Deck the Halls With 31 Recycled DIY Christmas Decorations
Get into the festive spirit with 31 recycled DIY Christmas decorations. These are all budget-friendly decorating ideas for a unique addition to your holiday decor.
Kick off this holiday season by making your own Christmas decorations without having to buy new. These creative ideas are a fun way to decorate by reusing items that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled.
Plus, many of these recycled Christmas decorations could also be ideas to use as handmade Christmas gifts.
Before we get to the projects, let’s go over some of the most popular recycled materials to use in your DIY Christmas decorations.
Common Recycled Materials
- old books
- old cds
- puzzle pieces
- tissue paper
- old light bulbs
- cereal boxes
- paper bags
- egg cartons
- old cards
- junk mail
- leftover wrapping paper
It’s amazing to see what can be made with items that would normally end up in the recycling bin or the trash. Get ready to be inspired!
Also, if you are a fan of thrift store shopping, find all my DIY Christmas decorations using thrift store finds and crafting here. I LOVE decorating on a budget without buying new year!
diy christmas decorations
There are so many inspiring ideas that can be used to decorate your home or spark ideas for DIY gift-giving. Enjoy these recycled Christmas decorations!
Recycled Christmas Bell Decorations
Use recycled materials to make gorgeous Christmas bell decorations. They look just like vintage cowbells. These beautiful bells would also look lovely attached to Christmas wreaths.
See the project
DIY Snowflake Decorations
Reuse toilet paper rolls to make pretty DIY snowflake ornaments for Christmas time and the holidays! An easy craft project for kids and adults and such a creative way to use recycled materials.
See the projectDIY Book Page Ornaments
There are endless possibilities using book pages. These DIY book page ornaments are so pretty. Scrap paper ornaments are easy to make and very budget-friendly.
See the projectDIY Sweater Christmas Trees
These easy DIY Christmas trees reuse old sweaters! The possibilities in color combinations make this craft a completely customizable one.
See the projectReuse Glass Jars to Make Christmas Snow Globes
Decorate for the Christmas season with old glass jars. You can easily make cute little Christmas scenes or snow globes by adding bottle brush trees, figurines, and fake snow.
See the projectLight Bulb Christmas Ornaments
Learn how to transform old light bulbs into Christmas ornaments. This is a quick and easy Christmas craft with only a few supplies needed including a hot glue gun.
See the projectChalkboard Christmas Cookie Tins
Package Christmas cookies to give to friends and family by reusing old tins. Turn them into chalkboard containers to label the cookies. Such a fun idea!
See the projectWine Cork Christmas Tree Decorations
Make these unique ornaments using recycled wine corks. This makes a great gift for any wine lover and will look great on any Christmas tree. Add paper snowflakes for a festive touch. Follow this same tutorial to make a wine cork wreath.
See the projectVintage Christmas Lights Garland
Reuse vintage Christmas bulbs in a safe and fun way. Heather from Heathered Nest shows you how to make some colorful DIY garland with old Christmas bulbs.
See the projectUpcycled Santa Coffee Can Craft
Here’s another budget-friendly project you can make with recycled supplies. All you need are empty tin cans, old belts, some paint and glitter.
See the projectQuick & Easy Handmade Paper Christmas Trees
Add the warm glow of festive cheer to your mantle or table with these budget-friendly handmade paper Christmas trees. It’s a quick & easy craft to make with tree branches.
See the projectHandmade Christmas Ornaments with Mason Jar Lids
So often we use mason jars for crafts and forget about the lids. Why not repurpose them into DIY ornaments for your tree? An easy and frugal mason jar lid craft that even little kids can help make.
See the projectDIY Christmas Village Thrift Store Upcycle
Update items from the thrift store to make a beautiful DIY Christmas village. Paint the ceramic village pieces to give them a unified look, or go with assorted colors for a modern look.
See the projectRosemary and Cranberry Centerpiece Candleholders
Decorate your holiday table with old glass bottles decorated with rosemary and cranberries. This is a classic look and so inexpensive to make.
