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!
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!
DIY Recycled Christmas Decorations
You're going to love these 30+ Christmas decorations from recycled materials. You will be amazed at what you can make with items that usually get thrown out.
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.
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.
Outdoor Ornament Decorations
I am in love with this DIY! Don't throw away your old tires, just repurpose them into outdoor Christmas decorations.
Magazine Trees
Use magazine pages or junk mail to create these cute Christmas trees! The bigger the magazine, the taller the tree.
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.
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?
Photo or Card Display
Use cardboard and ribbon to make these cute trees that display your photos or maybe your Christmas cards?
Vintage Bells
I never would have guessed that the "vintage bells" in this DIY wreath are made from soda cans. Amazing!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Wine Cork Reindeer
Make a wine cork reindeer using this simple tutorial - perfect for turning into a Christmas ornament, decor, or place settings.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Metallic Holiday Sign
This 3D metallic holiday sign only cost $10 — because it is actually made using cardboard, spray paint, and gold leaf!
Boho Christmas Tree
See how Sarah turned a bamboo wine rack into a cute tabletop Christmas tree! Such a cute repurposing project.
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.
Gingerbread Garland
Turn a cardboard box into fun 'gingerbread' houses! Then string them up with lights for a Christmas garland.
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!
Star Garland
Similar to the gingerbread garland earlier, this star garland is made from cardboard. It looks great on the tree!
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!
Baby Food Jar Tree
Turn all of those baby food jars you have piling up into a festive glass Christmas tree!
Wine Cork Snowman
Make the cutest cork snowman for your Christmas or winter decor! It's an easy craft for beginners.
CD Wreath
Still have CDs lying around but don't know what to do with them? This wreath is a fun repurposing idea!
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.
Holiday Card Tree
After the holidays, create this tree with cards you received for Christmas. It makes a cute decoration for next year!
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.
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.
Was I right? Were you amazed by these decorations? Let me know in the comments! Then enjoy these other Christmas ideas for your home:
- The Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas You’ll HAVE to Try!
- A DIY Tree Skirt Makes Memorable Christmas Decor
- Paper Christmas Decorations for a Holiday Home
- DIY Snow Globes You’ll Love to Make for Christmas
- Wooden Christmas Decorations for a Joyful Home
- DIY Christmas Stockings to Hang on the Mantel