Hi friends! Nancy here. Let’s be real for a second: we all want that stunning, magazine-worthy holiday home, but looking at the price tags on those Pottery Barn or Anthropologie catalogs can make you want to cry into your hot cocoa. The desire for a cohesive, magazine-worthy holiday home clashes with the reality of inflation and expensive retail decor prices. But guess what? You don’t need a millionaire’s budget to create a “Quiet Luxury” Christmas.
This list is your ultimate savior. I’m sharing my favorite High End Dollar Store DIY secrets involving “paint and paste” techniques that turn $1.25 plastic items into décor indistinguishable from $50 boutique finds. We are focusing on the “Transformation Factor”—using texture hacks and mixed materials to disguise cheap bases as ceramic, metal, or vintage heirloom pieces. 🎄✨✂️
Get ready to create some memories and a beautiful home! These Dollar Tree Christmas Hacks 2024 are about to change your decorating game forever.
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
- Lowest Mess: Picture Frame Lanterns (Idea #6)
- Most “High-End” Look: Rub ‘n Buff “Vintage Gold” Nutcrackers (Idea #2)
- Best for Little Kids: Snowflake “Window Cling” Hack (Idea #24)
25 Dollar Tree Christmas Crafts Ideas You’ll Love
1. The “Baking Soda” Faux Ceramic Village ❄️
Transform the cheap, glossy colors of Dollar Tree ceramic village houses into a modern, cohesive matte white set that mimics Crate & Barrel décor. This is the ultimate “paint and paste” secret!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Ceramic Houses
• White Acrylic Paint
• Baking Soda | Best For: Mantel Decor, Minimalists
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Mix the baking soda into the paint until it has a “fluffy” texture to hide brush strokes and create a stone-like finish.
[Image-1: A close-up of three white textured houses on a wooden shelf with fairy lights woven between them.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint, Titanium White 🐦
Why I love it: Buying high-quality
matte paint in a large tube ensures you have enough coverage for a whole village without the streaking of cheap craft paint. #NancyApproved
2. Rub ‘n Buff “Vintage Gold” Nutcrackers ❄️
Take the raw wood or neon-painted plastic nutcrackers from Dollar Tree and give them an antique, heavy metal look using metallic wax. They look like solid brass for pennies on the dollar.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Wooden Nutcrackers
• Rub ‘n Buff Wax | Best For: Table Centerpieces, Traditional Decor
Time: 15 Mins
Mess Level: Med (Staining risk) |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use your finger (gloved) rather than a brush to apply the wax; the heat from your hand helps it spread smoother and shine brighter.
[Image-2: A group of gold nutcrackers standing on a red velvet runner, looking like solid brass.]
3. Velvet Wrapped Ball Ornaments ❄️
This is a high-texture project that involves wrapping styrofoam or plastic balls in luxe velvet ribbon for a soft, expensive aesthetic. Perfect for that boujee on a budget Christmas.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Foam Balls/Old Ornaments
• Velvet Ribbon
• Hot Glue | Best For: Tree Decor, Bowl Fillers
Time: 10 Mins/Ball
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Cut the ribbon into small strips and pleat them as you glue to create a “turbanned” look rather than trying to wrap one long piece smoothly.
[Image-3: A wooden dough bowl filled with deep green and burgundy velvet ornaments.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 3/8 Inch Velvet Ribbon, 50 Yards 🐦
Why I love it: An Amazon bulk roll (50 yards) allows you to cover 20+ ornaments for a fraction of the cost per yard compared to tiny DT spools. #NancyApproved
4. Giant “Bell” Wreath (Using Plastic Planters) ❄️
Glue two plastic flower pot bases together and spray paint them gold or bronze to create trendy oversized sleigh bells. These look incredible on a farmhouse holiday decor porch!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Plastic Flower Pots (2 sizes)
• Metallic Spray Paint
• Rope
• Shower Curtain Rings | Best For: Front Door, Porch Decor
Time: 45 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Drill holes in the bottom of the planters before gluing them together to easily thread the rope hanger.
[Image-4: Three large gold bells hanging from a thick red ribbon on a front door, surrounded by greenery.]
5. DIY Hobnail Milk Glass Vases ❄️
A clever texture hack using split peas or gem stickers glued to a glass vase, then spray-painted glossy white to mimic vintage milk glass. It looks surprisingly authentic!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Glass Vases
• Split Peas (dry) or Adhesive Gems
• Gloss White Spray Paint
• Super Glue Gel | Best For: Mantels, Floral Arrangements
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a pair of tweezers to place the split peas in perfect rows for a convincing high-end look.
