Learn how to make DIY recycled Christmas decorations that are not only are budget friendly, they’re easy! Get over 35 unique decor ideas.
If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know how much we love recycled crafts (and recycled crafts for kids)! It’s always a fun challenge to see what you can make out of garbage, in my humble opinion. Especially when it comes to the holidays!
I’ve been making lots of homemade Christmas decorations this year, and I’ve been trying to do them on a budget. Because honestly? I want to save money. And right now there’s a lot of garbage around here.
By that I don’t mean actual dirt or junk; I mean shipping BOXES from Christmas gifts! My guess is that you did a lot of online ordering this year just like I did. And with that comes a lot of packaging including the cardboard shipping boxes.
Before the holiday is even over you’ve got stacks of cardboard, greeting cards, wrapping paper scraps, metal tins, and a whole bunch of other stuff that at one time housed a gift or goodies.
Don’t throw it in the garbage. OR the recycling bin. Not before you take a look at this list of DIY recycled Christmas decorations that you can make with all of it!
Yes, I’ve put together a list of all sorts of Christmas decor you can make with free stuff around your home that would otherwise be tossed out. The surfaces range from paper to cans to glass bottles, and there’s something for everyone!
Whether you want to make ornaments or something to decorate your Christmas mantel, there are some great projects on this list. What’d I’d love for you to do is take a peek at them and let me know what you think!
Even if you’re a beginning crafter, you’ll find a project you want to tackle in this list. I promise! Leave me a comment letting me know what you decide. Merry Christmas and happy crafting!
1
Night Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
Don’t throw away burned out night light bulbs. Turn them into light bulb Christmas ornaments with Mod Podge and glitter!
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2
Steve Carrell
Recycled Christmas Candle Holders Look Like Trees
Recycle glass soda bottles into these fun and modern Christmas candle holders made to look like trees! SO easy to make and customize.
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3
www.hallmarkchannel.com
DIY Yarn Embellished Cardboard Trees
Shocked that cardboard can be attractive Christmas decor? I love these cardboard trees! The yarn gives them a Scandinavian vibe.
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4
Steve Carrell
Christmas Apothecary Jars on a Budget!
Create DIY Christmas apothecary jars to hold holiday candy using recyclables and dollar store supplies! This holiday craft is easy and budget friendly.
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5
Recycled Christmas Tree Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for recycled holiday projects, this Christmas tree craft using recycled toilet paper rolls is so fun! Kids will love it.
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6
Steve Carrell
Santa Napkin Rings for Your Christmas Table
These Santa napkin rings will look so cute on your Christmas dinner table! Make these Christmas napkin rings with inexpensive supplies including toilet paper rolls – perfect for beginners.
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7
Vanessa Brady
DIY Recycled Snow Globe
All you need is a few craft supplies and 15 minutes to make this recycled snow globe! Super easy to customize with craft clubs or kids.
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8
pagingsupermom.com
Christmas Village from Recycled Boxes
If you want to make a cute Christmas village for the holidays, raid your recycling bin! Aimee used a variety of papers and supplies, and even has printable windows if you need to use them.
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9
cottageatthecrossroads.com
Rake Christmas Tree
Grab a broken rake or a used find from the thrift store along with some paint and bottle caps. This is the cutest alternative tree project I've ever seen!
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10
creativelybeth.com
Recycled Tin Can Snowmen for Christmas
Something I always have excess of in the recycles is tin cans. Especially when I eat soup during the winter! Use the cans to make the cutest snowmen in various sizes.
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11
This Kids’ Christmas Photo Frame Is a Wreath
Learn how to make a Christmas photo frame using puzzle pieces. Such a fun kids’ craft for the holidays, and it looks like a wreath when finished.
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12
Claire Alexander
Rustic Christmas Tree From Old Lampshades
Upcycle some old lampshade frames into a unique wire rustic Christmas tree. Leave it bare for that industrial look, or go mad with decorations for a Boho feel.
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13
sustainmycrafthabit.com
Pickle Jar Christmas Terrarium
Turn an empty glass pickle jar into an adorable Christmas terrarium perfect for displaying your holiday blessings.
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14
refreshliving.us
Upcycled Santa Coffee Can Craft
This cute Santa display is perfect either indoors or out! All you need is an empty coffee can, an old belt, and some paint and glitter. It works well for a Christmas centerpiece.
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15
Family Photo Ornaments Made with Crystal Pendants
Learn how to make pretty family photo ornaments using crystal pendants from a chandelier! Perfect for Christmas holiday decor, a wedding, or baby gift idea.
