Let’s be honest, December can be expensive. Between the gift lists and the grocery bills, spending a fortune on store-bought decor just isn’t in the cards. Plus, keeping the kids entertained while school is out without resorting to screens all day is a major challenge.
That’s where these easy Christmas DIY ideas come in to save your sanity. I’ve gathered the best holiday crafts that are incredibly budget-friendly, simple enough for non-crafters, and perfect for making your home look festive and cozy. Whether you need a quiet afternoon activity or a stunning centerpiece, this list has you covered.
Get ready to pour some hot cocoa and make some magic. These projects aren’t just about the final product; they are about the memories you make while creating them. 🎄 ✂️ ✨
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
- Lowest Mess: Paper Chain Countdown
- Most “High-End” Look: Dried Orange Garland
- Best for Little Kids: Paper Plate Santa
15 Christmas DIY Ideas You’ll Love
1. Classic Salt Dough Ornaments ❄️
These are an absolute staple in our house because they are virtually free to make. They bake up rock hard and last for years, making them the perfect sentimental keepsake.
📝 Key Materials:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Table Salt
- Acrylic Paint
- Christmas Cookie Cutters
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Grandparent Gifts
- Time: 30 Mins (+ Bake Time)
- Mess Level: Medium
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Seal them with Mod Podge after painting so they don’t absorb moisture and get soft over time.
[Image-1: Close up of a star-shaped ornament painted gold with a red ribbon tie.]
2. Mason Jar Snow Globes ❄️
These turn out so magical, and the kids feel so proud shaking them up. It’s a great way to use up those little plastic figurines you have lying around.
📝 Key Materials:
- Mason Jars
- Distilled Water
- Liquid Glycerin
- Bio-degradable Glitter
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Mantle Decor
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Glue your figurine to the lid first and let it dry completely before adding water.
[Image-2: Bright photo of a clear jar filled with water and a miniature tree inside.]
3. Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornaments ❄️
If you want your house to smell amazing, this is the craft for you. These look rustic and chic on any tree.
📝 Key Materials:
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Pine Garland or Rosemary sprigs
- Hot Glue Gun
- Buttons
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Rustic Theme
- Time: 20 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Use varying lengths of green garland to create the “branches” of the tree.
[Image-3: A vertical cinnamon stick with green sprigs glued horizontally to look like a pine tree.]
4. Paper Plate Santa Claus ❄️
This is my go-to when I need to occupy my toddler while I cook dinner. It’s simple, cute, and uses supplies you likely already have.
📝 Key Materials:
- Paper Plates
- Cotton Balls
- Red Construction Paper
- Googly Eyes
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Preschoolers
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Use a glue stick instead of liquid glue to minimize the drying time and sticky fingers.
[Image-4: A paper plate painted peach with a cotton ball beard and red paper hat.]
5. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes ❄️
You can make these as simple or as intricate as you like. They look stunning painted white and hung in a window.
📝 Key Materials:
- Jumbo Popsicle Sticks
- White Paint
- Silver Glitter
- Twine
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Window Displays
- Time: 20 Minutes
- Mess Level: Medium (if using glitter)
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Lay out the pattern on the table before you start gluing to ensure symmetry.
[Image-5: Three wooden sticks glued in a star pattern, painted white with sparkles.]
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. Dried Orange Garland ❄️
This gives such a beautiful, organic look to your home. The translucent slices catch the light and look absolutely glowing.
📝 Key Materials:
- Fresh Oranges
- Sharp Knife
- Bakers Twine
- Parchment Paper
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Boho Decor
- Time: 10 Mins Prep (3 Hrs Oven)
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Slice the oranges very thinly and blot them with a paper towel before baking to speed up the drying process.
[Image-6: A string of dried orange slices draped over a green garland on a mantle.]
7. Pinecone Reindeer ❄️
We love going on a “nature walk” to collect supplies for this one. It turns a boring afternoon into an adventure.
📝 Key Materials:
- Pinecones
- Brown Pipe Cleaners (Antlers)
- Small Red Pom Poms (Nose)
- Hot Glue
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Nature Lovers
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Bake your pinecones at 200°F for 30 minutes first to kill any hidden bugs and open up the scales.
