21 DIY Dollar Store Christmas Decoration Ideas

The holidays don’t have to break the bank when you’ve got creativity and a dollar store nearby. These budget-friendly projects prove you can create stunning Christmas decor for just a few dollars each.

From sparkling centerpieces to cozy mantel displays, each idea uses simple supplies you’ll find at your local dollar store. Whether you’re crafting solo or making it a family activity, these projects are easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests. Grab your glue gun and let’s get decorating!

1. Mason Jar Snow Globes with Miniature Trees

Turn ordinary mason jars into miniature winter wonderlands that pack serious nostalgic charm. Drop in vintage-style figurines—carolers, snowmen, bottle brush trees—then add fake snow and Epsom salt for that fresh-snowfall sparkle. Seal them up and you’ve got instant holiday magic trapped in glass.

The beauty is in the imperfection: slightly weathered jars with zinc lids feel authentically vintage. Cluster them on mantels, shelves, or as a dining table centerpiece alongside red wooden beads and retro ornament boxes. They’re ridiculously simple to make, endlessly customizable, and capture that cozy, handmade Christmas feeling perfectly. Pure cottage-core holiday vibes.

2. Wine Glass Candle Holders Turned Upside Down with Ornaments Underneath

This clever trick uses inexpensive wine glasses as candle pedestals. Place a small ornament or decoration under the upside-down glass, then set a tea light or votive candle on the base. The glass acts as a protective dome while showcasing your ornament underneath. You can cluster several of these together in different heights for a stunning centerpiece.

Try using red and gold ornaments for a classic look, or go with silver and blue for a winter wonderland vibe. The candlelight reflects beautifully off the glass and makes the whole display glow.

3. Dollar Store Dish Towels Turned into Decorative Pillows

Festive kitchen towels become cute throw pillows with minimal sewing. Fold a dish towel in half with the design facing out. Sew or hot glue three sides closed, leaving one short end open. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill, an old pillow, or even plastic bags.

Sew or glue the opening shut. For a no-sew version, use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape. These quick pillows add holiday cheer to your couch or bed. Since dish towels are already the perfect size and come in countless cute designs, you can make several pillows for the cost of one store-bought decorative pillow.

4. DIY Snow-Covered Pinecone Centerpieces with White Paint

Collect pinecones from your yard or buy a bag at the dollar store. Dip the tips of each pinecone in white acrylic paint to create a snowy effect, or go all out and paint them completely white. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on some glitter for extra sparkle.

Let them dry on wax paper. Arrange the finished pinecones in a large bowl or on a cake stand with some battery-operated fairy lights tucked between them. Add a few sprigs of artificial greenery if you want. The white-tipped pinecones look like they’ve been dusted with fresh snow.

5. Glitter Mason Jars as Tea Light Holders

Give plain mason jars a sparkly upgrade for holding candles. Brush the outside of each jar with mod podge or white glue. While it’s still wet, sprinkle glitter generously over the glue, rotating the jar to cover all sides. Tap off the excess glitter and let the jar dry completely. You might want to seal it with a clear acrylic spray to prevent glitter from shedding.

Drop battery-operated tea lights inside since real flames and glitter don’t mix safely. Line these sparkly jars along a windowsill, down the center of your table, or on stairs leading up to your front door.

6. Glass Vases Filled with Ornament Balls

Buy clear glass vases in various heights and you may spray paint them in metallic colors like gold, silver, or copper. Let them dry completely outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Once dry, fill each vase with coordinating ornament balls.

The painted vases add elegance while the shiny ornaments catch the light beautifully. Group three vases together in different heights for maximum impact on your mantel or dining table. This simple arrangement looks sophisticated and pulls together your whole color scheme. You can even add some greenery or ribbon around the top for extra flair.

7. Candy Cane Sleighs Made from Glued Candy Canes

These adorable sleighs use candy canes as runners and a candy bar as the seat. Start by hot gluing two candy canes parallel to each other with the curved parts facing up and pointing the same direction. Glue a full-size candy bar across the top of the candy canes.