See the projectSilver Spoon Ornament with DIY Metal Stamping
DIY Metal Stamping is easier than you think and a fun way to make a unique DIY Christmas decoration. This beautiful silver spoon ornament also makes a great gift idea.
See the projectMake an Awesome Chandelier with Yogurt Jars
Reuse those adorable Oui yogurt jars in a DIY chandelier. It’s simple to make and you can use it at Christmas or year round.
See the projectWine Cork Planter Ornament For Your Christmas Tree
See how easy it is to make a wine cork planter ornament. Perfect to hang on a Christmas tree, or to give as a stocking stuffer. Use artificial flowers in place of live plants to use year after year.
See the projectDIY Leather Ornaments for Christmas
Use scraps of leather to create modern farmhouse style ornaments with wood beads. Such a great budget-friendly Christmas craft!
See the projectHow To Make Giant Cardboard Christmas Tree Ornaments
Don’t throw those old boxes into the recycling bin. Turn them into some fun giant cardboard Christmas ornaments that look like vintage style baubles. They make beautiful holiday decorations to brighten up any home.
See the projectEasy DIY Cone Christmas Trees
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some holiday cheer to your home, you’ll love these mini Christmas tree decorations. They are made using a mop head, sticks and wood slices.
See the projectHow To Make a Sweater Pillow
Make a pretty holiday pillow from a thrifted sweater. Simple step-by-step tutorial is included.
See the projectDIY Scandinavian Style Metal Holiday Tree Accents
These homemade Christmas decorations are so simple and pretty to add to your holiday decor. Learn how to make Scandavian cottages set in a winter snow wonderland.
See the projectUpcycle Old and Inexpensive Ornaments
Don’t throw out ornaments you no longer love! Update them with paint. Get the tutorial for updating both old and inexpensive ornaments.
See the projectDollar Store Christmas Village Makeover
Turn that old mismatched Dollar Tree Christmas village into an elegant showstopper. You don’t want to miss this inexpensive makeover.
See the projectChristmas Tree Plastic Spoon Craft
You would never guess these beautiful tabletop Christmas trees were made from plastic spoons. Add glitter for an elegant look.
See the projectVintage Door Plates into Christmas Ornaments
Add rustic & shabby chic elements to your Christmas by upcycling vintage costume jewelry & door plates. So creative!
See the projectRepurpose an Old Crate for Christmas
Decorate a plain wooden crate to make a lovely Christmas crate! Get tips for how to style it as well. This would make a great hostess gift. Add Christmas lights for a magical touch.
See the projectDollar Store Cake Stand
Check out thrift stores, the dollar store, or even your garage for an old bowl and plate to make a gorgeous DIY cake stand! Bring it to a dinner party with dessert and it can be kept as a hostess gift.
See the projectSimple Framed Ornaments Christmas Decor
Use old ornaments, frames and book pages to make festive seasonal decor. These take about 5 minutes to make and can be customized to match any color scheme!
See the projectBeautiful Basket Christmas Card Holder
A holiday greeting card bowl is a lovely craft & simple sewing idea. Use the included free pattern template and recycled Christmas cards.
See the projectChristmas Centerpiece made with Thrifted Trees
Carrie from Lovely, etc. shows us how she made an inexpensive Christmas centerpiece from thrift store finds.
See the projectDIY Stockings Made From Old Flannel Shirts
Make easy DIY stockings with old flannel shirts using the free stocking pattern. This is such a great way to upcycle old shirts. Embellish with pom poms, scrap fabric, felt balls or other inexpensive craft supplies. Hang from your Christmas mantel for a handmade touch.
See the projectAre you ready to make your own recycled Christmas decorations? I sure am! Happy crafting.
Even More DIY Christmas Decorations
Post by Jenny Leads
Jenny is the voice behind Refresh Living. She has a passion for helping people to create a home they love without spending a lot of money.