10 holiday decorations you can make for under $5

Holiday decorations don’t have to drain your wallet to make your space feel festive. With a little creativity and a few supplies from the dollar store or craft aisle, you can pull together decorations that look thoughtful without spending more than five bucks. The key is working with materials that are easy to find and versatile enough to use in different ways. These ideas are all budget-friendly, straightforward to make, and guaranteed to bring seasonal warmth to your home.

Mason Jar Snow Globes

All you need is a clean jar, a bit of fake snow or cotton, and a small figurine. Hot glue the figurine to the lid, sprinkle snow inside, and screw it shut. If you add glitter and water, you can make it a true snow globe.

These are great because they use jars you may already have on hand, and the supplies cost very little. Place them on mantels or side tables for an instant winter touch.

Paper Snowflakes

Grab some printer paper or coffee filters, fold them into triangles, and snip out shapes with scissors. When unfolded, each one looks different, making them fun to create with kids. Tape them to windows, string them together, or scatter them across your table.

This project costs next to nothing but adds a lot of charm. If you want them sturdier, use cardstock. You can also sprinkle a little glitter on them if you don’t mind a light cleanup afterward.

Pinecone Ornaments

If you live near pine trees, you can collect cones for free. Tie twine or ribbon to the top and brush the edges with white paint or glue and glitter to mimic snow. They’re lightweight enough to hang on your tree.

You can also fill a bowl with them for a centerpiece. Pinecones are naturally sturdy, so they’ll last through the season and can be reused in future years.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough, roll it out, and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Bake them until they harden, then paint or decorate them with markers. Add a hole at the top before baking for ribbon or string.

These ornaments are durable and personal—you can even press in handprints or write names. A whole batch costs under a dollar to make, and they’ll become keepsakes for years to come.

Garland from Popcorn and Cranberries

Thread a needle with strong string and alternate popcorn kernels with cranberries. The result is a classic garland that looks great on trees, mantels, or stair railings.

It’s inexpensive and festive, though it takes a little patience to string. The contrast of white popcorn and bright red cranberries adds color without needing pricey materials.

Cinnamon Stick Bundles

Tie three or four cinnamon sticks together with twine or ribbon, and tuck in a sprig of greenery if you have it. These bundles smell wonderful and can be used as ornaments, napkin holders, or small table accents.

You can often find cinnamon sticks at discount stores, and a single pack makes several bundles. It’s a budget project that adds both fragrance and charm to your decorations.

Painted Pine Branches

Snip a few small evergreen branches and dip the tips in white paint to mimic snow. Arrange them in a jar, vase, or even a tin can wrapped in paper. The greenery instantly feels seasonal and costs next to nothing.

If you don’t have access to pine branches, many tree lots give them away for free as trimming scraps. A light spray of silver or gold paint can make them even more festive.

Paper Chain Garland

Cut strips of colored paper, loop them into circles, and tape or glue them together into a chain. This timeless decoration can be as long or short as you like, depending on how much paper you have.

It’s a fun, budget-friendly project for kids and adds a nostalgic touch to your holiday décor. Use red and green construction paper for a classic look or mix in metallic paper for more sparkle.

Jar Candle Holders

Rinse out glass jars and wrap them with ribbon, twine, or strips of burlap. Place a tealight candle inside—battery-operated ones work best for safety. The glow through the glass creates a cozy effect.

You can also decorate the outside with paint pens or stick-on snowflake decals. Since jars are free and tealights cost very little, this project stays well under budget.

DIY Wreath from Dollar Store Finds

Grab a wire hanger and bend it into a circle, or buy a foam wreath form at the dollar store. Add faux greenery, ribbon, or ornaments—all inexpensive items you can usually find for a dollar or two.

With under five dollars, you can create a wreath that looks polished enough for your front door. The best part is you can update it each year with new accents while keeping the base.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.