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Festive and Eco-Friendly: DIY Recycled Christmas Decorations

Turn your trash into festive decor with these 30+ DIY recycled Christmas decorations. You will be amazed at what you can make on a budget!

DIY Recycled Christmas Decorations

Ever wondered if that old tire, the pile of junk mail, the empty cereal box, or the humble paper bag could be the stars of your Christmas decor?

It might sound like the setup for a quirky holiday show on HGTV, but trust me, it’s a crafting revelation!

These everyday items, often destined for the recycle bin or the trash, are actually hidden treasures waiting to be transformed into unique, eco-friendly Christmas decorations.

This isn’t just about being thrifty; it’s about seeing the potential in the everyday.

Picture this: those empty soda cans you’re about to toss? With a little creativity, they can jingle all the way as faux vintage bells on a lush Christmas wreath.

It’s all about perspective – one person’s trash is another’s treasure, especially when it comes to crafting.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. I’ve scoured the crafting universe and put together a list of over 30 stunning DIY recycled Christmas decorations.

From those soda can bells to an array of other unique ideas, this list is brimming with inspiration to turn the mundane into the magnificent.

And when it comes to supplies? Your recycling bin or the donation box you’ve been meaning to drop off could be a goldmine of crafting materials.

Imagine turning that cereal box into a charming Christmas village, or that stack of junk mail into a beautiful, intricate paper snowflake. There are a lot of options!

These DIY recycled Christmas decorations aren’t just a nod to sustainability; they’re a testament to the endless creativity of the human spirit.

They challenge us to rethink our view of what’s disposable and to find beauty in the unexpected.

Plus, there’s a certain joy in knowing you’ve created something truly unique and personal for your holiday celebrations.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a curious beginner, these recycled Christmas decoration ideas are sure to spark your creativity and add a special touch to your festive decor.

Scroll down to explore these 30+ imaginative and easy-to-make projects. Let’s make this holiday season not just merry and bright, but also a little greener.

Who’s ready to turn recycling into a festive art form? Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

1
DIY Santa Mailbox from Cereal Boxes
craftingmyhome.com

Santa Mailbox

You are never going to believe what this Santa mailbox is made from . . . two cereal boxes! Doesn't it look amazing? Perfect place for your kids to put their letters to Santa.
Get the Tutorial
2
DIY Christmas candle holders from recycled soda bottles

Christmas Tree Candle Holders

Recycle glass soda bottles into these fun and modern Christmas candle holders made to look like trees! SO easy to make and customize.
Get the Tutorial
3
DIY Giant christmas ornament from a tire
www.lilyardor.com

Outdoor Ornament Decorations

I am in love with this DIY! Don't throw away your old tires, just repurpose them into outdoor Christmas decorations.
Get the Tutorial
4
magazine and junk mail christmas trees
www.elsarblog.com

Magazine Trees

Use magazine pages or junk mail to create these cute Christmas trees! The bigger the magazine, the taller the tree.
Get the Tutorial
5
DIY Apothecary Jars for Christmas

Christmas Apothecary Jars

Learn how to turn glass bottles with lids into these Christmas apothecary jars (they hold candy!.) Perfect for your holiday mantel or decor.
Get the Tutorial
6
DIY Giant Christmas Candles
damasklove.com

Giant Christmas Candles

I love these candles! They would look so cute as part of a holiday porch display. Can you believe they are made from mailing tubes?
Get the Tutorial
7
DIY Recycled Christmas Photo Display
www.curlymade.pt

Photo or Card Display

Use cardboard and ribbon to make these cute trees that display your photos or maybe your Christmas cards?
Get the Tutorial
8
DIY bells from soda cans
www.lilyardor.com

Vintage Bells

I never would have guessed that the "vintage bells" in this DIY wreath are made from soda cans. Amazing!
Get the Tutorial
9
paper bag snowflake craft

Paper Bag Snowflakes

Learn how to make large snowflakes out of paper bags! These are easy, inexpensive, and can be used for holiday or seasonal decor.
Get the Tutorial
10
make a wine cork wreath

Wine Cork Wreath

Saving your wine corks? You should! Learn how to make a wine cork wreath the easiest way possible! This simple DIY wreath takes about 100 wine corks to make and is so pretty.
Get the Tutorial
11
DIY Christmas Village Using Scrap Wood
www.anikasdiylife.com

DIY Christmas Village Using Scrap Wood

Do you have small bits of wood leftover from a woodworking project? Even the small wood scraps can be used in this cute Christmas village.
Get the Tutorial
12
Upcycled Santa Coffee Can
refreshliving.us

