As the holidays draw near, the pressure to buy increases exponentially. Not only is it traditional to buy gifts, but also festive decor, trees, tree ornaments, candy, and food of all kinds. If saving money in even one area makes a difference, then here are some tips to save money by making your own ornaments with items from around the house and skip buying new ones.
- Cinnamon Sticks– This is an oldie but goodie. A red ribbon tied in a bow around a couple of cinnamon sticks looks festive and homey at the same time. Hang a few of these on the tree this year for that cottage core vibe. The best part is that they are reusable for the next year and will last in storage all year long.
2. Jar lids– Collect some of your canning jar lids and paint them. Bore a hole in the top and add some string. Photographs or written messages for the new year can also be glued to them. These are great for memories made in the past year or goals and wishes for the next one.
3. Toys- Small or miniature figures from toy sets can easily by repurposed by gluing a bit of string to them and hanging them on the tree. Tiny figurines, doll accessories, small cars, even small lego creations can all be used to create a tree with tons of character.
4. Baby socks- If there is a newborn in the family this year, one little sock or shoe hung on the tree can be that ornament that is meaningful every year that you pull it out of storage.
5. Popcorn- Popcorn garlands are tried and true when it comes to decorating a tree. It’s cheap, easy to make, keeps the children occupied for a while, and it looks good draped all over. While this one isn’t reusable, it is eco-friendly and can be composted after the holidays.
6. Ribbon- Chances are that there are bits of ribbon lying around somewhere in the house. Tie the scrap pieces into bows, add some gold string (or any string) and hang. White and red look the best, but any color can work, even patterned ribbons. I’ve been known to use the ribbony handles of gift bags I’ve thrown away.
7. Dried flowers- If you have collected dried flowers from the past summer, put them to use by putting a string through them and adding some beads before and after the flower. If you have fake flowers collecting dust somewhere, this is also a good way to repurpose those forever blooms. The overall effect is whimsical and lighthearted.
8. Colorful candy- Small hard candy in colorful wrappers can make a delightful ornament. Candy usually comes in a pack for not very much and just glueing some string to them and hanging on the tree can add some fun variety to your tree.
9. Pinecones- Pinecones can be collected for free. See what you can find nearby. Add just a bit of white paint lightly brushed over the cone for that “snowy” effect and hang on the tree. No need to buy pinecones from the craft store and they can be reused the next year or tossed into the compost this year.
Homemade ornaments don’t have to require super crafty skills. It just takes some observation, looking around at what is already in the house or yard, and a little bit of creativity to make fun, colorful, and memorable decorations for the season. The best part is that you save money and reduce the impact of stuff on the environment. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays!