27+ Affordable Christmas Crafts Using Recycled Materials

Mason Jar Lid Ornaments

Source: Pinterest

Honestly, these mason jar lid ornaments are one of my favorite little crafts to make during Christmas. To be fair, they’re so easy yet surprisingly pretty. I like lining the inside with old fabric pieces or cutouts from used Christmas cards. Wrapping twine around the rim and adding a small bow gives them that cozy, homemade feel. A bit of glitter or paint around the edges makes them sparkle under the tree lights. Every lid turns out differently, and that’s what makes them so special. It feels good knowing I’m reusing what I already have and still making something charming for the holidays.

Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer

Source: Pinterest

Honestly, these are so cute and simple to make, they’re great for kids too. I save empty toilet paper rolls, paint them brown, and glue on googly eyes, a red nose, and little paper antlers. You can even tie a tiny scarf made from scrap fabric. They look adorable lined up on shelves or under the tree. It’s one of those crafts that proves you don’t need fancy supplies to make something festive. Each little reindeer ends up with its own personality, which makes them even more fun to create.

Cereal Box Christmas Houses

To be fair, I never realized how perfect cereal boxes are for crafting until I turned them into tiny Christmas houses. I cut out simple house shapes, fold and glue the sides, and decorate them with leftover paint, paper, and even cotton “snow.” Honestly, I love arranging them as a village centerpiece on my table. The best part is that they’re lightweight, easy to make, and entirely from recycled materials. It’s a fun project that adds warmth and creativity to your décor without spending a penny.

Sock Snowmen

Source: Pinterest

Honestly, this one melts my heart every time I make it. To be fair, it’s the coziest way to use old socks you no longer wear. Just cut the sock, fill it with rice, and tie it off to make a round body and head. Add buttons, a piece of ribbon, and a tiny fabric hat. They look so soft and cheerful on any shelf. It’s an easy DIY that kids love helping with. I always end up keeping a few around even after Christmas—they’re too cute to pack away!

Plastic Jar Snow Globes

To be fair, I love how creative you can get with old plastic jars. I fill them with a bit of water, glitter, and small trinkets or holiday figurines. Glue the lid tightly, shake it, and there you have it—a recycled snow globe! Honestly, it’s such a satisfying little project, and it’s safe for kids since the jars aren’t glass. Each one turns out different depending on what’s inside, and they make lovely gifts too. It’s a perfect mix of reuse, sparkle, and Christmas fun.

Tin Foil Star Garland

Honestly, I had no idea leftover tin foil could look this festive until I tried making stars with it. To be fair, it’s so easy—cut out star shapes, press them gently to give some texture, and string them together with thread. The foil catches light beautifully and adds instant shine to the room. You can hang them on windows, walls, or even the Christmas tree. It’s an eco-friendly way to get that metallic sparkle without buying anything new. Simple, shiny, and surprisingly elegant.

Broken Jewelry Ornaments

Source: Pinterest

To be fair, I had a small box of old, broken jewelry I couldn’t throw away, and turning them into ornaments was such a good idea. I glue beads, charms, and old earrings onto cardboard shapes or small fabric circles. Honestly, they sparkle like store-bought ornaments but feel way more meaningful. Each piece tells a little story of something I once wore or loved. They catch the tree lights beautifully, and I always get compliments on them. It’s recycling with a touch of nostalgia and sparkle.

Paper Roll Advent Calendar

Honestly, this project takes a little patience, but it’s totally worth it. To be fair, using toilet paper or paper towel rolls for an advent calendar saves so much waste. I cut the rolls, fill each with tiny treats or notes, and wrap them in leftover wrapping paper. Then I number them and glue them into a fun shape—like a Christmas tree or wreath. It’s such a thoughtful, handmade tradition that makes counting down to Christmas even more special. Plus, it’s all made from things that would’ve been thrown out.

Old Card Garland

To be fair, I could never bring myself to toss old Christmas cards, so I started cutting them into shapes and making garlands. I punch small holes and string them together with twine. Honestly, it’s such a beautiful way to relive past holidays. You can cut stars, hearts, or tree shapes—whatever fits your style. It’s a sentimental and sustainable way to decorate, and it adds a cozy, nostalgic touch to any room. Every card carries a memory, which makes the garland feel so personal.