Then stack and glue more candy bars or small wrapped treats on top to look like presents. Tie the whole thing together with a festive ribbon bow. These make sweet place settings for your holiday table or cute gifts for neighbors and teachers. They’re almost too cute to eat!

8. Christmas Tree Made from Stacked Green Books

Stack books in decreasing sizes to create a tree shape, with the largest at the bottom and smallest on top. Spray paint the entire stack green and let it dry thoroughly. You can paint or choose the spines or the edges, depending on how you want to display it.

Once dry, decorate with a small star on top and add ribbon, garland, or small ornaments between the layers. This literary tree is perfect for book lovers and adds a quirky touch to your holiday decor. Place it on a side table or bookshelf where it can be admired up close.

9. Glitter Ornament Garland

This isn’t your standard mantel garland—it’s a full-blown statement piece dripping with glamour. Glossy hot pink ornaments steal the show against frosted evergreen, while oversized blush hydrangeas and metallic gold magnolia leaves add unexpected elegance. Cascading white beaded strands fall like frozen icicles, creating serious drama.

Champagne-toned ribbon weaves through the arrangement, catching light at every angle. The mix of shiny, matte, and glittered textures keeps your eye moving. It’s opulent without being stuffy, festive without being traditional. Perfect for mantels or doorways where you want people to stop mid-conversation and stare. Unapologetically extra.

10. Ribbon Christmas Trees on Canvas or Foam Cones

Make textured trees using ribbon and foam cones. Start at the bottom of the cone and hot glue the end of your ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the cone at a slight angle, overlapping each row just a bit. Keep wrapping and gluing as you work your way up to the top.

When you reach the peak, trim the ribbon and glue down the end. You can use one ribbon type or alternate between several coordinating ribbons for a striped effect. Add a star on top and maybe some small embellishments. These ribbon trees are soft to touch and add lovely texture to your holiday decor.

11. DIY Advent Calendar Using Small Boxes or Paper Bags

Pick up small boxes, envelopes, or gift bags and number them one through twenty-five using stickers, stamps, or markers. Arrange them on a poster board, attach them to a string with clothespins, or display them in a basket. Fill each container with small treats, inspirational quotes, or activity ideas for each day leading up to Christmas.

Kids love the anticipation of opening a new surprise each morning. You can make this as simple or elaborate as you want, decorating each package with washi tape, ribbon, or holiday stickers to make it extra special.

12. Frosted Candle Holders with Epsom Salt Glue

Create faux frosted glass by coating dollar store votive holders with glue and Epsom salt. Paint a layer of white craft glue around the outside of each candle holder. While the glue is still wet, roll the holder in Epsom salt or sprinkle the salt over the glued surface. Make sure to cover it completely for that icy, frosted look. Let them dry overnight.

The Epsom salt crystals catch the light beautifully when you put candles inside. Line several of these along your mantel or down the center of your dining table for a winter wonderland effect.

13. Festive Lanterns Filled with Ornaments and Fairy Lights

Dollar store lanterns become magical when you fill them with shiny ornaments and twinkling lights. Remove the glass or open the door of the lantern and string battery-operated fairy lights inside first. Then carefully add small ornaments around the lights, letting them nestle between the bulbs.

You can also add some artificial snow, small pinecones, or sprigs of greenery. The lights will shine through the ornaments and create a beautiful glow. Place these on your porch, your entryway table, or even as a centerpiece. They look especially pretty when it gets dark outside.

14. Dollar Store Stocking Holders Decorated with Paint and Glitter

Basic stocking holders get a festive makeover with just paint and glitter. Start by cleaning the holders and letting them dry. Paint them with acrylic paint in your chosen holiday colors – try classic red and green, elegant gold and silver, or crisp white. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the areas you want to sparkle.

Let everything dry completely before handling. You can also add small embellishments like rhinestones, bells, or ribbon bows. These upgraded stocking holders look custom-made but cost just a fraction of the fancy ones at specialty stores.

15. Christmas Centerpiece with Candles, Greenery, and Berries

Build a classic centerpiece using a tray or large platter as your base. Arrange three pillar candles of varying heights down the center. Tuck artificial greenery around the candles, letting it drape naturally over the edges of your tray.

