35 Cheap Christmas Decor Ideas for When Money is Tight

35 Cheap Christmas Decor Ideas

Here’s a list of budget-friendly ideas for adding holiday charm to your home. Pick your favorites or try them all for a festive look that doesn’t break the bank!

1. Clip Natural Elements from Your Yard

If you’ve got a little green space (a sprawling yard or even a small suburban postage-stamp-sized yard) nature provides some of the best (and most affordable) holiday decor.

When it’s possible (this has often depended on which house we lived at), I love clipping branches of cedar, pine, or even holly to bring a fresh, natural touch inside. Whether it’s a simple centerpiece or tucked into wreaths and garlands, adding greenery from the yard makes my home feel cozy and festive.

2. Dollar Store Decor

Okay, I’ll admit it, not everything at the dollar store is worth buying and I don’t go there often. But I’ve definitely scored some hidden gems!

I love looking for simple decor like ribbons, gift boxes, and plain greenery that can be transformed with a little creativity. When you approach it with the right mindset, you can find budget-friendly pieces that still look high-end.

3. Decorate with Wrapped Gifts

Even though I don’t love the actual act of wrapping presents, coordinating each year’s gift wrap with my color scheme or holiday theme adds instant festive charm when the presents are under the tree.

4. Festive Pillows & Throws

A quick and easy way to inject a little Christmas cheer into your space is by swapping out your pillows and throws.

I tend to go for cozy, winter textures like cable knits, faux furs, and plaid patterns. It’s a simple change, but it adds a lot of warmth and holiday spirit to the living room.

Bonus: If you use removable throw pillow covers, you won’t have to store the entire pillow, just the cover, and your pillow will last way longer and be more comfortable this way!

5. Sheets or Fabric as Tree Skirts

If you’re looking to save a little money on your tree skirt, try using a sheet instead. You can even repurpose an old (clean, duh!) sheet you have lying around, and it gives your tree a soft, classic look. I love using white or cream-colored sheets, but if you have a vintage sheet with a fun pattern, that can work too!

6. Set up a Hot Cocoa/Coffee Bar

For me, the holidays are all about comfort, and what’s more comforting than a cup of cocoa or coffee (or a combo – a mocha)? If I have space on a counter or table, I love setting up a simple hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and a few mugs. It’s a cozy way to serve treats for guests (or for myself!).

7. Paper Snowflakes

I’ve always loved the idea of bringing in a little simple DIY magic to my Christmas decor, and paper snowflakes are one of my favorite crafts. I used to make them as a kid at school, and now I make them with my own kids. They’re a fun, simple way to add texture and whimsy to your home. Plus, it’s a perfect activity for a quiet afternoon in front of a Christmas movie.

8. Floating Candles with Greenery

I love the peaceful ambiance that candles bring to my home, especially during the holidays. Floating candles in glass jars are one of my favorite ways to create a soft, warm glow on a holiday table. A simple jar of water, cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary can transform a space. It’s all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

9. Gingerbread House

Building a gingerbread house has been a holiday tradition in my home off and on for years. It’s fun, creative, and doesn’t have to be expensive (although it’s almost always mess)! Plus, they make for adorable holiday decor once they’re all set up!

You can even make purely decorative gingerbread houses from scratch using cardboard (with a little white glue for icing) if you’re on a super tight budget.

10. Ornaments in a Bowl

This one is simple but always makes such an impact. I love placing a handful of colored Christmas balls in a clear bowl, vase or dough bowl. It’s an easy way to add color and texture to any surface, like a coffee table or a sideboard.

11. DIY Ornaments

Homemade ornaments are one of my favorite ways to personalize the tree and add a little heart to my holiday decor. Whether it’s salt dough ornaments, pine cones with ribbon, or photo ornaments, these little touches make the tree feel extra special. Try these DIY Rustic Textured Christmas Ball Ornaments by the DIY Mommy for a beautiful custom look on a budget.

12. Affordable Ball Ornaments

If you’re in need of affordable ornaments, clear plastic balls are a great option. You can fill them with anything you like (glitter, mini ornaments, dried flower) whatever fits your style. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to add a unique touch to your tree.

13. Ribbon Accents

I didn’t always go for bows, but now I love using bows and ribbon throughout my decor. You can find ribbons on sale at craft stores, or you might even have some leftover from gift wrapping! I use them on the tree, around candle holders, or even on wreaths. It’s a subtle way to add texture and color to the space.

Tip: I love to use ribbon to affordably change my Christmas decor color schemes from time to time.

14. String Lights Everywhere

String lights are my go-to for making everything feel a little more magical during the holidays and after when the nights stretch long and dark. Add twinkling to the tree, draped along mantels and banisters, or tucked into shelves. String lights create a festive, warm glow that makes my whole home feel cozy.

15. Merry Christmas Banner

I’m a sucker for a cheerful “Merry Christmas” banner hanging somewhere in the house. A couple of favorite banner locations are above the fireplace or across a wall. A banner is an easy way to welcome the season. I love making my own or grabbing a cute printable from the internet for a quick, budget-friendly option.

Bonus: Use one of my two free printable banner letter sets.

• Free Printable Banner Letters • For the Holidays or Every Day!
• Free Printable Banner Letters for Every Occasion

16. Pine Cones as Ornaments

I like to get a little crafty with pine cones for Christmas decor. They’re free, and with just a little string or ribbon, they make the perfect ornaments for the tree. Sometimes I even spray them with fake snow for an extra wintery touch!

17. Dried Orange Garland

Dried oranges are one of my favorite holiday crafts! They smell amazing when they’re fresh, and they’re super affordable. I’ll string them together for garlands or use them as ornaments on the tree. Either way, they bring a rustic yet elegant touch to the decor.