Upcycled Santa Coffee Can

Here’s another idea that costs nothing to make and keeps a few items out of the landfill! All you'll need is an empty coffee can, an old belt, and some paint and glitter to make this upcycled holiday centerpiece!
Get the Tutorial
13
Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments
thesoccermomblog.com

Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments

These salt shaker snow globe ornaments are a uniquely beautiful handmade Christmas ornament and holiday keepsake. They look great on the tree, but are also fun to display on the table without the wire hoop.
Get the Tutorial
14
Easy cork reindeer for Christmas

Wine Cork Reindeer

Make a wine cork reindeer using this simple tutorial – perfect for turning into a Christmas ornament, decor, or place settings.
Get the Tutorial
15
DIY wooden nativity scene

DIY Nativity Scene

This DIY wooden nativity set with wood peg dolls is budget friendly and not too kitschy. The barn? Made out of recycled cardboard!
Get the Tutorial
16
DIY felt Christmas wreath decor

Felt Christmas Wreath on Scrap Wood

This felt Christmas decor is perfect for using up those small scraps! Add to a piece of wood for a cute addition to a mantel or side table.
Get the Tutorial
17
DIY Santa napkin rings

Santa Napkin Rings to Decorate the Table

These Santa napkin rings will look so cute on your Christmas dinner table! Make them with inexpensive supplies including toilet paper rolls.
Get the Tutorial
18
turn tin cans into a succulent christmas tree
acraftymix.com

Succulent Christmas Tree

Michelle learned the hard way that Christmas trees and cats do not mix! She set out to make her own (cat-proof) tree and came up with this succulent tree made using tin cans.
Get the Tutorial
19
3d metallic holiday sign craft upcycling
Amanda C.

Metallic Holiday Sign

This 3D metallic holiday sign only cost $10 — because it is actually made using cardboard, spray paint, and gold leaf!
Get the Tutorial
20
boho christmas tree from a bamboo wine rack
www.sadieseasongoods.com

Boho Christmas Tree

See how Sarah turned a bamboo wine rack into a cute tabletop Christmas tree! Such a cute repurposing project.
Get the Tutorial
21
DIY Christmas Picture Frame Upcycling Puzzle Pieces
Steve Carrell

Wreath Photo Frame

Learn how to make a Christmas photo frame using puzzle pieces – such a fun kids’ craft for the holidays, and it looks like a wreath when finished.
Get the Tutorial
22
gingerbread house garland from recycled cardboard
www.pillarboxblue.com

Gingerbread Garland

Turn a cardboard box into fun 'gingerbread' houses! Then string them up with lights for a Christmas garland.
Get the Tutorial
23
Unique Christmas Centerpiece Made from Bottles

Christmas Centerpiece

Learn how to make this unique Christmas centerpiece using recycled bottles and Christmas ornaments! So cute and whimsical – like something out of Whoville!
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24
www.isoscella.co.uk

Star Garland

Similar to the gingerbread garland earlier, this star garland is made from cardboard. It looks great on the tree!
Get the Tutorial
25
chalkboard christmas tree made from cardboard
salvagedliving.com

Chalkboard Tree Centerpiece

The trees in this centerpiece are actually made with cardboard, chalkboard paint, and chalk. Your kids could help make these with you!
Get the Tutorial
26
Baby food jar Christmas tree
suzyssitcom.com

Baby Food Jar Tree

Turn all of those baby food jars you have piling up into a festive glass Christmas tree!
Get the Tutorial
27
Wine cork snowman craft

Wine Cork Snowman

Make the cutest cork snowman for your Christmas or winter decor! It's an easy craft for beginners.
Get the Tutorial
28
DIY upcycle CD Wreath
paulhogan on Instructables

CD Wreath

Still have CDs lying around but don't know what to do with them? This wreath is a fun repurposing idea!
Get the Tutorial
29
recycled snow globe
www.triedandtrueblog.com

Snow Globe Decor

Instead of recycling your next plastic soda or water bottle, upcycle it into a snow globe! There's no water, but when you shake it! The snow pellets fly. Kids will love it.
Get the Tutorial
30
christmas card craft How to recycle greeting cards
lifeasmama.com

Holiday Card Tree

After the holidays, create this tree with cards you received for Christmas. It makes a cute decoration for next year!
Get the Tutorial
31
Painted Jars Advent Calendar
www.brigitte.de

Painted Jar Advent Calendar

Save 24 jars with lids and you can make this cool advent calendar! I love all of the shades of green.
Get the Tutorial
32
hip2save.com

Plastic Spoon & Fork Christmas Trees

How many times do you get extra spoons and forks for takeout? Don't throw them away. Use them in some cute tree decor.
Get the Tutorial

Was I right? Were you amazed by these decorations? Let me know in the comments! Then enjoy these other Christmas ideas for your home: