Dollar Store Christmas DIY Décor

The holidays can feel overwhelming when you see the price tags on store-bought decorations. I remember walking through aisles of glittering wreaths and ornaments, doing the math in my head, and realizing how quickly it all added up. That’s when I started looking for another way — one that let me enjoy the beauty of Christmas without stretching my budget. A quick stop at the Dollar Store, some simple supplies, and a bit of creativity was all it took to start filling my home with pieces that felt special.

In this collection, you’ll find budget-friendly DIY Christmas décor that looks stylish without the high price tag. There are gnomes that bring a touch of whimsy, wreaths that make a front door feel welcoming, ornaments kids can proudly hang on the tree, and candle holders that add an inviting glow to any room. Each project includes what you’ll need, how much it costs, and how much time to set aside so you can choose the ones that fit your plans.

More than decorations, these crafts are little moments of joy. They’re the kinds of projects where you can sit down with a mug of cocoa, invite your kids or friends to join in, and end up with something that feels like it belongs in your home. Whether you’re decorating your first place, keeping holiday spending in check, or just wanting something handmade, these ideas show that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a beautiful Christmas.

Dollar Store DIY Essentials List

Before you jump into the projects, it helps to know which supplies are worth grabbing when you see them. These basics show up in a lot of Dollar Store crafts, and keeping them on hand means you can start a project without making another trip.

Crafting Basics

• Hot glue sticks and glue guns (sometimes found in the seasonal aisle)
• Mod Podge or generic craft glue
• Scissors and craft knives
• Foam brushes and paint brushes

Seasonal Staples

• Faux greenery and garlands
• Ribbon spools (wired ribbon is especially versatile)
• Clear glass candle holders and vases
• Ornaments (classic balls, mini shapes, and fillable options)
• Holiday figurines and ceramic pieces

Multipurpose Finds

• Mop heads (perfect for gnome beards or rustic textures)
• Popsicle sticks and clothespins
• Wooden signs, plaques, and picture frames
• LED tea lights and string lights
• Twine, jute rope, and raffia

Pro Tips for Shopping

• Shop early in the season — popular items like bottlebrush trees and ribbon go quickly.
• Think outside the box: kitchen towels, mop heads, or storage bins often double as craft supplies.
• If you see something you love, grab extras — stock varies by location and rarely restocks the same way twice.

🛒 Want a ready-to-print version? Download my free Dollar Store Holiday Craft Supply Checklist.

Wreaths

This DIY wreath transforms Dollar Store greenery, ribbons, and ornaments into a festive door decoration that looks high-end. It’s a classic project that proves you don’t need to spend $40+ on a pre-made wreath to get a welcoming holiday entryway. With endless options for bows and accents, it’s easy to personalize. A wreath like this makes your home festive from the very first glance.

• What makes this craft unique? Affordable take on a classic Christmas staple.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? Around $7–10 vs. $30–50 in stores.
• How long will it take start to finish? About 45 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner to intermediate, depending on embellishments.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — swap ribbon and greenery for spring or fall colors.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Perfect for front doors, porches, or indoor walls.

This swag wreath combines rustic farmhouse charm with budget-friendly Dollar Store finds. Using faux greenery, ribbon, and simple accents, you can create a long, draping wreath that feels custom-made. It’s an easy alternative to a traditional round wreath and adds a unique flair to entryways or mantels. This project proves that farmhouse décor doesn’t have to cost farmhouse prices.

• What makes this craft unique? A swag style wreath that feels different from traditional circles.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? About $8–10 compared to $35–50 retail.
• How long will it take start to finish? Roughly 40 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner to intermediate, depending on bow-making skills.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — swap colors and ribbons for fall or spring.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Best on front doors, stair rails, or mantels for a rustic look.

This rustic wreath mixes neutral greenery with farmhouse accents for a timeless holiday look. Made entirely with Dollar Store supplies, it delivers cozy simplicity that works through Christmas and into winter. Easy to personalize with bows or small ornaments, it’s a versatile craft that feels elevated. It’s budget décor that looks like it came straight from a craft fair.

• What makes this craft unique? Neutral tones make it perfect for Christmas and winter décor.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? Around $7–9 to make, vs. $30–45 store-bought.
• How long will it take start to finish? 30–40 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; simple layering and hot glue.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — add floral accents for spring or autumn leaves for fall.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Hang on a door, wall, or above a fireplace.

This candy wreath uses wrapped sweets to create a colorful, edible holiday display. It’s fun, festive, and doubles as décor and treat station in one. Perfect for parties, kids’ rooms, or gifting, it brings whimsy and sweetness to your Christmas setup. The best part? It’s as tasty as it is decorative.

• What makes this craft unique? Doubles as décor and edible treats.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? Around $10–12 to make, vs. $25+ store-bought candy wreaths.
• How long will it take start to finish? About 45 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; simple wrapping and tying.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — swap candy colors for Valentine’s, Easter, or birthdays.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Use on doors for parties, or as a centerpiece for kids’ tables.

Décor Pieces

Skip the mess of frosting and candy with this cardboard gingerbread house craft. It’s a creative way to get the gingerbread look using Dollar Store supplies, paint, and imagination. Perfect for classroom projects, kids’ activities, or long-lasting décor. Plus, these houses can be reused year after year.

• What makes this craft unique? No baking or candy required — long-lasting gingerbread style.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? About $3–5, compared to $15–20 kits.
• How long will it take start to finish? 30–40 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; kid-friendly.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — create pastel “spring cottages” or spooky “haunted houses.”
• How should I decorate with this piece? Display on mantels, shelves, or kids’ play areas.

