32 DIY Easy Christmas Decorations to Make

Is it just me, or does Christmas sneak up on us faster every year?

One minute you’re sipping pumpkin spice lattes, and the next, your kids are begging to put up the tree (while the ornaments from last year are still mysteriously MIA).

If you’re like me and love the idea of decking the halls without emptying your wallet, you’re in the right place.

I’ve rounded up some super easy and totally adorable DIY Christmas decoration ideas that you can make with things you probably already have at home—or with a quick trip to the dollar store.

These are perfect for busy moms who want to keep the kids entertained (hello, holiday crafting!) while sprucing up the house with festive vibes.

And guess what? You can start a wonderful Christmas tradition by doing these fun decorations with your kids.

Bonus? No need to break the bank or spend hours on Pinterest figuring it out!

Christmas Craft Ideas (DIY Version)

If there’s one thing I love about the holidays, it’s breaking out the glue gun and crafting up some festive fun!

DIY Christmas crafts are a great way to get the family involved, keep the kids entertained, and add a personal touch to your holiday decor.

1. Twine Tree

This rustic little tree is as simple as wrapping twine around a cardboard cone and securing it with glue.

Add a star on top and maybe a little sparkle with glitter or mini ornaments, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, farmhouse-style Christmas tree.

Perfect for a mantle or as a centerpiece!

2. Dried Orange Ornaments

Who knew citrus could be so festive?

Slice up some oranges, dry them in the oven, and thread them with string or ribbon.

They add a pop of color and a cozy, natural vibe to your tree—and they smell amazing too!

3. Pom Pom Christmas Wreath

Grab a bunch of fluffy pom-poms in festive colors and glue them onto a wreath form.

You can stick to classic red and green or mix it up with pastels or metallics for a modern twist.

It’s a cheerful and kid-friendly project that looks great on any door.

4. Gingerbread Salt Dough Ornaments

Get the kids involved with this one! Mix up a batch of salt dough, cut out gingerbread shapes, and bake them.

Once they’re cool, let everyone decorate them with paint, glitter, or whatever crafty bits you have lying around.

They’ll smell just as cute as they look.

5. Mini Yarn Hats

These tiny hats are made from yarn and a little cardboard ring.

They’re ridiculously adorable, super easy to make, and perfect for hanging on the tree or stringing into a garland.

Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover yarn scraps!

6. Cinnamon Stick Candles

Take a plain candle and hot glue cinnamon sticks around it for a quick and cozy upgrade.

Tie it all together with twine or ribbon, and you’ve got a decoration that smells as good as it looks.

Perfect for your holiday table or as a simple gift!

7. Fabric Wrapped Christmas Balls

Transform old ornaments into something fresh by wrapping them in scraps of festive fabric.

Add a little bow or ribbon for a finished look.

This is a great way to repurpose materials and create something unique for your tree.

8. Felt Cookie Ornaments

These soft and sweet ornaments look just like holiday cookies!

Cut out felt shapes like stars, hearts, or gingerbread men, and decorate them with puff paint “icing” and beads for sprinkles.

They’re so cute, you might be tempted to take a bite (but don’t!).

9. Twine Ball Ornaments

Twine, glue, and a balloon are all you need for these rustic ornaments.

Blow up the balloon, wrap it in glue-soaked twine, and let it dry.

Once it hardens, pop the balloon, and voilà—a pretty, lightweight decoration for your tree.

10. Mason Jar Candles

Use paint over a festive stencil on the jar, then add a tealight or small candle.

Decorate the jar with a ribbon, twine, or even mini pinecones, and you’ve got a cozy, flickering touch of holiday magic.

11. Gift Bow Candy Cane

This one is so simple, it’s genius!

Cut out a candy cane shape from cardboard and jazz it up by attaching colorful gift bows from top to bottom.

These make cute decorations for any door in your house.

Whimsical Christmas Decorations

Sometimes Christmas calls for a little extra magic, and whimsical decorations are just the thing to make your home feel straight out of a storybook.

These decorations bring a smile to everyone’s face and make the season feel extra special!

12. Pearl Christmas Tree Pinecones

Turn plain pinecones into elegant holiday decor by gluing small pearls onto the tips.

You’ll end up with a glamorous little “tree” that sparkles on your mantle or as part of a centerpiece.

Classy, simple, and so fun to make!

13. Woodland Creature Snow Globes

Create your own mini winter wonderland by placing tiny woodland animal figurines and faux snow inside clear plastic or glass jars.

Add a sprinkle of glitter for some sparkle and seal it up—instant snowy magic for your shelves or tables!

14. Felt Christmas Trees

Cut out simple tree shapes from soft-colored felt and layer them to create dimension.

Glue your creations to a stick and onto a base for a gorgeous ornament to dress up any surface!

These trees are easy enough for the kids to join in and make great ornaments or garland pieces.

15. Paper Bag Stars

Who knew paper lunch bags could be so festive?

