Hey, so if you’re thinking about switching up your Christmas decor this year with something a bit more meaningful, I’ve got some ideas you’ll love. Making your own ornaments isn’t just a cool way to save a few bucks — it’s also super eco-friendly. Like, imagine turning stuff you’d usually toss out into cute little holiday gems. Plus, getting crafty with the family? Total win. I found 15 awesome DIY ornament ideas that are easy, budget-friendly, and great for the planet. Let’s dive in!
Making Button Christmas Trees Is So Cute
Button Christmas trees are seriously adorable and fun to make. Just gather up a bunch of buttons — different sizes and colors work best. Start stacking them with the biggest buttons on the bottom and glue them together. Use a little wooden disc or some cardboard as a base to keep everything steady. Oh, and topping them off with a sparkly button star? That’s the cutest touch. Bonus: this is the perfect way to use up stray buttons you’ve got lying around from old sewing projects. You can set these lil’ trees on your mantle or even hang them on the main Christmas tree. Pro tip? Thrift stores often have jars of buttons for next to nothing if you want to stock up!
Turn Soda Cans Into Festive Stars
Soda can stars are surprisingly easy and make a fun twist on holiday decor. Grab some empty cans (rinse them first!), cut off the tops, then carefully snip the aluminum into star shapes. Punch a little hole at the top for threading ribbon or string. If you want, give them a splash of acrylic paint to coordinate with your tree colors. Hang these shiny stars on your tree or toss them on a garland for some extra sparkle. It’s such a cool way to turn what might be trash into something artsy and festive. And hey, save cans of different colors to mix up your star designs!
Get Crafty With Paper Tubes
Who knew paper towel and toilet paper tubes could make fabulous ornaments? Just cut the tubes into rings or fun shapes and decorate them with paint, markers, or stickers. You can string a few rings together for a cool cascading effect, or paint each piece separately for variety. It’s super easy for kids to get involved too. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle what you’d usually throw away while matching your holiday vibe perfectly.
Felt Scraps Turn Into Sweet Ornaments
Got some felt scraps kicking around? Don’t toss them! Cut those bits into shapes like stars, snowflakes, or stockings. You can stitch a couple of layers for a cozy, handmade feel, or glue them if you’re short on time. Personalize with initials or dates using fabric markers or thread for that extra special touch. These little feltie ornaments look great on the tree and also make thoughtful gifts. The best part is, this craft is basically free if you’ve already got felt waiting to be used!
Old Jar Lids Can Be Festive, Too
Don’t underestimate those jar lids! They make such charming little ornaments. Start by painting or decorating them with whatever holiday motifs you love. You can even create tiny scenes inside with fake snow, tiny figurines, pinecones, or small branches. Add a pretty ribbon to hang from your tree, and you’ve got yourself a unique decoration that usually sparks a fun conversation. Keep those lids from jars you finish—crafting gold right there!
Turn Holiday Cards Into Ornaments You’ll Treasure
Got stacks of old holiday cards? Give them new life by cutting out festive images or pictures and gluing them onto sturdy backing. A little glitter or paint can make them pop, and then you just punch a hole, add a ribbon, and you’re done. Hanging these around your home or on the tree is a sweet way to hold onto memories from past holidays while decking the halls this year. Plus, it’s a heartfelt way to reuse those cards you’ve already received.
Rustic Nut Shell Ornaments Are So Charming
Don’t toss those walnut or pecan shells after baking! Once cleaned and dried, paint them in festive reds, greens, or golds. You can get creative by adding tiny figurines or dried flowers inside for a whimsical vibe. Attach twine or ribbon, and these natural, rustic ornaments are ready to hang. They bring a cozy, down-to-earth feel to any tree and make great conversation pieces. Plus, it’s a win-win using up what might normally get thrown away.
