useful again by cutting out the pockets to create a fun advent calendar. Sew numbers on each pocket and then hang them all together.
Each pocket can hold a little surprise, like a candy or a kind note, making each day special.
This project is a great way to use old things and helps keep the Earth clean. You can add pretty designs if you want, but if you’re in a hurry, using fabric paint is just as good.
Some pockets might be bigger or smaller, and that makes each one special. Who knew old jeans could bring so much joy during the holidays?
15. Glimmering CD shard snowflake decorations with ribbon attachments
Got old CDs sitting around? You can turn them into shiny snowflake ornaments. Just break the discs into little bits, stick them onto cardboard snowflakes, and watch how the light makes them sparkle.
Tie a bright ribbon on top so you can hang it up. What you end up with? A sparkling decoration made from something that might have been thrown away.
These ornaments don’t just recycle old CDs; they also let your imagination soar. Kids can pick the colors of the ribbons and arrange the sparkly pieces however they like.
Add a bright ribbon to the top so you can hang it up. What do you have now? A shiny decoration made from something that could have been thrown away. These ornaments are not just about reusing old CDs; they let your imagination take flight. Kids can choose the ribbon colors and arrange the sparkly bits however they like.
A little advice: wear gloves when you break the CDs to keep your hands safe. These ornaments won’t stay perfect forever, but they make any tree look cheerful and get people talking.
16. Holiday garland using felted wool sweater scraps and wooden beads
Old wool sweaters that sit forgotten in your closet can turn into fun garlands with just a bit of imagination.
Take your old, colorful sweaters and cut them into circles or stars. Then, string them on a piece of twine, adding wooden beads in between for a special touch.
This project helps us use less stuff, makes our space cozier, and you don’t need to be an expert to do it.
It’s okay if your shapes aren’t perfect. They make your garland unique. You can use different sizes of beads to add more fun. If you don’t have enough sweaters, you can find many at thrift stores.
The only real downside is that wool can sometimes leave little bits behind, but using a lint roller will fix that. Your mantel will look so bright and happy!
17. Magazine page tree sculpture featuring a gold star decoration on top
Have you ever thought about making tree shapes from old magazine pages? It’s a fun way to take something that might just get thrown away and turn it into something special.
Put the folded pages in a pile, glue them so they stick together, and you have a fun and colorful decoration. Add a gold paper star on top for a touch of holiday magic.
This project is a way to save money and let your imagination shine. When you’re done, the sculpture might not look perfect—some pages could rip or the colors might not match. But that’s what makes it special.
Invite your friends over and share some old magazines. Together, you can turn them into something special that you can talk about. It feels good to be creative and help the planet instead of buying more plastic stuff, doesn’t it?
18. Silver glitter-dusted wooden snowflake ornaments made from clothespins
You can turn old wooden clothespins into beautiful snowflake ornaments with some creativity and a touch of silver glitter. Just take them apart, arrange them in snowflake shapes, and add a bit of sparkle.
It’s smart, helps the Earth, and makes your tree shine with special decorations you made yourself, so you don’t need to buy fancy ones.
But making these ornaments can be a bit messy with glue and glitter everywhere. Put down some old newspaper and keep a damp cloth nearby. It’s a great activity to do with kids, but make sure to watch them closely so nothing gets too sticky.
Who would have thought that a simple clothespin could be the star of your tree?
19. Yarn-wrapped cardboard trees with pearl bead garlands
Take some old cardboard and cut it into tree shapes. Then, wrap them with any leftover yarn you have. It’s a fun and easy way to make your holiday decorations feel warm and special.
Using different types of yarn makes the trees feel exciting, and you can pick bright colors or calm ones to fit your style. These little trees can quickly make any shelf, mantel, or desk look cheerful.
Stringing pearl beads onto a thin wire or thread makes a lovely garland for your yarn-covered trees. This little addition is not only cute but also helps cover any messy spots from the wrapping.
Kids enjoy being involved, and you get to decide how sparkly it is. Making crafts from old things saves money and helps the Earth, but it takes some patience and careful hands.