Stack and glue them in a fan shape, then cut out fun patterns and unfold to reveal gorgeous, oversized stars.

Hang them in a window or over the fireplace for a statement decoration on a budget.

16. Popsicle Stick Sleds

Transform humble popsicle sticks into mini sleds with a little glue, paint, and twine.

These make adorable tree ornaments or gift toppers, and you can personalize them with names or tiny decorations for an extra special touch.

17. Snow Covered Pinecones and Branches

Bring the outdoors in with pinecones and small branches dusted in faux snow (or white paint).

Arrange them in a vase, scatter them on a table, or use them to decorate a wreath.

Whimsical, cozy, and super easy to pull off.

18. Gnome Ornaments

These little gnomes are a festive must!

Make them with yarn tassles and a wooden bead for the nose – glue them to mini terracotta pot.

Their fluffy beards and “hats” make them almost too cute to hang on your tree (but you’ll totally want to!).

19. Tassle Christmas Trees

Use yarn to create tassels, then stack them in graduated sizes to form a tree shape.

Add a little cardboard star and you’ve got a whimsical decoration for your tree – you can even attach them to gift bags for loved ones!

20. Paper Pinecones

Fold some patterned paper into a crinkle shape and use a needle and thread to string them together.

Finish with a bit of twine and a ribbon to create a beautiful ornmanet that can be hung wherever you want!

21. Air Clay Village

Craft a tiny, snowy village using air-dry clay!

Shape little houses, trees, and even a church or two, then paint them white or pastel for a serene, wintery vibe.

They’re perfect for a shelf display or under the tree.

22. Muffin Liner Tree

Who knew muffin liners could be so versatile?

Layer them in different sizes onto a paper cone to create a textured Christmas tree.

Add a ribbon or star at the top, and it’s a cheerful decoration for any corner of your home!

DIY Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Why let all the holiday magic stay inside?

With a few simple supplies, you can transform your yard into a winter wonderland.

DIY outdoor Christmas decorations are an affordable and creative way to spread holiday cheer to your whole neighborhood.

23. Jumbo Letters

Spell out the holiday cheer with oversized cardboard or wood letters!

Paint them in festive colors, add glitter, or wrap them in twine.

Whether you go for “Fa La La” or another holiday phrase, these jumbo letters make a bold statement on your mantle or wall.

24. Pine Branch Gnomes

Turn fresh pine branches into adorable gnomes!

Gather pine branches into a cone shape and decorate with a hat, nose, and little mittens.

These little guys are rustic, charming, and smell amazing too.

25. Pool Noodle Candy Canes

Wrap red and white tape or fabric around a curved pool noodle, and voilà—you’ve got giant candy canes perfect for decorating your porch or yard.

They’re festive, fun, and practically indestructible, making them great for outdoor use.

26. Chinese Lantern Christmas Ornaments

Transform paper lanterns into holiday magic by adding a small metal bucket and wire to the top.

Hang them from your porch or the trees in your yard for a unique and colorful twist on traditional ornaments.

Bonus: they’re lightweight and easy to store for next year!

27. Tire Snowman

Stack a few old tires, paint them white, and decorate them to look like a snowman!

Add a scarf, a carrot nose, and a top hat for a fun and quirky yard decoration.

It’s an upcycling project that’ll get everyone talking.

28. Pinecone and Greenery Topiary Ball

Glue pinecones and greenery onto a foam ball to create a natural-looking topiary.

Hang it from a ribbon or place it in a decorative pot for a timeless holiday decoration.

It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for any space.

29. Tire Christmas Ornament

Repurpose an old tire by painting it and adding festive designs like snowflakes, holly, or Santa’s belt.

It’s a fun way to give a second life to something you already have lying around!

30. Painted Wood Christmas Tree

Cut a wooden board into a Christmas tree shape, then paint it with holiday colors and patterns.

Lean it against your porch or deck for a rustic, handmade touch.

31. Log Reindeer

Use small logs and sticks to assemble a reindeer.

Add a little paint or a red pom-pom for the nose, and you’ve got an adorable woodland decoration.

They’re perfect for your porch, garden, or even indoors next to the tree.

32. Pallet Christmas Tree

Take an old pallet and string lights, ribbons, or ornaments in the shape of a Christmas tree.

You can paint the pallet green or leave it natural for a rustic look.

It’s an easy, budget-friendly decoration that’s big on impact!

Jingle All the DIY Way!

Whether you’re crafting with the kids, adding a touch of whimsy, or sprucing up your yard with DIY cheer, these Christmas decoration ideas are sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

So grab your hot cocoa, turn on the holiday tunes, and let the crafting fun begin!

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Elna is a mom to twins who blogs and writes for a living. She loves all things mom. While she’s not blogging, you can find Elna meal planning, organizing and helping other moms in her Facebook group, Ready Set Blog for Traffic (From Mom to Mompreneur).