This candle holder project turns inexpensive glassware and ornaments into elegant holiday lighting. It’s quick, affordable, and instantly elevates your table décor. With the right ribbon or greenery, it can match any style from rustic to glam. A perfect example of how Dollar Store basics can look like boutique pieces.

• What makes this craft unique? Simple glassware becomes elegant holiday lighting.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? $4–6 vs. $15–25 in stores.
• How long will it take start to finish? 15–20 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; very easy.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — swap candles and ribbons for year-round use.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Use as centerpieces, mantel accents, or table settings.

Figures and Characters

This Santa gnome craft turns simple Dollar Store supplies into an adorable holiday character that feels both whimsical and cozy. Using inexpensive felt, a mop head, and a few other basics, you can create a Scandinavian-style décor piece for under $5. It’s a perfect weekend project that looks store-bought but comes together with just a hot glue gun. Gnomes are trending, and this one is both budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.

• What makes this craft unique? It turns a mop head into a trendy Scandinavian gnome.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? About $4–6 to make, compared to $15–20 retail.
• How long will it take start to finish? Around 30 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; glue-and-assemble only.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — swap red for pastel or neutral tones for spring/winter.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Display on a mantel, entryway table, or under the tree for cozy charm.

Bring some cheer to your holiday setup with this cute Dollar Tree elf, made with felt, pom-poms, and Dollar Store basics. It’s an easy-to-assemble project that doubles as a playful decoration for kids’ rooms or holiday tables. With a few tweaks, you can customize it to match your holiday color scheme. Fun, festive, and inexpensive, this elf craft makes decorating a joy.

• What makes this craft unique? It creates a character piece instead of just décor.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? Roughly $3–5 to make, versus $12–15 in stores.
• How long will it take start to finish? About 20–25 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; kid-friendly with supervision.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? With color swaps, could become a spring sprite or Valentine elf.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Place it in kids’ spaces, on bookshelves, or as part of a holiday centerpiece.

This angel craft uses popsicle sticks, paper, and glue to create sweet holiday ornaments. It’s a nostalgic craft that feels classic, making it perfect for kids, classrooms, or Sunday school. Angels can be customized with glitter, colors, or faces for a personal touch. Affordable, easy, and heartfelt — a timeless addition to any holiday tree.

• What makes this craft unique? Brings back nostalgic, handmade holiday traditions.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? $2–3 vs. $8–12 retail.
• How long will it take start to finish? 20–25 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; kid-friendly.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — adapt into fairy crafts for spring/summer.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Hang on trees, garlands, or use in nativity displays.

Ornaments

Turn ordinary clothespins into sparkling snowflakes with this simple craft. Painted and glittered, the finished snowflakes look like boutique-style ornaments or wall décor but cost just a couple of dollars to make. These can be hung on the tree, used in garlands, or styled as gift toppers for a creative finishing touch. The neutral snowflake design also works well beyond Christmas.

• What makes this craft unique? Everyday clothespins become elegant, glittery snowflakes.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? About $2–3 to make, compared to $10+ per pack retail.
• How long will it take start to finish? 20–30 minutes including drying time.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; kids can help with painting and glitter.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — snowflakes can be displayed all winter.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Hang on trees, string into garlands, or use as present toppers.

Turn simple wood slices into rustic ornaments that look hand-crafted and personalized. With paint, stamps, or a wood burner, you can create one-of-a-kind designs that feel nostalgic and natural. These ornaments make wonderful keepsakes or gifts, especially if personalized with names or dates. A perfect blend of budget-friendly and heartfelt.

• What makes this craft unique? Natural wood gives each ornament a custom, rustic look.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? $5–6 for a whole set, vs. $20–30 in stores.
• How long will it take start to finish? 30 minutes plus drying time.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner to intermediate depending on design detail.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — personalize for weddings, birthdays, or fall décor.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Hang on trees, use as gift tags, or string into garlands.

These popsicle stick reindeer ornaments are a playful and kid-friendly Christmas craft. Made with basic supplies like googly eyes and pipe cleaners, they’re inexpensive and fun for the whole family. Each ornament turns out slightly different, adding personality to the tree. It’s an easy way to make memories while decorating.

• What makes this craft unique? Fun, kid-friendly ornament project with lots of personality.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? Around $2–3 per set, vs. $10+ retail ornaments.
• How long will it take start to finish? 20 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; perfect for kids.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Not easily, but can be made into generic woodland animals.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Hang on Christmas trees or attach to wrapped gifts.

These paper ornaments are perfect for Disney lovers looking for a budget-friendly craft. Simple folding and gluing transforms colored paper into adorable Mickey shapes. They’re lightweight, customizable, and easy enough for kids to help with. Add them to your tree or use them as festive gift tags.

• What makes this craft unique? Disney-themed ornaments made entirely from paper.
• How much does it cost to make vs. buy? $1–2 vs. $10+ Disney ornaments.
• How long will it take start to finish? 15–20 minutes.
• What skill-level do I need? Beginner; kid-friendly.
• Can this be adapted to other seasons? Yes — make Minnie, hearts, or seasonal icons.
• How should I decorate with this piece? Add to Christmas trees, garlands, or presents.

Final Thoughts: Dollar Store Christmas DIY Décor

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to cost much. With a few Dollar Store supplies, you can put together projects that are simple, affordable, and easy to make your own.

The real value comes in the process. It might be kids laughing as they glue together popsicle stick ornaments, or the quiet pride of hanging a wreath you made yourself. These moments remind us that holiday décor isn’t about price tags — it’s about creating a home that feels warm and welcoming.

So gather your supplies, set aside an afternoon, and try a project or two. You’ll finish with decorations you’re proud of, memories worth keeping, and proof that Christmas can feel special without spending a lot.