[Image-5: A white “hobnail” vase filled with red berries and pine branches.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Gorilla Super Glue Gel, XL 🐦
Why I love it: The Gel formula stays in place and doesn’t drip down the glass like standard runny super glue. #NancyApproved
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. Picture Frame Lanterns ❄️
Glue four Dollar Tree photo frames together to create a square glass lantern box perfect for pillar candles. This is a classic designer dupe DIY.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 4 DT 5×7 Frames
• Hot Glue
• Strong Adhesive (E6000) | Best For: Centerpieces, Entryway
Time: 15 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Remove the cardboard backing and glass carefully, glue the frames first, then re-insert the glass at the very end to avoid smudging.
[Image-6: A black lantern on a dining table with a lit LED candle inside, surrounded by pinecones.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: E6000 Craft Adhesive, Clear 🐦
Why I love it: Hot glue pops off cold glass, so E6000 is mandatory for a permanent bond if you store your decor in a cold attic. #NancyApproved
7. Heavy Flocked Wreath Makeover ❄️
Take a sparse DT green wire wreath and transform it into a thick, snowy masterpiece using spackle or flocking powder. This is the answer if you’ve asked, “How to flock a Dollar Tree Christmas tree?”
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Wire Wreath Form
• DT Garland
• Flocking Powder | Best For: Front Door, Windows
Time: 40 Mins
Mess Level: High |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t just sprinkle; mist the greenery with water, sift the powder on, and mist again to “seal” the snow.
[Image-7: A heavily flocked wreath with a simple velvet bow, looking very full and expensive.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Sno-Bond Santa’s Snow Flocking Powder 🐦
Why I love it: DIY methods with flour attract bugs, but authentic Sno-Bond contains adhesive that ensures it lasts for years without yellowing. #NancyApproved
8. Faux Mercury Glass Votives ❄️
Use the “Looking Glass” spray paint and vinegar water technique on simple glass candle holders to create an aged, silvered antique look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Glass Votives
• Krylon Looking Glass Paint
• Vinegar
• Water Spray Bottle | Best For: Dinner Parties, Mood Lighting
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Spray the water/vinegar mix inside the glass first, then spray the paint over the droplets. Blot gently for the distressed effect.
[Image-8: A cluster of flickering silver mercury glass votives reflecting light beautifully.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Krylon Looking Glass Silver 🐦
Why I love it: You absolutely cannot achieve the mirror effect with standard silver spray paint; this specialty paint is required for the chemical reaction! #NancyApproved
9. Tumbling Tower Block Snowflakes ❄️
Glue “Jenga-style” wooden blocks (DT Toy aisle) into geometric snowflake patterns and stain them for a rustic Scandi-Minimalism vibe.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Tumbling Tower Game
• Wood Glue
• Wood Stain | Best For: Tree Ornaments, Wall Decor
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Layout your pattern on a flat surface before you start gluing to ensure symmetry.
[Image-9: Several wooden geometric snowflakes hanging on a Christmas tree with twine.]
10. Moss Ball Topiaries ❄️
Cover foam balls in vibrant green moss and place them atop candlesticks or in pots for an organic modern element.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Foam Balls
• DT Candlesticks
• Reindeer Moss
• Hot Glue | Best For: Mantels, Side Tables
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Med (shedding) |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use dark green spray paint on the white foam ball first so no white shows through the gaps in the moss.
[Image-10: Two varying heights of moss topiaries on gold candlesticks.]
11. Oversized “Playground Ball” Ornaments ❄️
Turn large rubber playground balls into massive outdoor ornaments using a deli cup painted gold as the “cap.” It’s bold, fun, and fills space perfectly.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Playground Ball
• Plastic Deli Container
• Metallic Paint
• Wire | Best For: Porch Decor, Front Yard
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t paint the ball! Buy balls that are already red/green/blue. Only paint the deli cup (the topper).
[Image-11: Three giant red ornaments sitting on a front porch next to a rocking chair.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 18-Gauge Aluminum Wire Gold 🐦
Why I love it: You need thick, pliable wire to create a loop that looks realistic but can handle the weight of the ball. #NancyApproved
12. Pizza Pan “Enamel” Sign ❄️
Spray paint a round metal pizza pan white and apply black vinyl lettering to create a farmhouse-style “Fresh Cut Trees” sign.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Pizza Pan
• White Spray Paint
• Black Vinyl or Stencils | Best For: Wall Art, Kitchen Decor
Time: 40 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Paint the rim of the pan black (or chip it) to make it look like vintage enamelware.
