Looking to deck the halls without breaking the bank? Dollar store Christmas crafts are a perfect solution for creating festive holiday décor that’s easy, affordable, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re decorating your tree, creating heartfelt gifts, or sprucing up your table for holiday dinners, these DIY projects prove that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Below, we’ve rounded up 20 brilliant Christmas crafts using dollar store supplies — all simple enough for beginners and charming enough to impress your guests. Let the crafting begin!
Ornaments & Tree Décor
1. Rustic Twine Ball Ornaments
All you need are plastic ornament balls, twine, and hot glue. Wrap the twine tightly around the ball to create a farmhouse-inspired look. Add berries, faux greenery, or small charms for a festive finish.
These ornaments add a cozy, homespun touch to any Christmas tree and work beautifully in farmhouse or rustic décor themes. You can experiment with natural twine or opt for red and white baker’s twine for a more festive spin. Consider grouping a few together in a decorative bowl for a charming table centerpiece as well.
2. Painted Wood Slice Ornaments
Dollar stores often carry wood slices or you can make your own. Paint them with snowflakes, holiday messages, or even family names. Tie with twine or ribbon for a natural, rustic touch.
Wood slices are incredibly versatile and offer a natural canvas for all kinds of designs, from elegant calligraphy to whimsical snowmen. For an added layer of texture, try using metallic markers or wood-burning tools. These ornaments also make wonderful personalized gifts or stocking stuffers.
3. Clear Ornament Filler Ideas
Grab some clear plastic ornaments and get creative with fillers—think mini trees, glitter, fake snow, or colored confetti. These make great personalized decorations and are fun to make with kids. You can also spell out names using stickers for a custom family tree.
This project is ideal for letting kids flex their creativity, as they can choose their own colors and themes for each ornament. Add layers of colored sand, feathers, or even tiny scrolls with holiday wishes. They’re great for gift exchanges too—just personalize each one with a name or initial.
4. Mini Gift Box Ornaments
Wrap tiny cardboard boxes in metallic wrapping paper or washi tape. Add a hook or ribbon loop to hang on the tree. It’s a charming way to add color and volume to your branches.
You can use recycled jewelry boxes or even repurpose small matchboxes for this craft. Add mini bows or glittery stickers to enhance the festive flair. These ornaments can double as holders for small surprises like candy or holiday messages.
Wall Art & Signs
5. Framed Christmas Countdown
Use a cheap picture frame and insert a printable Christmas countdown calendar. Write on the glass with a dry-erase marker to update the days. This interactive décor is fun for the whole family!
Switch up the background with festive scrapbook paper or gift wrap for a fresh look every year. You can even turn this into a family tradition by including a daily treat or activity idea behind each number. It adds excitement and structure to the holiday season, especially for kids.
6. DIY “Merry” or “Joy” Wall Sign
Find wooden letters or foam cutouts and paint them in festive hues. Mount them on a canvas or glue them to cardboard covered in wrapping paper. Add embellishments like holly leaves, bells, or ribbon.
This is a perfect craft to match your color scheme—use metallic paints for glam, or distressed chalk paints for vintage charm. You can also turn the letters into a freestanding centerpiece for your mantel or shelf. Don’t forget to seal it with Mod Podge to make it last year after year.
7. Light-Up Snowflake Art
Stick foam snowflakes on poster board and thread battery-powered fairy lights around them. The end result is a glowing, wintry piece of wall décor. It doubles as a gentle night light or mantel accent.
This project brings a magical glow to dark winter evenings and works well as an accent piece in a child’s bedroom or hallway. Try mixing in different snowflake sizes or painting them with glitter for extra sparkle. The battery lights make it safe and easy to use anywhere in the home.
Tabletop & Shelf Décor
8. Snowy Mason Jar Lanterns
Brush Mod Podge onto mason jars and sprinkle with Epsom salt to mimic snow. Add LED tealights inside for a soft wintery glow. Tie a ribbon or jingle bell around the top for extra charm.
These glowing jars also make lovely gifts when bundled in pairs or threes. Try varying jar sizes and heights to create dimension on your table or mantel. You can even place them along your walkway for a welcoming outdoor luminary display.
9. Mini Christmas Village Scene
Assemble a magical winter village using dollar store figurines, fake snow, and mini trees inside a tray or shallow box. Layer with cotton batting for snow and add fairy lights to bring it to life. This nostalgic display fits perfectly on shelves or entryway tables.
Consider adding small mirrors as faux ice ponds or painting the edges of the tray for a polished look. With a few battery-powered lights and some DIY signage, your tiny town will become a captivating holiday feature. It’s an easy project to build on year after year by adding new elements.
10. Candy Cane Candle Holders
Glue candy canes around glass votive holders, tying them off with a satin ribbon. The red-and-white pattern adds instant holiday cheer. Perfect for centerpieces or fireplace mantels.
For extra stability, glue the candy canes onto a strip of cardboard before attaching them to the votive holder. Add glitter or a touch of artificial snow to elevate the look. These also make charming hostess gifts when paired with a holiday-scented candle.
