Top 30+ DIY Christmas decorations made with everyday objects

30 DIY Christmas decorations made from everyday objects

Christmas is always an expensive time of year, between the presents, the food, and even the decorations. Instead of buying another round of wreaths and figurines this year, why not make your own? These decorations can be made on the cheap, with little time and effort. 

Click and check out these 30 easy DIY Christmas decorations!

Clothespins

This works best with wooden clothespins, but can also be done with plastic. Take off the metal portion so you have the two separate pieces of the pin, then glue them back-to-back. Do this six times, then glue them around a center object to create a snowflake. Add a ribbon so you can hang it around the house, or on the tree. Painting it is optional.

Wool blankets

If you have any tattered wool blankets lying around, give them new life by turning them into Christmas stockings to hang by the fire! Minimal sewing is required. Bonus points if your blankets are in holiday colors.

Paint chips

Paint chips are easy to get your hands on, so pick up some green ones to cut into trees, or reds to make into little ornaments. Both of these can be used on the tree, or you can make them into festive (and free) gift tags for all of your Christmas shopping.

Bows

Gift bows are pretty cheap, and we often have a lot left over, so put them to good use by making a gift-themed wreath! Cut out a backing to stick them on to, and go crazy! It’s like wrapping up your home for the holidays.

Wine corks

Wine corks can be used in all sorts of Christmas decorations. Glue a bunch together to create a wreath, or put them into a pyramid to create a mini Christmas tree! Either way, it seems like a pretty good excuse to drink wine over the holidays.

Candy canes

Did you buy a few too many boxes of Christmas candy? If you or your kids are maxed out on sugar, put it to some other uses. Candy canes can serve as a festive vase for the holidays. Glue them together in a circular formation (hooks out), let them dry, then tie it with a ribbon. Add some poinsettias for even more Christmas flair.

Deck of cards

To create a unique type of decoration, use a deck of cards to create a wreath. Glue them in a circle and use poker chips or other game pieces to decorate it. Hang it in a games room or entertainment area!

Pinecones

Pinecones can often be found right outside your door! Paint them some festive colors and put them in a glass vase to create a nature-inspired centerpiece, or attach some bells and ribbon to use them as ornaments. You can even make them scented to create some good looking potpourri!

Sheet music

Not only a perfect Christmas decoration, but also a great gift idea! Cut strips of sheet music out in various widths, and create fringe on one side. Then create a cone shape with the fringe side down. Stack them on top of one another to create a tree shape! You can use Christmas music, or if you’re giving a gift, choose a piece of music that is meaningful to you and the other person.

Cookie cutters

Once you’re done with your Christmas cookie baking, add festive wrapping paper or cardstock to the back of your cookie cutters, and hang them on the tree! Maybe clean them first though…

Pennant flags

The perfect mixture of nostalgia and the holiday spirit. If you have pennant flags from different points in your life (university, vacation spots, etc.), sew them together to make a tree skirt! It will give your home a unique flair, and is practical for the holidays.

Blanket scarfs

If you have an old blanket scarf handy, make it into a holiday pillow. The plaid pattern gives the house a very "Christmas at the cabin" vibe.

Magazines

Fold small magazines into a tiny eco-friendly Christmas tree! You can decorate with tiny tinsel and mini (lightweight) ornaments. This is also a great option for the office. Reader’s Digest offers a nice tutorial!

Jam jars

Not to be confused with mason jars, small jam jars can be used as DIY ornaments. Take a small jam jar, or even a small candle holder with a screw-on lid, and paint it to look like the face of a snowman. Thread some ribbon through the lid, and hang it up on the tree!

Mason jars

If you feel like mason jars can be used for basically any DIY craft, you’d be right. Fill six mason jars with some ornaments and stack them into a pyramid or "tree." Then add lights, beads, bells, or even a star on top to create a modern looking DIY Christmas tree! Perfect for a side table!

Branches

One of the easiest and cheapest items on this list, twigs can be used to create a centerpiece, fill out a wreath arrangement, or even be cut and stuck together to create a snowflake ornament!

Christmas light bulbs

Every year, there are several bulbs that have burned out. Instead of throwing them away, put them to good use! Place them in a glass vase to create an interesting piece, or glue the bottom parts together around a tennis ball to create an eye-catching ornament.

Toilet paper rolls

Who knew that something you recycle every day could have so many festive uses? Glue the sides of the rolls together (open side out) in a circular pattern to create an original wreath. Decorate the rolls, or put different objects inside, such as bells. You can also cut them in to rings, wrap them in a Christmassy fabric, and use them as napkin holders.

Christmas cards

Put your Christmas cards up on your wall in a tree formation. That way, you can keep adding as you go, and your well wishes will have a festive look!

Envelopes

If you have some extra envelopes lying around, make your own advent calendar! Decorate the envelopes in whatever way you see fit, and stick or hang them on the wall. Fill them with goodies, so you can enjoy the Christmas spirit every day!

Photos

Do something different and create a photo wreath! Use those printed photos (when you didn’t just store everything on your phone) and create a display that is both nostalgic and practical! Go one step further, and only use photos from Christmases past.

Salt shakers

Surprise! Even basic kitchen items can be used in holiday decor. Get some miniature trees and reindeer, and stick them inside a salt shaker. Then, when you put it the salt, it looks as if they’re standing in snow!

Wrapping paper

Use wrapping paper to decorate the areas of your house that don’t get as much Christmas cheer, such as the glass on your kitchen cabinets, or snowflakes for your doors. It also creates a use for all those extra pieces of wrapping paper that you always have left over.

Keys

Keys create a festive and vintage effect. Paint them into a color that fits with your holiday decor and tie some ribbons on. White stands out well on a tree. Skeleton keys work the best. You’ve now created new ornaments for free!

Coffee filters

You likely have plenty of things to hang on your tree, but what about your mantel? If you want a little more than stockings to hang, make a garland out of coffee filters! Open them up and squish twelve of them together, then run twine through all of them, knotting them on either side of the "pom-pom" as you go. Mix up brown and white filters for a little variety.

Candles

Candlelight can create holiday atmosphere, But candles can add even more if they're pretty. Paint half of each in glue, then dip in a holiday-colored glitter. Stick to a classic Christmas color like red or green, or add some metallic emphasis with gold and silver.