28 Cheap Christmas Decor Ideas (That Look Anything But Cheap!)
Between the gifts, the food, and that one neighbor who insists on turning their front yard into a Hallmark movie set, your budget might already be whimpering.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home look merry and magical.
I’ve been there—standing in the holiday aisle, clutching overpriced ornaments and questioning my life choices. So, I decided to get creative.
And guess what? Some of the best Christmas decor ideas I’ve ever tried were cheap, easy, and honestly more charming than store-bought stuff.
So grab your cocoa, my festive friend—here are 28 cheap Christmas decor ideas that’ll make your space sparkle without breaking the bank.
1. DIY Dried Orange Garland
If you’ve never made a dried orange garland, you’re missing out. Slice oranges thin, bake them at low heat until they’re crisp, and string them together with twine.
It’s simple, smells amazing, and gives that old-world Christmas charm everyone secretly loves.
2. Mason Jar Snow Globes
Grab a few empty mason jars (we all have some hiding in a cabinet somewhere), fake snow, and mini trees or figurines.
Glue your scene inside the lid, flip the jar, and ta-da—adorable snow globes on a budget.
3. Popcorn Garland (Because Nostalgia Never Fails)
Remember stringing popcorn as a kid? Bring that back! It’s cheap, cozy, and makes you feel like you’re living in a Norman Rockwell painting.
4. Paper Snowflakes for Windows
White printer paper + scissors = instant magic. Hang paper snowflakes in your windows or on walls.
Bonus: it’s an easy kids’ activity if you need to keep little hands busy.
5. Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores are goldmines in December. You can find vintage ornaments, candleholders, and even old sleds for a few bucks.
Ever wondered why old decorations look so classy? Because they were built to last, that’s why.
6. Pinecones Everywhere
Pinecones are free, beautiful, and so versatile. Toss them in a bowl, add glitter for sparkle, or tie them to a garland. They’re basically nature’s ornaments.
7. Wrapping Paper Wall Art
Wrap a few empty picture frames or cardboard squares in pretty wrapping paper and hang them on the wall. It’s festive, cheap, and surprisingly chic.
8. Candle Cluster Centerpieces
Group a few candles on a tray with some pine branches and ornaments. Instant warmth, minimal effort.
Just keep an eye on the flames—no one wants a “lit” Christmas dinner literally.
9. Dollar Store Magic
Never underestimate the Dollar Store. Grab ribbons, ornaments, and faux snow, and mix them with what you already own. Trust me—no one will know the difference.
10. Repurpose Old Christmas Cards
Cut out pretty designs from old cards and hang them as mini ornaments or garland. It’s sentimental and sustainable.
11. Rustic Branch Tree
If you’re short on space (or cash), grab some sticks or branches from your yard, arrange them in a vase, and hang ornaments.
It’s minimalist, trendy, and basically free.
12. DIY Advent Calendar
Use small paper bags, envelopes, or tiny boxes. Fill them with treats or notes and hang them on string with clothespins. It’s budget-friendly and full of heart.
13. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Bundle a few cinnamon sticks with twine and tuck them into wreaths, garlands, or on the table. They smell heavenly and scream cozy Christmas vibes.
14. Twinkle Light Magic
Lights are everything. Drape fairy lights over mirrors, shelves, or doorways.
The trick? Use warm white bulbs for that cozy glow instead of bright white ones that feel like a dentist’s office.
15. Festive Throw Pillow Covers
Instead of buying new pillows, grab a few cheap Christmas-themed pillow covers. Swap them out after the holidays—no storage nightmares required.
16. Candy Cane Vase Fillers
Got a clear vase? Fill it with candy canes or peppermints. Boom—instant festive centerpiece. Just try not to eat them all before Christmas (guilty).
17. Greenery from the Backyard
Snip some pine branches, eucalyptus, or cedar, and use them to fill vases or decorate mantels. It’s literally free decor, and it smells incredible.
18. DIY Ornaments
Use salt dough, old fabric scraps, or even cinnamon dough to make your own ornaments. Get creative with shapes and patterns.
It’s cheaper and more personal than store-bought ones.
19. Frame Holiday Printables
Print free Christmas art or quotes online, pop them in a frame, and—voilà—instant wall decor. Swap them out each year for a new look.
20. Cozy Blanket Ladder Display
If you have a wooden ladder (or can thrift one), drape it with cozy plaid blankets and twinkling lights.
It screams rustic Christmas cabin—without the actual cabin price tag.
21. Ribbon-Wrapped Stair Rails
Buy a spool of red velvet ribbon and wrap it around your stair banister. Add a few bows and greenery, and you’ve just turned your staircase into a festive focal point.
22. DIY Wreath
Grab a wire hanger, bend it into a circle, and attach greenery, ornaments, or ribbons. You’ll have a custom Christmas wreath for under $10—and bragging rights.
23. Hot Cocoa Station
Set up a cute tray with mugs, cocoa packets, candy canes, and mini marshmallows. It looks adorable and doubles as a sweet treat station.
24. Gift Boxes as Decor
Wrap empty boxes with festive paper and stack them under the tree or by the fireplace. It adds instant holiday volume—no actual gifts required (shhh).
25. Window Garland with Lights
Hang a strand of greenery (real or faux) across your window and weave in string lights. It’s cozy, classic, and way cheaper than fancy drapery decor.
26. DIY Snowy Mason Jars
Brush mason jars with glue, roll them in Epsom salt, and pop a tealight inside. They look like frosted snow lanterns—and cost basically nothing.
27. Upcycled Sweater Stockings
Have an old sweater? Cut and sew it into a stocking shape. Cozy, creative, and you’ll never see another one exactly like it.
28. Minimalist Tree Alternative
If a full-sized tree isn’t in the budget (or space), hang string lights in a triangular shape on your wall and decorate with ornaments.
It’s modern, unique, and oh-so budget-friendly.
Bonus Tip: Less Is More
You don’t need every inch of your house dripping in tinsel. Sometimes, a few well-placed pieces—like a beautiful wreath and some warm lighting—make a bigger impact than a cluttered holiday explosion. Keep it simple, intentional, and cozy.
Personal Pro Tip
One year, I challenged myself to decorate with only what I already had (plus a $20 budget). I mixed dried oranges, twine, old ornaments, and fairy lights.
And you know what? My friends said it was my best decor ever. Moral of the story: creativity > cash. Always.
Quick Recap
Here’s your cheat sheet for cheap Christmas decor ideas that actually look amazing:
- DIY dried orange garland and cinnamon stick accents for warmth.
- Mason jar magic—snow globes, lanterns, or frosted jars.
- Reuse & repurpose: old cards, thrift finds, wrapping paper.
- Fairy lights everywhere for cozy glow.
- Greenery and pinecones straight from nature.
- Simple DIYs like wreaths, ornaments, and garlands.
Final Thoughts
Christmas decorating doesn’t have to equal financial chaos. It’s about creating memories, not maxing out your credit card. With these 28 cheap Christmas decor ideas, you can transform your home into a festive wonderland using creativity, resourcefulness, and a little sparkle.