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16
Steve Carrell
Unique Christmas Centerpiece Made from Bottles
Learn how to make this unique Christmas centerpiece using recycled bottles and Christmas ornaments! So cute and whimsical – like something out of Whoville!
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17
stowandtellu.com
Lighted Tuna Can Christmas Tree
Make a lighted tuna can Christmas tree with tuna or chicken cans, a piece of scrap wood and flickering flameless tealights.
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18
miabellapassion.blogspot.com
DIY Tin Can Christmas Wreath
I've never seen tin cans used in this way, and I love it! Think about the Christmas wreaths you can make with tomato paste or tuna cans too . . . this concept is really cool.
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19
theminismallholder.com
Christmas Stars from Old Paper
Christmas stars can be used in a variety of ways! You can decorate the tree, hang them on the banister, or even hang them from walls and doorways. I love that there are so many options. Use old books, road maps, or sheet music!
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20
organized31.com
Recycled Laundry Scoop Christmas Decor
Wondering what to do with recycled laundry scoops? You can make this lovely upcycled craft for Christmas decor or tree decorations.
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21
plaidonline.com
Holiday Christmas Cat House
This hand-crafted, cardboard cat house is the puuurrrfect gift for your special fur baby! Recycle the boxes from your online orders to create a cozy haven for your favorite cat.
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22
victoriaelizabethbarnes.com
DIY Giant Glitter Snowflakes
Sometimes all you need is a bit of cardboard and some glitter! You'd have no idea that the base for these beautiful snowflakes came from the recycle bin.
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23
littleredwindow.com
Tiny Cardboard Gingerbread Houses
Make your own adorable tiny cardboard gingerbread houses from recycled materials! They're so charming and easy to make.
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24
www.hellowonderful.co
Christmas Recycled Bottle Planters
This Christmas recycled bottle planters craft is a fun holiday craft for kids that also makes a wonderful handmade gift for the home!
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25
www.homestoriesatoz.com
DIY Oversized Porch Ornaments
I often see lighting fixtures at the Goodwill and at thrift stores! Use them along with tin cans to make some pretty cool porch ornaments that light up at night.
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26
countrydesignstyle.com
Christmas Tree from Old Spindles
This is a true case of trash to treasure! I love that these spindles were saved from the garbage and turned into a Christmas tree.
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27
diycandy.com
Stocking from Pajamas Pants
This easy DIY Christmas stocking was made from an old pair of fleece pants. You can sew it in less than an hour! So colorful on the mantel.
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28
nourishandnestle.com
DIY Gingerbread Man Candles
Learn how to make gingerbread scented candles from upcycled Starbucks Frappuccino bottles. Not only are they great for handmade gifts, but they are perfect for decorating.
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29
Leslie Manlapig
Milk Jug Santa Claus
Turning a milk jug into a Santa is something I never would've thought of! Wondering if there's a way to turn these into cute lanterns . . .
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30
www.goldencarers.com
Recycled Magazine Christmas Trees
This cute little magazine page Christmas tree is such a fun idea. Plus you can make several with one magazine! Don't be afraid to paint these; there are a lot of options.
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31
Decoupage Wine Bottle Christmas Craft
Use Mod Podge and wrapping paper to create this unique wine bottle Christmas craft! This is the perfect budget friendly project for the holidays.
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32
petticoatjunktion.com
DIY Christmas Tree from Vintage Hardware
This DIY Christmas tree idea using reclaimed hardware is genius! You can typically find hardware like this in giveaway bins, at the Goodwill, or even around your own home.
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33
Rhinestone Christmas Ornaments with Sparkle
These rhinestone Christmas ornaments use can lids (but you’d never know it!), and they look blingy and fabulous on my tree! So easy to make.
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34
Christmas Poinsettia Canvas Craft for Kids
This easy Christmas craft for kids will be a cute addition to your holiday decor! Families can make this poinsettia canvas together.
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35
mypoppet.com.au
Cereal Box Christmas Trees
Cereal boxes are an underrated craft supply! Learn how to use them to make trees, along with some paint and pom poms.
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If you liked these Christmas decorations from recycled materials, I’d love for you to check out these other posts:
- Advent Calendar Ideas to Countdown Christmas
- Dollar Tree Christmas Crafts for Gifts or Decor
- DIY Christmas Signs for a Holiday Home
- Free Rustic Themed Christmas Printables
- Christmas Door Decor for Your Holiday Home