How to Deck the Halls for Less | Christmas on a Budget

It’s the season for decorating and gift-giving but, you don’t have to have a ton of cash to make the most of this holiday. Here are some amazing ideas for celebrating Christmas on a budget. Low cost decorations that look high end, DIY ornaments, and handmade gifts they’ll actually want are all possible. Here are all the tips you need to celebrate Christmas on a budget and make the holidays stress-free and guilt-free.

Budget Boughs of Holly | Christmas on a Budget

There’s nothing better than the smell of fresh pine needles filling your house at Christmas time. However, live wreaths and garlands can get pricey.

Here’s a great tip for getting those evergreens for free! Go to your local hardware store, or wherever you get your Christmas tree and look around the area where they trim and net the trees. Typically, a few of the bottom branches will get cut off of each tree that gets sold so that it can fit in the stand.

These branches usually get collected and set to the side to be thrown away.

You can ask to take these branches and usually, the store is more than happy to give them to you.

Every year, I use these branches to decorate my mantle and make wreaths for my front door.

I made this wreath with branches and pinecones that I got for free. I got the ribbon and the wreath frame (both of which iI will reuse next year) at the dollar tree. That makes the total cost of the wreath $2!

DIY Tree Skirt | Christmas on a Budget

Tree skirts are another item that you can DIY for a fraction of the cost. There are many tutorials for no-sew patterns so you don’t even need a machine or sewing knowledge to make a fabulous skirt.

Look for fabrics that are on sale. Often you can get really cute patterns for a few dollars a yard. I made this skirt with just two yards of fabric.

Here are some of my favorite DIY tree skirts.

This pom pom tree skirt from Design Love Fest. is beyonf adorable.

These no-sew faux sheepskin tree skirt by The Ugly Duckling House and Do It Yourself Divas feel cozy and Christmasy.

Simple Simon and Co has a tutorial for an easy tree skirt with snowflake cutouts.

This ruffle ombre tree skirt from DIY show off is time consuming but looks beautiful and can be made no sew.

The easy fleece tree skirt from 5 Little Monsters looks great!

Here’s a funky retro tree skirt from Melodrama. I love. the way it looks with their white tree.

If your into quilting, try this tree skirt from Suzy Quilts.

DIY Ornaments | Christmas on a Budget

There’s something extra special about a homemade ornament. Here are some beautiful ornaments that you can handmake. And yes, they are a huge step up from the popsicle stick sleds you made in kindergarten (no offense to 4 years old you.)

Felt Ornaments

The tutorial for the felt and fabric ornament, shown above, can be found here. You can also see how I made a state ornament in faux gold leather.

I love these adorable Christmas light ornaments Oh Yay Studio, the felt State ornaments from the American Patriette, these pretty felt lanterns from Better Homes and Garden, and the geometric ones from Mommy Made That. Unusually Lovely has a really fun felt and bead doughnut tutorial and Fun Thrifty Mom made really pretty felt trees.

Paper Ornaments

Paper & Stitch’s pretty marbled ornaments can be made 3 ways. These metalic papercut ornaments from Lia Griffith are gorgeous.

Painted Ornaments

These painted glass bulb ornaments from Alice and Lois and Kaleidoscope Living are super stunning. The first is a pretty marbled bulb and the second is a really fun a colorful coloorblocked style bulb.

Handmade Gifts (That They’ll Actually Want)

My family has had the tradition for a few years now that every Christmas gift we give has to be free, cheap, or homemade. It has made Christmas gift-giving more fun, thoughtful, and a whole lot more affordable.

There are so many amazing DYS out there that fit every budget and skill level. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

For the Jewelry Lover

Abstract geometric earrings are my favorite thing right now. They look great and can be made using so many different materials. Iii am loving this brass and tassel version from Joytstic. Leather is the primary material for. Make and Tell and Practical and Pretty‘s tutorials. Pretty Life Girls did a wooden version, Sarah Maker used polymer clay, and Lia Griffith used shrink plastic.

If you’re looking for something fun and festive, try these Christmas Wreath Earrings.For the Jewelry Lover