Add sprigs of red berries throughout the greenery for pops of color. Sprinkle in some pinecones or small ornaments if you want more texture. You can also wrap ribbon around the candles or add a bow to one side. This timeless arrangement works for both casual family dinners and fancy holiday parties, and the supplies are all from the dollar store.

16. Ornament Chandelier Hanging from Embroidery Hoop

Create a stunning hanging display using an embroidery hoop and fishing line or clear thread. Cut various lengths of line and tie ornaments to each piece, making sure they hang at different heights. Attach these strings around the embroidery hoop, spacing them evenly.

The ornaments should hang down like a cascade, with some shorter and some longer. Tie four longer pieces of ribbon to the hoop at equal intervals and bring them together at the top to hang. This works beautifully over a table or in a window where it can spin and catch the light from all angles.

17. Painted Wooden Letters Spelling “JOY” or “NOEL”

Pick up wooden letters at the dollar store and give them a festive makeover. Sand them lightly if they’re rough, then paint each letter in holiday colors. You could do all one color, alternate colors, or even paint each letter in ombré shades.

Once the paint dries, add details like polka dots, stripes, or glitter accents. You can also wrap them with twine or ribbon, or glue on small embellishments like bells or holly. Display your finished letters on the mantel, on floating shelves, or as part of a larger tablescape. They add a cheerful message to any room.

18. Gift Box Towers Stacked and Decorated with Bows

Stack wrapped boxes in graduating sizes to create decorative towers. Start with the largest box at the bottom and stack smaller ones on top, securing them with double-sided tape or glue dots. Wrap each box in coordinating papers – try patterns like plaid, polka dots, and solids that work together. Top each tower with a big fluffy bow.

These faux gift stacks look festive under the tree, flanking your fireplace, or on either side of your front door. The best part is they’re completely reusable year after year, and all the supplies come from the dollar store.

19. Cinnamon Scented Pinecones in Decorative Bowls

Make your home smell like Christmas by scenting pinecones with cinnamon. Mix ground cinnamon with a bit of cinnamon essential oil if you have it, or just use the ground spice. Place pinecones in a plastic bag, add the cinnamon mixture, and shake well to coat them. Let them sit in the sealed bag overnight to absorb the scent.

Display the scented pinecones in decorative bowls around your home. Place them on the coffee table, bathroom counter, or entryway. They look pretty and make every room smell warm and spicy. Refresh the scent every few weeks by adding more cinnamon.

20. Mini Christmas Trees in Painted Terracotta Pots

Small artificial trees get an upgrade when planted in decorated pots. Buy mini terracotta pots and paint them in festive colors or patterns. You could do classic red with white polka dots, gold with glitter accents, or paint them to look like snowmen or Santa.

Let the paint dry completely. Place a small piece of floral foam in each pot and push the stem of a mini tree into it. Cover the foam with artificial snow, white felt, or moss. These little trees are perfect for lining a mantel, creating a mini forest on a table, or giving as gifts.

21. Festive Door Hanger Made from Pizza Pan and Ornaments

A silver pizza pan becomes the base for a unique wreath alternative. Hot glue ornaments around the rim of the pan, covering the edge completely. Mix different sizes and finishes for interest, and fill in any gaps with smaller ornaments. Leave the center open or fill it with a large bow, a seasonal sign, or more ornaments.

Attach a ribbon to the top for hanging. The shiny pan reflects light and the three-dimensional ornaments create depth. This door hanger is lightweight, won’t damage your door, and definitely makes a statement when guests arrive at your home.

22. Wooden Bead Garland with Painted Christmas Colors

Create farmhouse-style garland using wooden beads and paint. Buy a package of large wooden beads and paint them in alternating Christmas colors – red and white, green and gold, or whatever matches your decor. Let them dry completely.

String the painted beads onto thick twine or jute rope, knotting between each bead if you want them spaced out, or sliding them close together for a fuller look. Tie knots or add tassels at each end. Drape your beaded garland across the mantel, around a mirror, or along a shelf. The wooden beads add rustic charm and work with almost any decorating style.