11. Christmas Terrarium
Fill a glass vase or bowl with a mix of ornaments, pinecones, faux snow, and tiny gifts. Choose a color theme for cohesion—gold and green, red and silver, or rustic neutrals. It’s a stylish centerpiece that can be refreshed each year.
Switch up the contents for a new look every season—try gold deer figurines or vintage mini ornaments. Add battery-operated lights for a gentle glow that brings the whole arrangement to life. Display it on a coffee table or buffet to instantly elevate your holiday décor.
Gift Ideas & Wrapping
12. DIY Hot Cocoa Gift Jars
Layer cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and chocolate chips in a small jar. Decorate the lid with wrapping paper and ribbon. These adorable gifts are perfect for teachers, coworkers, and neighbors.
Layer the ingredients carefully for a beautiful striped effect that looks just as good as it tastes. Include a tag with instructions and maybe even a mini spoon or candy cane stirrer. These are great to have on hand for last-minute gifting emergencies.
13. Handmade Gift Tags
Cut cardstock into shapes and decorate with stamps, glitter glue, or washi tape. Personalize with names and festive doodles. A small detail that makes any gift feel special.
Add a hole punch and thread a ribbon or twine through the top for an elegant touch. You can even create a theme by matching your tags to your wrapping paper. It’s a great way to use up craft scraps while giving your gifts a custom look.
14. Mini Spa Gift Sets
Assemble spa goodies like loofahs, bath bombs, and lip balm in a cute dollar store tin. Add a handwritten tag and wrap with cellophane. It’s a thoughtful, pampering gift without the high-end price.
Throw in extras like a holiday-scented candle or homemade sugar scrub for added luxury. These kits are easy to personalize depending on the recipient—think lavender for relaxation or peppermint for holiday zing. Wrap it all in a festive kitchen towel or basket for an elevated presentation.
Wreaths & Door Décor
15. Ornament Wreath
Use a wire wreath frame or a bent hanger as the base. Glue or thread on dollar store ornaments in layers, mixing matte, shiny, and glitter finishes. This glamorous wreath looks like it came from a boutique!
Use a hot glue gun or twist ornaments onto a sturdy wire base to ensure long-lasting hold. Group colors together for a color-block effect or scatter them randomly for a whimsical mix. You can make it in any color scheme to match your existing décor, from classic red and gold to chic silver and blue.
16. Buffalo Plaid Bow Wreath
Wrap a foam ring with buffalo plaid ribbon and accent it with faux greenery or berries. Add a big bow on top or bottom for rustic elegance. It’s a cozy, country-chic statement for your front door.
This timeless design works from Christmas through winter, making it a versatile investment of time and supplies. You can even attach a wood sign in the center with a festive phrase like “Welcome” or “Let it Snow.” Hang it indoors or out to add a rustic touch to any space.
17. Candy Cane Door Hanger
Hot glue candy canes into a heart or wreath shape, alternating direction for symmetry. Add ribbon and a festive sign or bell in the center. It’s whimsical and easy for kids to help make too.
Use oversized candy canes or foam cutouts for an even bolder door statement. Spray with sealant to help them last longer, especially if placed outdoors. This playful project is great for involving children and makes a fun classroom or nursing home gift too.
Fun & Festive Extras
18. Christmas Gnome from Mop Head
Use a dollar store mop head for the beard, a stuffed sock or foam cone for the body, and add a felt hat. Glue on a wooden bead or pom-pom nose to finish it. These trendy gnomes look store-bought but cost under $5 to make.
Add a twist by using patterned fabric for the hat or including a themed accessory like a tiny present or mini candy cane. These gnomes are adorable when clustered together on a mantle or porch. You can even create a “family” of gnomes with varying sizes and hat colors.
19. DIY Holiday Garland
Cut out felt trees, stars, or gingerbread men and string them on twine. Add pom-poms or mini ornaments in between for extra flair. This garland looks great on mantels, banisters, or across windows.
Layer multiple garlands for a fuller, more festive look, or alternate colors for a candy cane-inspired theme. Hot glue sparkly embellishments or letters to spell festive words like “JOY” or “NOEL.” Use it year after year by carefully storing it between tissue layers.
20. Santa Hat Chair Covers
Sew or glue red felt into triangle-shaped chair covers. Add a white band and pom-pom at the top for a festive finishing touch. A simple way to turn everyday dining into a holiday celebration.
Add glittery names or monograms to personalize each cover for your family or guests. You can also tuck a little treat or candy cane into the pom-pom as a fun surprise. These festive additions instantly make your dining space feel merry and inviting.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and a few dollars, you can craft stunning Christmas decorations and gifts that rival anything you’d find in stores. Whether you’re creating memories with your kids or just indulging your crafty side, these dollar store Christmas projects are budget-friendly and big on cheer.
Which one will you try first? Share your creations with us and don’t forget to pin this guide for later!