[Image-12: A round white sign hanging on a door that says “North Pole Bed & Breakfast.”]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Cricut Permanent Vinyl Black 🐦
Why I love it: If you don’t have a Cricut, Amazon also sells amazing
Christmas Stencil Sets for painting professional letters! #NancyApproved
13. High-End Gift Box Topiary ❄️
Stack 3 different sized boxes, wrap them in matching paper and high-quality ribbon, and glue them into a tower for a stunning porch display.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 3 Box Sizes (DT or recycled)
• Kraft Paper
• Wide Wired Ribbon | Best For: Entryway, Fireplace Hearth
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Place a rock or bag of sand in the bottom box before sealing it so the tower doesn’t tip over.
[Image-13: A tower of brown paper packages tied with red satin ribbon standing next to the fireplace.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 2.5 Inch Wired Burlap Ribbon 🐦
Why I love it: To get that professional “department store” bow look, you
must use
wired ribbon—it holds its shape so much better than flimsy plastic rolls. #NancyApproved
14. Bottle Brush Tree Bleaching ❄️
Take the garish green/neon bottle brush trees from DT and bleach them to achieve varied shades of cream, sage, and blush pink.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Bottle Brush Trees
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Rit Dye (Optional) | Best For: Village Displays, Tablescapes
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Watch the trees closely; remove them at different intervals to get an ombre forest effect.
[Image-14: A forest of muted, pastel-colored bottle brush trees on a mantel.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye Sage 🐦
Why I love it: After bleaching, you can use Amazon’s massive selection of Rit Dye colors to customize the trees to your specific
home decor palette. #NancyApproved
15. Floating Candle Cylinder Vases ❄️
Use clear glass vases filled with water beads (invisible in water) to suspend pearls or cranberries for a magical floating illusion.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Cylinder Vases
• Water Beads
• Faux Pearls/Berries
• Floating Candle | Best For: Wedding Centerpieces, Holiday Dinner
Time: 10 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Hydrate the water beads fully (4-6 hours) before assembling. They become invisible once water is added!
[Image-15: Three glass cylinders with red berries “suspended” in the water and a candle floating on top.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Clear Water Gel Beads 20000 count 🐦
Why I love it: You need clear hydrogel beads for this hack, and Amazon sells them in massive
bulk packs that will last you for years. #NancyApproved
16. Beaded Wood Garland (Pottery Barn Dupe) ❄️
String wooden beads on jute twine with homemade tassels to create a natural, Scandi-style garland for the tree.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Jute Twine (DT)
• Wood Beads
• Cardboard (for tassels) | Best For: Tree Decor, Mantel Swag
Time: 45 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Mix bead sizes (small, medium, large) in a repeating pattern for a more visually interesting texture.
[Image-16: A natural wood bead garland draped over a lush green Christmas tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Unfinished Natural Wood Beads Bulk 🐦
Why I love it: Dollar Tree beads are often painted; Amazon offers bulk unfinished wood beads in
mixed sizes that look high-end and natural. #NancyApproved
17. Splatterware “Ceramic” Plates ❄️
Take simple white plates or chargers and use a toothbrush to flick black or gold porcelain paint for a trendy splatter effect.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT White Plates/Chargers
• Porcelain Paint
• Toothbrush | Best For: Table Settings
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Med (Splatter risk) |
💡 Pro-Tip: Practice the flicking motion on a piece of paper first to control the droplet size.
[Image-17: A modern table setting featuring white plates with fine black speckles.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Black 🐦
Why I love it: Standard acrylic paint washes off, but Pebeo Porcelaine paint is
dishwasher safe after baking, making your DIY usable! #NancyApproved
18. Faux Fur Tree Skirt Hack ❄️
Use a soft faux fur rug or fabric to drape around the base of the tree for a cozy, Nordic lodge look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Safety Pins
• Faux Fur Fabric | Best For: Tree Base
Time: 5 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: You don’t need to sew! Just drape the fabric and use safety pins on the underside to secure it in a circle.
[Image-18: A white fluffy fur skirt wrapped around the base of a Christmas tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Mongolian Faux Fur Fabric Squares White 🐦
Why I love it: Dollar Tree fabrics are thin felt, but Amazon sells yards of thick,
high-pile faux fur that looks luxurious. #NancyApproved
19. Crystal Candle Holders (Plastic Hack) ❄️
Glue clear plastic faceted bowls (often found in the party section) onto clear candlesticks to mimic expensive crystal.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Plastic “Crystal” Bowls
• DT Glass Candlesticks
• E6000 Glue | Best For: Dining Table, Buffet
Time: 10 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Ensure the plastic and glass are perfectly clean (use an alcohol wipe) before gluing to ensure the bond holds.