[Image-7: A pinecone with brown pipe cleaners twisted into antlers and a red nose.]
8. DIY No-Sew Sock Gnomes ❄️
These have been trendy for years because they are just so darn cute. You don’t need a sewing machine, just some clever folding.
📝 Key Materials:
- Fuzzy Socks
- Rice (for weight)
- Faux Fur fabric
- Wooden Beads (Nose)
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Teen Crafters
- Time: 30 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Use a rubber band to secure the top of the sock filled with rice before putting the hat on.
[Image-8: A small gnome figure with a grey hat and a long white beard.]
9. Family Handprint Wreath ❄️
This is a tear-jerker. Comparing the hand sizes year after year makes this a precious tradition.
📝 Key Materials:
- Green Cardstock
- Red Ribbon
- Pencil
- Scissors
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Keepsakes
- Time: 30 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Write the name and year on the back of each handprint cutout.
[Image-9: A circle of green paper hands arranged to look like a leafy wreath.]
10. Hot Cocoa in a Jar Gift ❄️
Need a last-minute teacher gift? This looks impressive but takes minutes to assemble.
📝 Key Materials:
- Mason Jars
- Cocoa Powder
- Mini Marshmallows
- Peppermint Stick
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Teacher Gifts
- Time: 10 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Layer the ingredients (sugar, cocoa, marshmallows) carefully to create beautiful stripes.
[Image-10: A glass jar with distinct layers of chocolate mix and white marshmallows.]
11. Felt Christmas Trees ❄️
Soft, safe, and colorful. These are great for adding a pop of color without worrying about shattering glass.
📝 Key Materials:
- Green Felt
- Poly-fill stuffing
- Embroidery Floss
- Buttons
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Baby Safe Decor
- Time: 45 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Use a simple blanket stitch around the edge for that charming homemade look.
[Image-11: A plush green triangle stitched with red thread and topped with a yellow star.]
12. Candy Cane Reindeer ❄️
The easiest class treat ever. They look adorable in a stocking or attached to a gift card.
📝 Key Materials:
- Candy Canes
- Brown Pipe Cleaners
- Googly Eyes
- Small Red Pom Poms
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Classroom Parties
- Time: 5 Minutes
- Mess Level: None
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Use a dot of hot glue for the nose, but make sure it’s low temp so it doesn’t melt the plastic wrapper.
[Image-12: A candy cane with brown pipe cleaners twisted on the curve to look like antlers.]
13. Scrabble Tile Ornaments ❄️
I love these for spelling out names or holiday words like “JOY” or “NOEL.” They look custom-made.
📝 Key Materials:
- Scrabble Tiles
- Ribbon or Twine
- Felt backing
- Hot Glue
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Personalized Gifts
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Glue the tiles onto a strip of felt or popsicle stick first for stability.
[Image-13: Wooden tiles spelling SNOW glued together with a plaid ribbon loop.]
14. Paper Chain Countdown ❄️
A classic for a reason. Watching the chain get shorter builds so much anticipation for the big day.
📝 Key Materials:
- Red and Green Construction Paper
- Stapler or Tape
- Scissors
- Markers
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Morning Routine
- Time: 20 Minutes
- Mess Level: Low
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Write a fun holiday activity (like “Read a Christmas Book”) on the inside of each link.
[Image-14: A long chain of interlinked paper loops hanging vertically on a doorframe.]
15. Glitter Ornament Bulbs ❄️
You get the look of those expensive boutique ornaments for pennies. They are sparkly and you can customize the colors to match your theme perfectly.
📝 Key Materials:
- Clear Plastic Ornaments
- Polycrylic or Floor Finish
- Fine Glitter
- Ribbon
✨ Why It Works:
- Best For: Color Coordination
- Time: 15 Minutes
- Mess Level: Medium
- 💡 Pro-Tip: Pour the finish inside the bulb, swirl to coat, then drain well before adding glitter so it doesn’t clump.
[Image-15: A round red ornament that is fully coated in glitter from the inside.]
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I hope this list helps you find a little bit of calm and creativity in the holiday chaos. Whether you make one thing or tackle all fifteen, the most important thing is that you had fun doing it.
Which one are you going to try first? Pin this post to your Christmas board so you don’t lose these ideas! Happy Crafting! 🎄