20. Repurposed tin lid photo decorations with plaid ribbon hangers
Old tin lids can turn into lovely photo ornaments with a little imagination. Just put a favorite picture inside the lid and wrap it with some cheerful plaid ribbon for a cozy, fun touch.
Hang them on your tree using the ribbon, and just like that, what once was trash now shares a story about your family.
These ornaments are cheap and good for the planet. You can make something special without using plastic. Just be careful, though—tin can be sharp, so you should smooth the edges to keep your fingers safe.
If you want to impress your guests, try using black-and-white photos. They add a special kind of magic and show that we can enjoy the holidays while being kind to the Earth.
21. Small pallet nativity display featuring driftwood and burlap accents
Have you ever thought about using pieces of old pallets to create a nativity scene? Driftwood figures give it a natural look, and using bits of burlap makes it feel cozy and special.
This project doesn’t cost much and uses things you already have at home. It also gets everyone talking about how to be kind to the planet during the holidays.
Some people might think it looks a little messy, but that’s what makes it special. Every piece has its own story, with little bumps or bits of old paint adding character.
If you’re looking for something really shiny and perfect, this isn’t it. But if you like things that have a story, you should definitely try it.
Old sweaters can turn into special Christmas stockings. Just cut the sleeves, sew up the ends, and you’ve got a warm stocking. You can also add lace and old buttons to make it unique.
Who would have thought that an old, not-so-cool sweater could turn into something nice for your home? It’s easy to do, doesn’t cost much, and makes it special because you made it.
Choose sweaters with thick sleeves that won’t fall apart. It’s okay if things look a bit different; that makes it special. Mixing cozy fabrics with pretty lace and buttons that don’t match gives your stocking a unique personality.
This is more than just making something; it’s about using old things in a fun way and remembering nice times.
23. Bells made from egg cartons linked with red and green yarn
Who would have thought that an old egg carton could become happy holiday bells? Just cut out each cup, give them a bright coat of paint, and make a little hole for some yarn to hang them up.
String the red and green yarn together, leaving little gaps like when you make a popcorn chain for the tree. It’s a smart way to save money and help the Earth too.
These bells made from old stuff are special because they’re not perfect. It’s a fun project for the whole family, and kids can join in too. There’s no need to be super neat; the funny colors and messy strings make them unique and full of charm.
Drape them on the tree or across a window to bring a cheerful, Earth-friendly touch to your holiday.
24. Vintage-style star garland made from sheet music paper
You can turn old sheet music into beautiful paper stars that remind us of happy times. Just cut and fold the paper, then hang the stars together to make a pretty decoration above the fireplace or window.
The old music sheets have a special look that makes them nice, and using them again helps the Earth too. It’s a great idea!
But when you work with old paper, you have to be careful. Some sheets can rip easily when you fold them. You might want to put something strong behind them or try making copies first to practice.
This project lets old music shine again, bringing back good memories and stories every time you see it.
25. Christmas wreath made from an old flannel shirt, adorned with pinecones and plaid ribbons.
Old flannel shirts sitting in your closet could be perfect for holiday decorations.
Take bits of an old shirt and wrap them around a round wire frame. Then, add pinecones to make it look special and cozy.
Tie on some fun plaid bows, and you have a special decoration that doesn’t cost much at all.
This wreath is friendly to your pocket and good for the planet too.
Why buy something new when you can use what you already have? If you don’t have plaid bows, you can make some from old fabric or ribbon you find at home.
The only problem is you might want to create one for every door in your house.
Final Thoughts
Upcycled Christmas crafts turn old things into something new and exciting, making your holiday decorations feel extra special.
Why spend your money when you can turn old things into treasures? Think about how your decorations will bring joy and memories next year.
This season, why not make something fun? You could try making snowmen from bottle caps or stockings from old sweater sleeves. Show your family what you’ve made, spark their creativity, and do something good for the Earth—all it takes is some glue and a bit of imagination.
Get ready to celebrate the holidays in a fun and Earth-friendly way!
