20 Actually Helpful Budget Christmas Decorating Tips

‘Tis the season to be jolly– and also the season to be tempted to spend too much money trying to create a beautiful, festive home. If you’re watching your spending this year and looking for budget Christmas decorating ideas, check out our top tips below.

1. Get Creative with Your Christmas Tree

One way to save money on your Christmas decorations is to get creative with your Christmas tree. You save money on your tree in a variety of ways, from using an artificial tree to finding a real tree for free.

One of our favorite suggestions is to get a small tree and place it in a large pot or basket. This will give the illusion of a larger tree and save you money on the purchase price of a larger tree.

Of course, artificial trees have come a LONG way and now look quite realistic. So, if you’re willing to spend a bit more upfront, you may be able to save money in the long run by using an artificial tree.

And if you shop second-hand, in places like consignment stores, garage sales, or Facebook marketplace, you can often find good quality artificial trees for a fraction of the retail price.

If you want MORE budget ideas about how to get creative with your tree, check out this article:

2. Use Real Plants for Instant Impact

During Black Friday sales you can usually poinsettias for a great price, which are a beautiful way to add some color and life to your home for Christmas. Aldi’s also usually has carts of poinsettias for around $5 each during the holidays, so keep an eye out!

Christmas cactuses are another low-cost option, especially if you know someone who owns one and is willing to share their plant with you. (If you don’t, though, you can usually find rooted starter plants on Etsy.) All you need are a few snips, a charming container, some potting soil, and a handful of rocks to create a beautiful, budget-friendly Christmas display that will last long after the holidays are over. These plants can last for decades with the right care, so they are definitely a great investment.

Finally, consider using some bulbs like amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus that you can force to bloom indoors. This is a great project to do with kids, and it’s so satisfying to see the bulbs sprout and bloom in the midst of winter. Bulbs and bulb kits are usually available at stores like Walmart and Home Depot, or even online from Amazon.

3. Make Your Own Decorations

If you are truly on a tight budget, then making your own decorations is a great option. There are many easy and inexpensive DIY Christmas decoration ideas that you can make with items that you already have around your home. Do you know how to crochet? There are beautiful snowflake patterns available online, so the only cost would be the price of yarn.

Or how about making a tie wreath out of old clothes or fabric scraps? All you need is some fabric cut into strips and a wire coat hanger!

You could also get the kids involved and craft some homemade Christmas decorations together. From making salt dough ornaments to stringing popcorn to cutting out paper snowflakes, there are many fun and easy DIY Christmas decoration ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

Creating DIY Budget Christmas Decorations is a great way to save money and still have a beautiful, festive home.

4. Use LED Lights

It’s true, LED Christmas lights are more expensive than traditional incandescent lights, but they will save you money in the long run because they use less energy and last longer. If you are using a lot of lights, switching to LED lights can help you save significantly on your energy bill.

One way to transition to LED lights gradually, and therefore reduce the upfront cost, is to replace just a few strands of lights each year. That way, you don’t have to spend a lot of money all at once, and you’ll still see the savings on your energy bill. Plus, if you shop after Christmas sales, you can often find LED lights at a serious discount.

5. Limit Your Lights

Another way to reduce your Christmas decoration budget is to limit the number of lights that you use, period. Instead of covering your entire house in lights, focus on decorating just the front porch or only your Christmas tree. This will save you money on both the purchase price of lights (and replacement lights down the road) as well as your energy bill.

6. Use Free, Natural Decorations

One of the best ways to save money on Christmas decorations is to use items that you already have around your yard or neighborhood. For example, you could go for a nature theme instead of shelling out big bucks for store-bought baubles and instead, decorate your tree with dried hydrangea blossoms, berries, twigs, and bark.

Or, snip some branches from your evergreen bushes and use them to create a free, natural garland or wreath. You could even add some pinecones or other natural items that you find on a nature walk.

Also, consider displaying branches in vases around your home instead of buying expensive, pre-made floral arrangements. Red dogwood branches are especially beautiful when gathered in a simple glass vase.

7. Reuse and Repurpose Old Decorations

If you have old Christmas decorations that you no longer use, don’t just toss them in the trash. See if you can reuse or repurpose them in a new way. One idea is to wind an old, artificial pine garland around an inverted tomato cage. Set it in a planter and you have a free porch tree!

Or, you can repurpose existing ornaments by giving them a new coat of paint or glitter. You could also attach them to a wreath that could use a refresh.

Finally, if you have old decorations that are in good shape but just aren’t your style, consider selling them online and using the money you get in return to buy decor that’s more to your taste.

8. Shop After Christmas Sales

Ok, ok, we know that you probably already know this– but if you want to save money on Christmas decorations, one of the best things that you can do is to plan ahead. Many stores offer deep discounts on Christmas decorations after the holidays are over. (And some stores, like Hobby Lobby, will even start their deals the week before Christmas).

Plan to shop the sales and stock up on next year’s decorations. You can also use this time to buy clearance Christmas lights and other holiday decor items to use throughout your home.

9. Use What You Have

Before you go out and buy new Christmas decorations, look around your house to see what you already have that you could use. For example, do you have any vases or bowls that could be used for a holiday display?

How about using a plaid scarf instead of the usual wreath bow?

