One of my favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit is mindlessly scrolling through holiday decor inspo on Pinterest and Instagram. It’s the digital-age version of driving around to admire Christmas lights (don’t worry, I still love doing that), making it the perfect festive night-in activity. Unfortunately, there is one downside to this hobby: It inevitably results in a never-ending wishlist of expensive holiday decor items. As much as I would love to click purchase on everything I need to recreate my Pinterest board IRL, the budget isn’t budgeting, and it’s just not in the cards this year. Thankfully, I’ve done plenty of research on how to get the look for less, and the secret is rolling up your sleeves and getting crafty with some DIY holiday decorations.
If you want your home to feel straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog without the price tag, here are 16 DIY holiday decorations you can make on a budget.
1. Make a paper chain garland
Paper chain garland is a classic holiday craft for a reason. Not only will it bring a touch of nostalgic charm to your holiday decor, but it’s also super fun and easy to DIY. Call up your girls, grab some festive paper (cardstock or scrapbook paper is best for a more structured look) along with some scissors and a bottle of trusty glue, and you have the perfect holiday craft night idea!
2. Decoupage ornaments
I love the vintage look of decoupage ornaments, but they usually don’t come cheap. This set from Pottery Barn, for example, costs nearly $50 for just eight ornaments. To make some yourself for cheap, purchase clear ornaments at the dollar store or on Amazon. You’ll also need some holiday-themed paper napkins, Mod Podge, and bows for that Ralph Lauren Christmas effect.
3. Paint Christmas village houses
Once upon a time, I had my heart set on these adorable holiday village pieces from Anthropologie. But amid all the Black Friday/Cyber Monday mayhem, the product sold out before I could snag one. I was disappointed until I stumbled upon this holiday craft idea, which looks almost identical and way more fun. All you need is some paint, a wooden village house from the craft store, and maybe a little glitter to dress up your dream holiday house. If your local craft store is already sold out of Christmas village houses, a birdhouse can be a handy alternative.
4. Make a Christmas tree garland out of string
Garland is one of those holiday decorations that works anywhere: on your tree, fireplace, doorways, windows, or even a mirror. For an adorable DIY option, try stringing together this mini Christmas tree garland. To make, create little bundles of green twine and glue them together in stacks of three. Decorate your trees with little pom poms and wooden stars, then string them onto a long strand of twine to bring your garland to life.
5. Fold together paper stars
If you already have the materials to make a paper chain garland, using leftover paper to make stars is a fun way to tie your holiday decor together. This DIY idea also works great as its own holiday showstopper! Grab some festive scrapbook paper or cardstock, cut into squares, and follow this tutorial for how to fold and glue your paper together to form a perfect star shape. Stick with one paper design for the whole star, or mix and match different patterns and colors for a fun patchwork look.
6. DIY holiday wine charms
This holiday-themed girls’ night craft pairs perfectly with a cheese holiday movie, festive PJs, and a bottle of wine. These wine charms provide an easy way to tell each person’s glass apart, and making them is a fun activity in itself. Simply order some charms and metal rings on Amazon, then have fun personalizing them with your own combo of festive charms.
7. DIY a velvet bow garland
Bows have been everywhere this year and are particularly fitting around the holidays. While I love the Lulu and Georgia garland that inspired this DIY, it’s completely sold out. Instead of tracking down a dupe, whip up a nearly identical one at home. All you need is some velvet ribbon, bow wire, a smaller ribbon for the garland, and some folding skills. The final result is a chic, timeless piece that will elevate anywhere you put it.
8. Make a gingerbread village out of cardboard
Repurpose the insane amount of Amazon packages being delivered to your door this month as an adorable gingerbread village. For this DIY holiday decoration, just flatten out those cardboard boxes and draw on a village scene using white paint. If you don’t have the steadiest hand, sketch an outline with pencil first before filling in with paint, then use a precision craft knife to cut out holes for windows and doors.
9. Create paper accordion ornaments
These easy DIY ornaments are so similar to the paper ornaments from West Elm but are much cheaper than paying $20 for only four ornaments. Cut out lots of paper circles, fold them all in half, attach them with glue, and add a string for hanging. For an extra touch, color the edges of the ornament with a glitter marker to add some definition and sparkle.
10. Wrap mini trees in velvet
If you need a little something to spice up your mantel, a bookshelf, or even your holiday tablescape, these DIY minimalist Christmas trees are just the thing. Pick out some velvet ribbon that matches your other decor, or try using jute rope for a more coastal grandma-esque look. Then take an inexpensive cardboard or styrofoam cone (you can find these at most craft stores) and add a bit of hot glue to the tip. Secure the ribbon with the glue, then wrap it around the cone. It’s the easiest DIY you’ll ever try, and it’s totally budget-friendly.
11. Paint holiday taper candles
If you’ve been eyeing the holiday taper candles at different retailers, this is your sign to make your own at home. Whether you follow TikTok’s lead and do this at a girl’s night or just try it solo, this holiday DIY will leave you with the cutest candles to display in your home. Paint a little snowman face, cover it in tiny Christmas trees, or add some holiday bows—the options are endless. It’s a fabulous touch of personality and cheer that will make your home feel more festive this season.
12. DIY a gingerbread garland
This project is inspired by a charming Anthropologie gingerbread garland that’s no longer available. It may look complicated, but even beginner DIYers can recreate it in just a few steps. Start by cutting out felt gingerbread men, add some details using embroidery thread and felt gumdrop buttons, and finally, string them up on twine. Everyone will ask where you bought it, and you can have the satisfaction of casually answering, “Oh, I made it.”
13. DIY an espresso martini ornament
If your go-to drink is an espresso martini, a mini ornament version for your tree is a must. I have seen many versions across different retailers this year, but they’re way more than I want to spend on one ornament. I will definitely attempt this DIY to give my tree the cocktail it deserves. The best part? You can customize the craft to resemble your favorite drink: Cosmo, margarita, spritz—whatever you want.
14. Use a pool noodle for your centerpiece
I doubt you ever thought you would use a pool noodle in your holiday decor, but this hack is genius. It creates a beautiful seasonal centerpiece to display on your holiday dinner table. Start by zip-tying two pool noodles together with some taper candle holders in the middle. Then stick stems of faux greenery and flowers in the noodles to cover them completely. Finish it off with your taper candles, and you’re done!
15. Print your own holiday art
When decorating for the holidays, I don’t usually think to incorporate seasonal art, but after seeing this video, I’m never skipping it again. You can use frames you already have in your house or find some at the thrift store and repurpose almost anything as a unique piece of holiday decor. In this TikTok, she used a holiday napkin, some plaid scrapbooking paper, and a holiday gift tag to make art that looks straight out of the Studio McGee holiday line. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get creative and repurpose things you already have lying around your house.
16. Turn fresh greenery into a wreath
IMO, your holiday decor isn’t complete until you have a beautiful wreath adorning your front door. While adding a premade one to your cart might be quick, it’s also more expensive. For this DIY, grab some fresh evergreens and winter berries at your local Trader Joe’s and form small bundles of greenery, fastening them to the wreath with floral wire. Repeat this until the whole wreath is covered. Top it off with a bow, and you’re left with a one-of-a-kind, fresh wreath for the season.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
