There’s something about decorating for Christmas that just makes people feel happy, maybe it’s the twinkling lights, the warmth of fireplace and the nostalgia that each ornament conjures up. Whatever it is, just pulling out the boxes that keep the decor safe throughout the rest of the year stirs excitement in the hearts of kids and adults alike.
Our collection of Christmas decorations has been built up over the years. Some were made, some were bought but all that hang in our house represent a feeling of joy, warmth and sparkle of the season.
This year, when it came time to add to our collection I didn’t want to spend a lot. We’ve had a hard year financially with me not working a normal job, my husband’s company selling his department and all my son’s medical issues.
After checking out the collection of Christmas decor and everyday items at Dollar General, I knew we would be able to find inexpensive Christmas decorations and deck the halls with sparkle for less. Not only that, but it would give me a chance to spend some one-on-one time crafting with my daughter, which we haven’t had the chance to do in a while. I hope you enjoy our finds and projects below.
10 Ideas For Christmas Decor On A Budget
Salt & Pepper Bud Vases
I’ll start with one of my favorite projects. I turned normal salt and pepper shakers from Dollar General into mini bud vases. I’m sort of kicking myself for not taking a before photo because these looked like something you would find on the table of a restaurant. Now, I think they look like something you would find at a high-end décor store, probably selling for $10 each.
To make them, I simply removed the caps, spray painted them white, added some natural twine that we already had and voila! I love the natural, rustic look and the best part about these is that they can be used during all seasons. I can just picture some wildflowers in these when it’s spring.
As I said, these are mini so I bought three packages (just $3) and made six of them. I love the way they looked lined up on the window sill. My husband often gets on my case about being so detailed, but I believe the details make life special.
Clothespin card holders/Picture frameThis was something really simple, but something that I needed. A few years ago, I made this Christmas card holder with an old frame, spray paint and chicken wire. However, over the years I’ve lost the clothes pins that actually attach the photos to the wire. I found a large bag of clothes pins at Dollar General, spray painted them and had brand new Christmas card holders.
Enamel-painted wine glasses
This is something I had never done before. When I found nice, thick wine glasses at Dollar General, I decided to give it a try.
To paint the wine glasses, I cleaned them with water and soap then used rubbing alcohol to get the surface nice and clean.
I then used an enamel paint. You can use an acrylic but it is more likely to wash off. I free-handed the poinsettia design and used a pencil on the dotted design. My daughter insisted on painting one too. She is a born crafter so the second I broke out the paint I knew she would want to help. If you have kids five and up, I would say this is a great craft for them. You can use regular glasses and let them design whatever they want. She wants to make a dot one next. 🙂
I tried to keep the paint away from the edges of the glasses because it is more likely to flake the more it meets a pair of lips.
We haven’t baked them yet, but this is the last step for this craft. Set your oven to 350 degrees, bake them for 20 minutes, then turn the oven off and let them cool inside the oven for 10 more minutes.
Gift wrap and boxes
These items were fantastic finds at Dollar General. Sometimes buying wrapping paper, boxes and bags can feel like I’m buying people another gift. It’s always so expensive! However, I was able to find these items at Dollar General this year for less. The cute boxes are perfect for gift cards and small accessories and they were much less expensive than other stores. The tins will be just right for giving gifts to the kids’ teachers. I also love that I was able to find metallic wrapping paper, which is always the most expensive at other stores.
Wooden nutcrackers
These guys were another great find! When my husband saw them he asked where I bought them. I told him Dollar General and he was shocked. These Nutcrackers are wood and they are great quality!
I love that they had Nutcrackers in multiple sizes and look like something you would have found in a historic home. They look gorgeous sitting on the kitchen counter. The kitchen is always one room that doesn’t really get decorated for Christmas but these are perfect for that area since they are technically a tool for food. (I wouldn’t use these ones to crack nuts though. Maybe they can – I haven’t tried – but these feel more decorative to me.)
Golden vase
The vase was once just a clear, regular vase. Now I feel like it’s a statement piece. Using enamel paint again I painted the inside of the vase with a brush. You have to make sure to use a lot of paint so that the vase doesn’t look streaky. After it dried I simply added some greenery (some from Dollar General and some I had) and tested it out in different locations. Since it is glass, I settled on mixing it in with some of our other glass décor – out of the reach of tiny, destructive fingers.
I really love the way this turned out and I wasn’t sure that I would originally because I was having trouble with the streaks. Once I was past that (I added more paint) it was smooth sailing and only took about 10 minutes. Let it dry overnight. I didn’t bake this and I’m not planning to since the greenery is fake and I won’t be adding water.
It’s a gorgeous color and even though it’s more of a sleek piece, it still fits in well with all the other décor.
Ornaments for less
One of my favorite ways to decorate a table or a tray is to simply put ornaments around. Ornaments add so much and it’s so simple to do. I found so many varieties at Dollar General. My favorites are always the ones with some sparkles because I’m convinced the whole world would be happier with a little more sparkle.