[Image-19: A tiered display of “crystal” stands holding cupcakes or ornaments.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Loctite Glass Glue 🐦
Why I love it: When bonding plastic to glass, standard superglue can fog up the clear finish, but Loctite Glass Glue dries
crystal clear. #NancyApproved
20. Winter Shadow Box ❄️
Fill a deep DT frame with a mini winter scene using bottle brush trees, fake snow, and a mini deer figurine for a sweet vignette.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Deep Frame/Tray
• Mini Trees
• Faux Snow
• Cardstock | Best For: Wall Art, Shelf Decor
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Add a battery-operated fairy light string inside the frame/box before sealing it for a glowing nightlight effect.
[Image-20: A shadow box hanging on the wall with a glowing snowy forest scene inside.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Fairy Lights with Timer Battery Operated 🐦
Why I love it: Amazon’s fairy lights come with
timers (6 hours on/18 off), so you don’t have to open the shadow box every night! #NancyApproved
21. DIY Rope Tree Collar ❄️
Wrap a laundry basket or a cardboard box ring in cotton rope to create a textured, nautical/farmhouse tree collar.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Round Laundry Basket
• Cotton Rope
• Hot Glue | Best For: Tree Base (Skirt Alt)
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Cut the rim off the laundry basket for a cleaner, more modern cylinder shape.
[Image-21: A white rope collar containing the Christmas tree base.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 100% Cotton Rope 1/4 inch 🐦
Why I love it: Dollar Tree rope is too thin and rough (jute), but Amazon sells soft, thick
white cotton rope that builds up faster. #NancyApproved
22. Gold Leaf Ornaments ❄️
Apply gold leaf sheets to plain clear or white ornaments for a jagged, organic luxe finish.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Clear Bulbs
• Gold Leaf Sheets
• Mod Podge | Best For: Tree Decor, Gifting
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Med (Flaky) |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t try to be perfect. The beauty of gold leaf is the “crackle” and the gaps where the ornament shows through.
[Image-22: A close up of an ornament with patchy gold leaf texture reflecting the tree lights.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Imitation Gold Leaf Sheets 100 Sheets 🐦
Why I love it: You get a massive quantity of sheets on Amazon for cheap, allowing you to do a
whole tree’s worth of ornaments. #NancyApproved
23. Scented Cinnamon Pinecones ❄️
Buy plain pinecones (or gather them) and infuse them with essential oils for a functional decor piece that smells like Christmas.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Pinecones
• Gallon Ziploc Bag
• Essential Oils (Cinnamon) | Best For: Bowl Filler, Room Fragrance
Time: 10 Mins (24hr wait)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Seal the pinecones in a bag with the oil for at least 24 hours to let the scent penetrate the wood deeply.
[Image-23: A wire basket filled with pinecones and cinnamon sticks.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil 🐦
Why I love it: Store-bought scented cones often use artificial chemicals that cause headaches; pure essential oil lets you control the
quality of the scent. #NancyApproved
24. Snowflake “Window Cling” Hack ❄️
Use puffy paint on a plastic sheet to trace snowflake patterns. Once dry, they peel off and stick to windows! This is a great kids’ activity.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Plastic Sheet protector
• Puffy Paint (White/Glitter)
• Template | Best For: Kids Activity, Windows
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Print a snowflake pattern and slide it inside the sheet protector so you can trace perfectly on top without the paper getting messy.
[Image-24: A child peeling a glittery snowflake off a plastic sheet and sticking it to a window.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Tulip Puffy 3D Paint White Sparkle 🐦
Why I love it: Tulip brand 3D paint is the gold standard; cheap dollar store paints often crack or don’t
peel off in one piece. #NancyApproved
25. Framed Vintage Christmas Art ❄️
Print public domain vintage Christmas art (botanicals or Santa scenes) and place them in DT frames painted gold or black for a curated gallery look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• DT Frames
• Printer/Paper
• Paint (for frame) | Best For: Gallery Wall, Mantel Layering
Time: 15 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use “Resume Paper” or cardstock with a slight texture to make the print look like an authentic art print rather than standard computer paper.
[Image-25: A layered mantel display with a framed vintage Santa picture leaning against a mirror.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Linen Texture Cardstock Paper 🐦
Why I love it: The secret to making a print look
expensive is the paper; this linen texture mimics canvas or watercolor paper. #NancyApproved
Conclusion
There you have it! DIY Christmas Decor on a Budget doesn’t have to look cheap. By mixing those Dollar Tree basics with just a few quality materials like gold leaf, velvet ribbon, or baking soda paint, you can achieve that High End Dollar Store DIY look we all crave.
Which one of these are you trying first? If you have questions like “How to make plastic ornaments look like glass?”, drop them in the comments! And don’t forget to pin these ideas to your holiday board. Happy crafting, friends! 🎄❤️
