The holidays are a time to go all out with decorations, but buying everything you need can get pricey fast. Fortunately, you can create festive, beautiful decorations on a budget with a little creativity. Here are some simple and affordable DIY ideas that will bring holiday cheer to your home without breaking the bank!
1. Ribbon-Wrapped Throw Pillows
You don’t need to buy new holiday-themed pillows to make your living space festive. Instead, head to a craft store and grab a spool of holiday ribbon in classic patterns like plaid, metallics, or with fun holiday prints. Tie a bow or crisscross the ribbon around your existing throw pillows, just like wrapping a gift. This little touch transforms your couch or bed into a festive focal point, adding instant holiday charm without the need for expensive new decor.
Tip: Choose wired ribbon for a sturdier, more structured bow that holds its shape. You can mix and match different ribbons to create variety across your pillows.
2. Pinecone Hanging Ornaments
Nature-inspired decorations bring a rustic, cozy feel to holiday decor. Collect some pinecones (or buy them at a craft store) and use leftover ribbon to make charming hanging ornaments. Hot glue a loop of ribbon to the top of each pinecone, and hang them on your cabinet knobs, door handles, or even from hooks along the wall. You can also place them on your Christmas tree for a natural touch. The great thing about this idea is that pinecones are either free or incredibly cheap, making it a perfect budget-friendly option.
Tip: Spray paint your pinecones with metallic colors like gold or silver to add extra sparkle, or coat them with a little glitter for a more festive look.
3. Cookie Cutter Messages
Turn your kitchen tools into whimsical holiday decor! You can find inexpensive cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. Prop them up on your bookshelf, fireplace mantle, or windowsill to spell out holiday messages like “Joy,” “Noel,” or “Merry.” The fun part is, this decoration can stay in place without needing any glue or permanent changes, and you can easily put the cookie cutters back in the kitchen once the holidays are over.
Tip: Add a small string of fairy lights around the cookie cutters for an extra twinkle!
4. DIY Mistletoe Ball
Mistletoe is a classic symbol of holiday romance, and you can easily make your own mistletoe ball to hang in doorways. Take a Styrofoam ball (available at most craft stores) and wrap it in festive fabric or ribbon. Secure it with pins or glue. Then, tie a pretty ribbon around the top, and add small sprigs of greenery like holly or faux mistletoe. Hang it in a spot where friends and family can pass under for that holiday smooch!
Tip: Add tiny faux berries or use real mistletoe for a more traditional look. You can also make smaller versions to hang around the house for a cohesive decorative theme.
5. Glittery Toy Animals
Holiday tablescapes can get expensive, but a little DIY creativity goes a long way. Head to a craft store or dollar store and pick up some small plastic toy animals like reindeer, bears, or foxes. Paint them with a layer of glue and coat them in glitter. Once dry, these glittery animals make charming, sparkling additions to your table centerpiece or mantel. Their shine adds a magical touch to your holiday decor.
Tip: Use gold or silver glitter for a sophisticated look, or mix colors like red and green for a more playful holiday theme.
6. Jingle Bell Vase Fillers
Bulk jingle bells are inexpensive and incredibly versatile for holiday decorating. Simply pour a collection of jingle bells into clear vases, mason jars, or bowls, and use them as vase fillers for centerpieces. Add some candles, fresh greenery, or ornaments to the arrangement to make it even more festive. These decorations are simple but effective at creating a holiday vibe.
Tip: Use vases of different sizes for variety, and add battery-operated string lights inside the jar for extra sparkle.
7. Pine Tree Branch Centerpieces
Few things bring more holiday spirit than the scent of fresh pine. Pine branches are often free if you have access to trees, or you can buy them cheaply at hardware stores or tree lots. Gather small branches and place them in decorative jars, vases, or any containers you already have at home. For an extra festive touch, tie a ribbon around the containers or add small ornaments to the branches. This simple decoration adds both visual appeal and a fresh holiday scent to your home.
Tip: Mix pine branches with holly, eucalyptus, or even faux berries for a fuller, more colorful arrangement.
8. Melted Snowman Display
Get a little creative and playful with this melted snowman idea. If you have a glass beverage dispenser, fill it with water and label it “melted snowman.” Add a felt hat and a carrot (you can simply set the carrot next to the jar or on top) to bring the idea to life. This cute and quirky decoration is sure to be a hit with family, especially kids. It’s a humorous twist that adds personality to your holiday decor.
Tip: You can make a small “snowman” face on the dispenser using sticky felt for the eyes and buttons for the mouth.
Final Thoughts
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. With these simple and budget-friendly DIY ideas, you can bring warmth, charm, and creativity into your home without spending much. By using natural elements like pinecones and branches, affordable materials like ribbons and glitter, and even repurposing household items, you can achieve a festive look for just a few dollars. Not only are these projects fun and easy to do, but they’ll also make your home feel uniquely yours during the holiday season.
Happy decorating!