Tissue paper hurricane candle holder
I don’t remember the first time I did a project like this. College maybe? But then I did something similar with bud vases for my grandma one year for Mother’s Day. I have to say I really love the way this hurricane candle holder turned out.
This was a plain hurricane vase when I found it at Dollar General, but I used a simple technique and turned it into a holiday showpiece. And, my daughter helped with this one too.
Steps:
- Simply take pieces of tissue paper (you can use multi-colored paper if you want) and tear it into random pieces about an inch big.
- Use clear glue, or glue that dries clear, and paint that on the side of the vase, layer the tissue paper on the vase in random patterns. Feel free to overlap it as much as you want.
- Go over the entire thing with another layer of glue.
- Let dry overnight.
This is similar to a Modge Podge effect but glue is something that most people have on hand. I tied twine around it again and we added a battery operated candle on the inside. During the day it looks like a beautiful, textured vase. When we turn the candle on, you can see all the different patterns of the tissue paper from the light on the inside and it looks gorgeous!
Picture frame serving tray
Last, but not least, I always feel like I never have enough ways to present or serve things during the holidays, specifically for appetizers and desserts. I made this simple serving tray with a picture frame from Dollar General, spray paint, wrapping paper and those wooden spools that we randomly had.
Steps:
- Take the whole frame apart and spray paint the frame. My frame was already white but I wanted a new, even coat. Then, I used a glitter spray paint to add a little detail.
- Remove the piece on the back of the frame that helps it to stand and discard.
- Use the back of the frame to trace out a piece of wrapping paper. I used the metallic paper from Dollar General.
- Super glue the glass back into the frame. Once it is dry add your wrapping paper and frame backing.
- Super glue the wooden spools, or whatever you want to use as legs, onto the bottom
- Flip it over and use!
This should not go in the dishwasher though so keep that in mind when you decide what to showcase on it. To clean it simply wipe down the surface with a damp cloth.
I love the idea of using this as a way to present fruit and nuts for dessert, or to leave out on the counter for people to snack on. It’s also great for cookies, brownies and other sweets.
So, how do you think you could create more for less when it comes to holiday decorating? Do you have any great finds you discovered at Dollar General for everyday use of crafting? Tell me below!
For more holiday joy, check out this inexpensive, do-it-yourself advent calendar with 25 ideas for family fun.
Those crafts and items are so much fun for the holidays. I especially liked the bud glasses and painted wine glasses that were so festive.
Those crafts and items are so much fun for the holidays. I love decorating for the holidays and doing it for less is always a winning thing.
All looks great, I love the little vases!
That’s all so pretty! And it’s really nice that you didn’t have to spend so much on these! It’s also so much fun to do that!
These are all really great crafts and they are super budget friendly and easy to do. I love how it all turned out. Already pinned a few for next year,
Love these – especially the serving tray and the salt and pepper shaker vases – soo clever and adorable. Going to try those this weekend!
I love the salt and pepper bud vase. Cute all year round. And the picture frame serving tray is awesome! Such a great idea.
Decking the halls can get expensive fast. I love all your budget friendly ideas.
Those salt and pepper bud vases were genius! I would love to have them in all my windows with little sprigs of rosemary.
I really like the idea of the salt and pepper bud vases! How creative! They’re festive without being too gaudy and “Santa’s Workshop-y”
I have no words to say..Really great post..The wine glass looks amazing!
You are a creative genius!! Love how you’ve repurposed everything – looks elegant and put together. Appreciate the inspiration and instruction💗👍🏼
You picked up such incredible holiday finds, I especially love those glasses! I so wish we had a Dollar General near us!
I absolutely love all these cute and adorable Christmas decoration ideas! It’s wonderful that they are all low cost and affordable.
Crafts and decorating are always fun to do, especially during the holidays. And if it can be done and save a dollar or 2, then I’m all for it!
I am all about doing everything for less, especially Holiday decor! I am loving the painted wine glasses! I think I shuld grab some glasses from the Dollar Tree and just have a glass painting day with some friend!
I love all of them! They are beautiful and simple! The candle holder is my favorite!
I am in love with the Salt & Pepper Bud Vases – they are so cute! I’m going to have to try painting a few glasses. I didn’t know that you could set the paint by baking them.
What cute affordable ideas! I especially love that holiday card frame, it’s such a great idea!
The salt and pepper shakers are super cute. It’s amazing how you can use things in multiple ways. All of these are just great craft ideas.
I like the wine glasses. Those look like they would be great for a girls holiday party. Fun to make and fun to take home! Thanks for the ideas!
I love Salt & Pepper Bud Vases idea! They look lovely. I think we don’t need to buy new decorations every year. Just good quality so that it lasts. It’s hard though. I hope 2018 is a better year for you.
If you had not mentioned that those were salt and pepper holders, I would honestly have thought that they were some high-end decor. They fit perfectly so well with the wild pine and look amazing on the window sill, Your creativity is so original and brilliant.