Plastic Cap Wreath

Honestly, I was surprised at how pretty a wreath made from plastic bottle caps can look. To be fair, it’s a bit of a puzzle to glue them all together, but once painted green or red, it turns out amazing. I sometimes add a ribbon bow or glitter accents to finish it off. It’s colorful, quirky, and a great conversation starter. Hanging it on my door always makes me smile—it’s proof that recycling can be beautiful and festive at the same time.

Cookie Tin Gift Boxes

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Katie Santos (@katies.krafts90)

To be fair, I always end up saving cookie tins, thinking I’ll use them “someday.” Honestly, that someday came when I started turning them into decorated gift boxes. A bit of paint, ribbon, or fabric instantly gives them new life. They’re perfect for gifting cookies, candles, or small handmade items. It feels so much better than using disposable wrapping. Each tin becomes a keepsake that can be reused again, and it’s such a simple way to make your holiday gifts feel more thoughtful and sustainable.

Newspaper Christmas Tree

Honestly, this is one of the simplest and most meaningful crafts I’ve made. To be fair, it’s amazing how something as ordinary as old newspapers can become such a lovely Christmas decoration. I roll newspaper pages into cones and glue them around a paper or cardboard base to form a mini tree. A bit of green paint or glitter instantly transforms it. Sometimes, I even add tiny paper stars or ribbons for a festive touch. It’s perfect for tabletops or desks and gives that handmade charm that feels so real. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse what’s already lying around the house.

Jar Lid Candle Covers

To be fair, this little idea came out of pure curiosity one evening—and it actually turned out beautiful. I take old jar lids, paint them white or gold, and place them under small candles or tea lights. Honestly, the lids reflect the light softly and make the setup look elegant. You can even decorate the edges with lace or leftover beads. It’s such a creative way to reuse something most people throw away without thinking. These look amazing lined up on a dinner table or windowsill, adding a simple but warm Christmas glow.

CD Shard Ornaments

Honestly, I still had a pile of scratched CDs lying around, and instead of tossing them, I decided to break them carefully into small pieces and glue them onto cardboard circles. The result? Sparkly, mirror-like ornaments that shine like tiny disco balls on the tree. To be fair, it’s a bit messy cutting the CDs, but the end result is so worth it. I love how they catch the lights from the tree and reflect beautiful colors. It’s recycling with a bit of glamour—simple, creative, and eye-catching.

Fabric Scrap Garland 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alexis Adams (@hedgebylexy)

I’ve always had leftover fabric scraps from old clothes and crafts, and turning them into a garland was such a smart idea. I cut them into strips, tie them along a string, and mix in bits of lace or ribbon. Honestly, it’s so soft, colorful, and nostalgic—it reminds me of cozy winter evenings. I like hanging it on my fireplace mantel or along the staircase. Every piece of fabric tells a little story, which makes the garland even more special. It’s simple, heartwarming, and perfect for sustainable Christmas decorating.

Plastic Spoon Angels

Honestly, I didn’t expect plastic spoons to look this adorable as tiny angels. To be fair, it takes just a bit of creativity—paint the spoon white, draw a sweet face on the round part, and use paper wings cut from an old book page or cardboard. Add a little halo made from wire or foil, and your angel is ready. These are so fun to make with kids and look lovely on trees or gifts. It’s one of those crafts that remind me how beautiful simple recycling can be during the holidays.

Magazine Star Decorations

To be fair, I love how glossy magazine pages look when folded into stars. I cut strips, fold them neatly, and weave them into layered star shapes. A bit of glue and some string, and they’re ready to hang. Honestly, they shine so nicely under Christmas lights—it’s hard to believe they came from old magazines. You can play with colors depending on the pages you use, making every star unique. It’s such a fun, calming craft to do while watching Christmas movies, and it keeps the holiday spirit alive in the most creative way.

Old Book Page Christmas Balls

Honestly, I had an old torn book that I couldn’t throw away, so I decided to turn its pages into Christmas ornaments. I tear small strips, roll or twist them, and glue them around foam or paper balls. To be fair, they look so vintage and charming once finished. I sometimes brush a bit of gold paint on the edges for an antique effect. These paper ornaments look stunning on the tree or as bowl fillers for the table. It’s such a thoughtful way to give something old a second life during the holidays.