Maybe you already have solid-colored throws that will work as part of your Christmas decor. Hunt around a bit and see what you can come up with before you start spending money on new decorations.

10. Borrow from or Trade with Friends

If you have friends or family members who also celebrate Christmas, see if they are open to borrowing or trading holiday decorations. This is an awesome budget Christmas decorating idea because each of you brings home some fresh holiday decor without having to spend any money! Just be sure to return the borrowed items in good condition and on time.

11. Give Dollar Stores a Chance

You might be surprised at the quality of Christmas decorations you can find at the dollar store. Take some time to browse the holiday decor aisle and see what they have to offer. There are gorgeous rolls of wired ribbon that are perfect for wrapping around your tree, glittery ball ornaments, plastic snowflakes, tabletop trees, and so much more – all for a fraction of the price that you would pay at a big box store. With a little bit of creativity, you can pull together some amazing, high-end looks with budget-friendly dollar store finds.

12. Go Mini

One easy way to save money on Christmas decorations is to go mini. Instead of buying a large, expensive tree, try using a small tabletop tree instead. You can find these at most stores that sell Christmas decorations, and they are usually very reasonably priced. Another mini idea is to use a small wreath as part of your holiday decor instead of a larger one. These smaller wreaths can be hung on cabinet doors, mirrors, or even used as part of a centerpiece.

13. Get Creative with your Old Wrapping Paper

If you have leftover holiday wrappings from last year, put them to good use as part of your budget Christmas decorations. You can use wrapping paper to make wreaths, garlands, ornaments, or even table decor. For instance, you can cut the paper into strips and use it as part of a Christmas tablescape by wrapping it around vases or candles.

14. Use Candy as Decor

Who doesn’t love candy? One fun way to use holiday sweets as part of your budget Christmas decorations is to string a candy garland. All you need is some clear thread and your favorite wrapped holiday candies. You can also use candy as part of a centerpiece – a clear bowl or vase filled with festive Christmas candies makes a beautiful and budget-friendly holiday decoration.

15. Focus on Just One Area

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to focus your decorating efforts on just one area of your home. Pick the room where you spend the most time and put your holiday decorating budget towards making that space extra festive. Whether it’s adding a few key pieces to your living room or going all out with a mantle display, putting your budget dollars towards decorating one specific area will help you get the most impact for your money.

16. Repurpose Household Items into Budget Christmas Decorations

Another great way to save money on Christmas decorations is to repurpose things that you already have around your house. For example, use a pretty holiday tablecloth as a budget-friendly tree skirt or use mason jars, or even recycled bottles as budget-friendly holiday vases.

Did you know that you can make pillow covers out of sweaters? And you don’t even have to sew!

All you need is scissors, a glue gun, and an old sweater. This budget Christmas decoration idea is not only easy, but it’s also a great way to repurpose something that you might otherwise throw away. Voila — festive and budget-friendly holiday decoration.

17. Stick to a Simple Color Scheme

One easy way to make your budget Christmas decorations look more high-end is to stick to a simple color scheme. Using just one or two colors will give your holiday decor a polished and put-together look. Plus, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to find budget-friendly holiday decorations when you’re not looking for a specific color.

Color combinations that look classy and work together particularly well include red and white, white and silver, blue and white, or red and gold.

18. Make Use of Free Printables in Budget Christmas Decorating

There are tons of free printables available online that you can use to create budget Christmas decorations. From printable holiday cards to gift tags and labels, there are all sorts of ways that you can use free printables to save money on your holiday decorating.

19. Get Creative with Your Gift Wrapping

If you’re on a budget, it’s important to get creative with your gift wrapping. This doesn’t mean that you have to make your own wrapping paper (although that’s always an option), but it does mean thinking outside of the box when it comes to what you use to wrap your gifts.

For example, you can use things like butcher paper, tissue paper, brown paper bags, or even newsprint to wrap your gifts.

There are tons of beautiful and inexpensive embellishments that you can use to dress up your budget wrapping paper, too. Think washi tape, wrapping paper bows, evergreen sprigs, or even candy canes! A little bit of creativity goes a long way when adding inexpensive holiday flair to your gifts.

20. Enjoy a Simpler Christmas

One of the best ways to save money on Christmas decorations is to enjoy a simpler Christmas. This doesn’t mean that you have to forego all of the holiday traditions that you love, but it does mean scaling back on some of the extras.

For example, if you usually put fresh wreaths on each exterior window of your home, try just doing one on the front door this year. Or begin to make the switch to artificial trees and decorations so that you don’t have to buy new things each year.

Or if you usually buy holiday-themed paper plates and napkins, instead opt for a plain white set of Corelle or ceramic dishes and some red or green napkins dressed up with budget-friendly napkin rings. This will save you money in the long run and you can still enjoy all of your favorite holiday traditions.

Enjoying a simpler Christmas will not only save you money but will also help to reduce the amount of holiday stress in your life. And that’s a budget-friendly Christmas decoration that we can all appreciate.

Concluding thoughts

These budget Christmas decorating ideas prove that there is a way to create a gorgeous holiday without continually reaching for your wallet! There are endless possibilities out there: From “shopping” in nature to repurposing your old decor, sticking to a simple color scheme to using free printables, there are so many creative options that will help you to save money and still have a beautiful and festive holiday home. So have fun, be creative, and enjoy a budget-friendly season this year!