18. Advent Cards

One of the simple touches I’ve come to love at this time of year are Advent activity or scripture cards. I’ll hang them on the mantel or clip them to twine for a fun, interactive way to count down to Christmas. It’s a lovely way to keep the focus on the meaning of the season while adding some vintage charm to my space.

19. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a simple DIY that can be treasured for years. I made ours a long time ago, and they’re still going strong! They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and they hold a lot of sentimental value. Plus, they make my tree feel extra special every year.

20. Pom-Pom Garlands

I have a thing for pom-poms…they add such a playful, cozy vibe to holiday decor. I love to string them into garlands and drape them across mantels, the tree, or even stair rails. It’s a simple craft that looks festive and fun!

21. DIY Snow Globes

Snow globes are a sweet addition to holiday decor, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. I use mason jars and fill them with faux snow, little figurines, and even some holiday-themed buttons or beads. It’s a lovely craft to do with the kids, and the results are magical!

22. Repurpose Old Sweaters as Pillow Covers

I love the idea of giving old sweaters a second life during the holidays. If you’ve got sweaters in cozy textures or holiday colors lying around, they make the perfect material for custom pillow covers. Just cut the fabric to fit your pillows, and use fabric glue or a quick stitch to seal the edges. It’s an affordable way to bring some extra warmth and comfort into my home, plus it’s a great way to repurpose something I already have!

23. Use Holiday-Themed Printables for Art

For overall decor and budget-friendliness, I love holiday-themed printables. They’re easy, affordable, and instantly bring a festive vibe to any room. There are so many gorgeous free or low-cost downloads online, so I just print them on my home printer and pop them into frames I already have. Voilà! Instant holiday wall art that looks like it cost a lot more than it actually did!

24. Holiday TV Art

If you haven’t tried this yet, you need to! I love turning my TV into a holiday display with a cozy fireplace scene, snowy landscapes, or even a holiday movie playing as the screensaver. It’s such an easy, no-cost way to add instant holiday magic to the room, and it gives everything a warm, festive feel. It’s one of those simple hacks that makes a big impact. For more inspiration, check out my post on TV Art!

25. Holiday Jar or Bowl Displays

Mason jars are a holiday staple in my home. I love filling them with tiny winter scenes: things like mini trees, pine cones, or faux snow (I use Epsom salts!). I scatter these jars around my home, on shelves, tables, or mantels, for a sweet, handmade touch that adds cozy winter vibes to every corner.

26. Make a Popcorn Garland

A popcorn garland is such a fun, nostalgic way to decorate. I love the idea of sitting down with the kids, popping some popcorn, and then stringing it together with a needle and thread. It’s so simple, but it always adds that charming, homespun feel to the tree, mantel, or even the banister. It’s an easy, affordable way to bring that classic holiday spirit home.

27. Create “Snowy” Mason Jars

These snowy mason jars are one of my favorite DIY holiday projects. I coat the outside of the jars with a bit of glue or Mod Podge and then sprinkle on Epsom salt for a frosty, snowy effect. When I place a tea light inside, the glow creates a cozy winter wonderland effect that’s just magical.

28. Gather and Display Old Christmas Cards

I know so many family members and friends who repurpose old Christmas cards from previous years. They use them as part of their holiday decor by displaying them in a wreath shape, on a string, or just scattered around the house. It’s a sentimental touch that adds a pop of color to the space and brings back fond memories of holidays past.

29. DIY Fabric Ribbon Accents

I absolutely love fabric ribbons during the holidays! I take inexpensive fabric strips (from leftover holiday fabric, old plaid shirts, or muslin) and tie them around planters, candle holders, or even on the tree. It’s such an easy way to add warmth and texture to the decor. Plus, you can customize the colors or patterns to match whatever your style is for the season.

30. Make Cinnamon Stick Bundles

Cinnamon sticks bring both warmth and scent to my holiday home. I tie them into small bundles with twine and tuck them into the tree, wreaths, or even make little centerpieces. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to add a festive touch, and the scent is just heavenly!

31. DIY Star Ornaments from Twigs

I love the rustic charm of twig ornaments. Simply collect a few twigs from the yard and glue or tie them together to create star shapes. Whether you paint them white for a wintry look or leave them natural for a rustic vibe, these twigs make such simple, beautiful ornaments. It’s an easy way to add some handmade goodness to the tree!

32. Use Kraft Paper for Wrapping and Decor

I’m a big fan of kraft paper because it’s cheap, versatile, and perfect for creating a simple, rustic holiday look. I use it for wrapping presents, but also as a base for decorations. I love personalizing it with stamps, twine, greenery, or even some of those twig star ornaments we just talked about. It’s a great way to keep things cohesive under the tree and adds a charming, homemade touch.

33. DIY Holiday-Themed Candles with Washi Tape

This is a quick and easy tricks to give ordinary candles a festive upgrade. To make them just take candles you already have and wrap them with colorful, holiday-themed washi tape. It adds a fun pop of color and is totally customizable for whatever look you’re going for this year.

34. Make a DIY Scent Spray

When I want to bring that holiday scent into my home without buying expensive candles, I make my own room spray. I mix cinnamon and peppermint essential oils with a bit of water in a spray bottle. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to make my home smell like the holidays!

35. Hang Stockings as Wall Art

No fireplace? No problem! I love hanging stockings on a blank wall or staircase using command hooks. Sometimes I arrange them in a fun pattern, or other times I hang them on different levels for a playful touch. It’s such an easy, no-fuss way to add holiday cheer, and you don’t need a mantel to do it.

FAQs

More Christmas Decorating Ideas

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• How My Christmas Decorating Style Evolved
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