I love decorating for Christmas, but I don’t love the cost that can come with it. Here are more than 22 beautiful Christmas decorating ideas on a budget that won’t break the bank.
Decorating for Christmas on a budget can be fun and creative. Here are some ideas to help you get into the holiday spirit without overspending:
- DIY Ornaments: Make your own ornaments using paper, salt dough, old cards, or simple craft materials.
- Natural Decor: Gather pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches from your yard or a local park for rustic, free décor.
- Thrift Stores: Look for second-hand decorations, ornaments, dishes, and wreaths at thrift stores.
- String Lights: Choose energy-efficient LED lights that last longer and cost less to run.
- Paper Snowflakes: Simple, classic, and inexpensive decorations for windows or walls.
- Homemade Wreaths: Create wreaths using twigs, pine branches, burlap, or ribbon.
- Repurpose Items: Turn mason jars, vases, frames, and other items you already own into Christmas décor.
- Printables: Use free or inexpensive Christmas printables for banners, table décor, or wall art.
- Holiday Potpourri: Simmer cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, and cloves for a festive scent.
- Ribbons and Bows: Use ribbon to decorate packages, wreaths, stair rails, and more.
- Budget Table Settings: Use inexpensive cloth napkins, candles, or handmade table runners.
- Refresh Old Decor: Paint or embellish decorations from previous years to give them new life.
- Candles: Use candles in jars or holders to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
- DIY Stockings: Make stockings from fabric scraps or old sweaters.
- Holiday Music & Movies: Set a festive mood with free or low-cost entertainment.
- Swap With Friends: Exchange décor items with friends or family for a free refresh.
- Outdoor Natural Decor: Use pine garlands, branches, or DIY jar luminaries outside.
- Holiday Crafts: Involve the family in creating homemade decorations.
Where to Shop on a Budget
Look for decorations at thrift stores, discount retailers, dollar stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces. Craft stores are great for DIY materials. You can also sell items you no longer need to offset costs.
Buy Decor on Facebook Marketplace or at Flea Markets
Facebook Marketplace and flea markets are excellent for budget-friendly Christmas décor like candle holders, nativity sets, ornaments, plaid blankets, and Santa mugs. You can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of retail prices.
Buy Faux Garland and Real Garland
Purchase faux garland during after-Christmas clearance sales or off-season sales. Real garland can often be found affordably at stores like Home Depot, Trader Joe’s, and Costco. Many places will also give away tree clippings for free.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Decor for the Kitchen
Use items you already have: holiday dishware, mugs, towels, or red and green accents. Hang a wreath, use bowls of citrus as a centerpiece, or create dried-orange ornaments for a festive scent.
Budget-Friendly Bedroom Christmas Decor
Swap pillowcases for holiday-themed ones or use inexpensive throws. Add string lights, candles, small ornaments, or a simple tree. Flip quilts or blankets to a neutral side to change the look without buying anything new.
Outdoor Christmas Decor on a Budget
Use free greenery, pinecones, and evergreen branches to decorate porches, railings, and entryways. Choose LED lights to save on electricity. Fill planters with greenery or small trees.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Front Porch Decor
Add a simple wreath, seasonal planters, a holiday welcome mat, old sleds, crates, or DIY jar luminaries. Ice votives can be made for free using water and items found outdoors.
Make Your Own Wreaths
DIY wreaths are inexpensive and customizable. You can make large outdoor wreaths or refresh old ones simply by changing ribbon or adding new picks. Live garland can also be found cheaply during the season.
Get Creative With Your Wrapping
Switch up your wrapping paper yearly by buying clearance rolls or affordable options at discount stores. Use decorative gift tags, vinyl lettering, greenery, bells, or small ornaments to add charm.
Make Your Own Ornaments
DIY ornaments can save money and allow you to change color themes affordably. Examples include nail-polish marbled ornaments or nature-based ornaments like star-shaped pinecones.
Think Outside the Box
Look for baskets, crates, boxes, or vintage containers to use instead of a traditional tree skirt or collar. Vintage books, crates, ribbons, or wrapped books can add color and charm.
Use Vintage Ornaments and Heirlooms
Vintage ornaments are beautiful and meaningful. Display them in bowls, jars, centerpieces, wreaths, or on trees. Flea markets often have affordable vintage ornaments that make easy décor.
Use Free Christmas Printables
Printables are a great way to add décor for free—gift tags, wall art, banners, labels, or framed prints.
Common Questions About Decorating on a Budget
1. Cost-effective alternatives to a traditional tree?
Use a small potted evergreen, create a wall tree using lights, or decorate a ladder.
2. How to make ornaments?
Salt dough, paper crafts, pinecones, painted old ornaments, or other DIY methods.
3. Where to find affordable décor?
Thrift stores, dollar stores, flea markets, garage sales, online marketplaces.
4. Eco-friendly ideas?
Use natural elements, upcycle old items, and choose LED lights.
5. How to create a festive atmosphere cheaply?
Use candles, ribbon, music, movies, table settings, and swap décor with family or friends.
6. Budget-friendly DIY wreaths?
Use branches, twigs, pine, or refresh old wreaths with new accents.
7. How to save on lighting?
Use LED string lights, timers, fewer lights, or solar options.
8. What to do with old holiday cards?
Turn them into ornaments, gift tags, or garlands.
9. Affordable centerpiece ideas?
Candles in jars, bowls of ornaments or pinecones, or DIY runners.
10. Budget-friendly outdoor décor?
Use pine garlands, pinecones, wreaths, jar luminaries, or ice votives.
11. How to involve the family?
Hold craft sessions to make ornaments, snowflakes, or painted décor.