I absolutely LOVE decorating for the Holidays! These are all such great ideas. I love the golden vase idea, so pretty!!
I really like all of these ideas! I think they’re perfect for the holidays and it just goes to show that you don’t have to spend much to make your home look beautiful this season!
We don’t have a Dollar General around here unfortunately. I love these awesome DIY Christmas projects!
Such great ideas! I especially love using gift boxes, they look so pretty and it’s less hassle! The salt and pepper jars are great too!
Love that cute little tray stand you made! It’s adorable! Great DIY projects
These are excellent ideas for decorating on a budget and I love that gold vase you painted! The salt and pepper shakers as vases is also an excellent idea!
You just gave me an awesome idea. I’ve got a rosemary bush outside in my garden and I’m going to take a few sprigs and put them in my salt and pepper shakers!! woohoo – scrore!
You outdid yourself with these sparkly, fifty crafty items. I love the effort and creative skill that went into the work. I’ll take those glasses. Fabulous!
Such cute and elegant ideas. Love those golden vases and the nutcrackers!
I love the clothes pin idea and the vase, thanks for some great ideas.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to create fabulous holiday decor. It looks like you got very crafty and created so many festive goodies. I’ve always preferred homemade holiday decor over the premade stuff you can buy.
Oh my gosh, really like all of your wonderful ideas! I don’t like to spend a lot of money on decorating for the holidays because then the following year I want to try new things.
The items came out looking amazing, this is what I call ballin on a budget.
I love that you can find all these decorating components at your local Dollar General. We live in a rural area, and I don’t like driving all the way to the big city for every holiday purchase. My favorite idea is your painted white tray!
Those are super cute! I love the idea of being able to get all holly jolly without breaking the bank.
My living room and maybe the extra surfaces in my kitchen could use some holiday accents this year. I really like the look of those bud vases!
These are all great ideas! I’m constantly spending WAY too much money on Christmas decor! Need to check out Dollar Tree–no Dollar General nearby! Thanks for sharing the ideas! 🙂
I totally agree with you RE: sparkles. It’s just not the holidays without glitter! haha. My favorite idea here is the salt and pepper “vases” for the tree trimmings. So sweet and you can keep them out all winter!
I love making crafts for the holidays. Something refreshing and new every year. The painted wine glasses are so beautiful!
I love the idea of getting everything decorated on a budget! I have a tight budget that I need to follow and I LOVE to decorate! You have some great ideas here!
OH these are gorgeous! I love all of these ideas and how doable, and creative they are!
These are such fantastic ideas. My favorites are the salt and pepper shaker vases. I’m definitely going to look for some at my dollar store so I can make them too.
I love all of these ideas. I’m such a fan of the holidays, and I’m always on a budget. I love decorating my home for the holidays though.
These look like a great ideas. I struggle to stay within my budget sometimes, so I’m booking marking this to try.
I love all these ideas, especially the little trees! Everything looks so nice, not budget at all!
These are all great ideas. My favorite would have to be the bud vases. Such an inexpensive decorative touch that can be used year round.
I 💗💗💗 the painted glasses! I’ll have to do this with my girls, they will love it!
These are all great ideas on decorating for Christmas on a budget! Thanks for this!!
I really love all these projects! They all look gorgeous!
I’ve done the painted wine glasses before and you’re right! It added such a cute Christmas vibe to our living room without spending a ton of money.
Love your ideas! Dollar General is awesome! So many options are a great price!
These are all awesome ideas! The holidays can add up so fast and it’s nice to have inexpensive ideas for decorating. These don’t cost a lot and they would be fun to make, too.
Such simple pretty ideas! I love the white bottles with the sprigs in them!
They are all great ideas, my favorite? The painted glasses x
Oh my, evrything looks so pretty! I wish I had more decorating skills when it came to the holidays. Going to take some of your tips.
Oh my gosh! You are so creative! The serving tray from a picture frame was brilliant. I love all of them.
Such lovely and budget-friendly ideas! Most of my Christmas decorations, I’ve acquired over many years, so I don’t really need more – but many of my faves are vintage pieces I’ve found along the way at thrift stores and such. So fun! Esp. my Christmas mug collection!!!
Wow thanks for all the awesome tips!! We always make a Dollar General run for every holiday 😁
I love the look of having fresh greens around the house. It really does add so much festiveness to the home.
Yes to this! I love being able to save money to decorate my house!
I love all of these ideas! I am totally doing the pine sprigs in the window. Such a simple but beautiful statement.
This is perfect since I will be hosting Christmas this year for the first time. Thanks!
These are all such cute ideas! I especially love the beautiful salt and pepper shaker bud vases. I’m not super crafty but I think I could manage those.
Pomanders are one of my favorite inexpensive ways to decorate and even to give as gifts. This is a fantastic resource for the holidays.
Would be fun to do a girls night and make those painted wine glasses! They are cute and would be awesome gifts also.
I always find stuff at the dollar store. I’m not big on buying new decor every year so these are great ideas.