Upcycle Jars into Magical Snow Globes
Snow globes don’t have to be store-bought. Grab some old jars, glue a tiny figurine to the lid, fill the jar with water and glitter or fake snow, seal it tight, and voila! Shake it up for a beautiful, sparkly display. These little keepsakes can hold holiday memories or family traditions. They’re surprisingly easy and instantly add whimsy to your decor. Use toys or trinkets you already have to keep it personal and budget-friendly.
Fabric Scraps Make Cozy Ornaments
Hunting through your closet for old fabric can be totally worth it. Cut leftover fabric into hearts, circles, or any shape you like. Layering and sewing them is fun, but gluing works too if you want to keep it simple. Adding a ribbon loop makes hanging super easy. These fabric ornaments can echo your home’s colors and textures, adding warmth and a homey vibe to your tree. Plus, it’s a creative way to repurpose that old shirt or skirt that’s too worn to wear.
Nature-Inspired Pinecone Ornaments Are A Classic
Pinecones are gift-wrapped by nature. Just gather some up, clean off the dirt, and you can either paint them white for a snowy look or add a little glitter to catch the light. Tying a ribbon around the top lets you hang them easily. These ornaments bring that fresh outdoor vibe inside and feel cozy and rustic. Bonus: collecting pinecones can be a lovely little outdoor adventure, plus it’s totally free!
Recycled Tins Can Shine On Your Tree
Got empty food tins? Don’t toss them — turn them into cool metal ornaments! Clean the cans, cut festive shapes along the sides, and paint the outside in colors that make you smile. Punch a hole at the top, and your ornament is ready to hang. They add an industrial-chic, rustic touch to your tree and really stand out. Plus, it’s a clever way to repurpose something you probably already have lying around.
Make Glass Ornaments That Glitter and Glow
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, recycled glass bottles can become stunning holiday ornaments. Carefully cut bottles into halves or shapes, then paint them with seasonal colors. A little glitter or a ribbon adds the perfect festive touch. Just be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while working with glass — safety first! These pieces really catch the light and make show-stopping additions to your tree. Using bottles from special days also gives each ornament a cool story.
Twine-Wrapped Ornaments Bring Cozy Vibes
Here’s a simple one: take a plain ornament like a foam or plastic ball and wrap it tightly in twine starting from the top. Secure with glue here and there. To jazz it up, add tiny beads or dried flowers. These twine-wrapped decorations scream cozy, rustic Christmas — perfect if you love that natural, handmade look. Twine is usually cheap at craft stores or sometimes you can snag it from packaging materials.
Photo Ornaments That Make Your Tree Personal
Want to make your tree feel really special? Use favorite family photos printed on thick paper, cut them into shapes, and glue them onto sturdy backs. A coat of mod podge seals and adds a nice finish. Then tie on a string and hang. These ornaments carry stories and memories that glue your family history right onto your Christmas decor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reuse old photos that you might not display anymore.
Natural Elements Like Cinnamon and Oranges Are Gorgeous
Using dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or acorns creates ornaments filled with natural beauty and cozy scents. You can string these into garlands or hang them solo on the tree. Not only do they look festive, they also make your home smell like holiday heaven. This craft is super flexible, and the best part? You’re making use of things that might otherwise get tossed out. Bonus: the aroma is an instant mood lifter!
Candlesticks Turn Into Unexpected Ornaments
Candlesticks are sort of an underdog when it comes to ornaments, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. Clean them up, paint them in festive hues, and add some glitter, ribbons, or bells. Suddenly, they’re statement-making decorations that will catch everyone’s eye. A little creativity goes a long way transforming something plain into a standout piece. Tip: thrift stores often have cool, affordable candlesticks just waiting to be repurposed.
Rustic Wood Slices Add Cozy Charm
Wood slice ornaments bring that warm, natural vibe that’s hard to beat. If you can find small rounds of wood from fallen branches or scrap wood, you’re halfway there. Paint or wood-burn holiday designs on them, then tie on a simple twine or ribbon to hang. These look amazing on a nature-themed tree or anywhere you want that rustic charm. If sourcing wood seems tricky, try asking lumberyards if they have scraps — sometimes they’ll let you grab some for free or cheap.