Cardboard Star Tree Topper

To be fair, not every tree topper needs to be fancy or store-bought. I made mine using layered cardboard cut into star shapes. I glued two stars together, painted them gold, and added a bit of glitter for shine. Honestly, it looks just as beautiful as any metal one I’ve seen. I even use leftover wrapping paper to cover it sometimes. It’s lightweight and fits perfectly at the top of my tree. The fact that it’s handmade makes it even more special—it’s a small thing that brings big joy every Christmas.

Bottle Light Centerpiece

Honestly, I think this is one of the most satisfying recycled crafts ever. I clean an empty glass bottle, remove the label, and drop a small string of fairy lights inside. To be fair, it’s almost too easy, but it looks stunning. I sometimes decorate the bottle with twine, small pinecones, or a bow around the neck. When lit, it gives such a cozy glow to the room—it instantly feels festive. It’s a simple, affordable idea that turns ordinary bottles into magical Christmas decorations you’ll actually want to keep year after year.

Recycled Button Tree Art

To be fair, I have a habit of saving buttons from old clothes, and Christmas is the perfect time to use them. I glue them in a tree shape on cardboard or canvas, mixing colors and sizes for a fun look. Honestly, it turns out so cheerful every time. I sometimes add a little star button on top or sprinkle glitter between the spaces. It’s such a creative and personal piece of décor that feels handmade in the best way. Plus, it’s a gentle reminder that even the smallest leftover things can become something special for the holidays.

Cardboard Christmas Village

To be honest, I always find it magical to turn old cardboard boxes into a glowing Christmas village. It’s simple and so rewarding. I cut little house shapes, fold them into 3D forms, and decorate them with leftover wrapping paper or bits of paint. Sometimes I poke tiny holes in the back to slip in fairy lights—it makes the whole thing shine softly at night. To be fair, it takes a bit of patience, but the result is worth it. It’s a cozy, handmade scene that feels more meaningful than anything you could buy from a store.

Bottle Cap Snowmen

Honestly, I never thought bottle caps could look this cute until I tried making snowmen out of them. You just glue three caps together, paint them white, and draw little faces and buttons. A small strip of old cloth makes the perfect scarf, and a bit of ribbon turns it into a tree ornament. To be fair, they’re tiny, but they bring such a sweet touch to my Christmas decorations. Each one turns out unique, which makes them even more fun to make. It’s an easy, budget-friendly idea that reminds me how creative recycling can really be.

Recycled Paper Wreath

To be fair, I used to toss away old magazines and wrapping paper without thinking twice. But turning them into a Christmas wreath changed that for me. I roll or twist paper strips and glue them around a cardboard ring base. After that, I sometimes spray it with gold or green paint and add small recycled bows. Honestly, it’s so lightweight and cheerful, and no two wreaths ever look the same. Every time I make one, it feels special because it’s all from scraps that would’ve been thrown out. It’s a small but lovely reminder that beauty can come from anything.

Tin Can Candle Holders

Honestly, I think this might be one of the simplest yet prettiest recycled crafts ever. I clean old tin cans, remove the labels, and punch little holes to create star or snowflake patterns. When you place a candle inside, the light shines through beautifully. To be fair, it does take a little effort, but it’s so worth it once you see the glow. I like painting them in soft winter colors or wrapping them with jute rope for that rustic charm. They look stunning on tables or windowsills and give such a warm, handmade holiday vibe.

Plastic Bottle Snowflakes

To be fair, I never realized how pretty the bottom of a plastic bottle could look until I tried this. I cut them off, trim them into petal shapes, and add a touch of white paint or glitter. Honestly, when you hang them by a window, they catch the light so beautifully—it feels like snow indoors. I also love stringing them together into garlands for extra sparkle. It’s a simple craft but so creative and fun for kids too. And the best part? You’re turning something disposable into a festive, shiny decoration that’ll last for years.

Old Sweater Stockings

Honestly, nothing feels cozier than making Christmas stockings from old sweaters. To be fair, I used to keep those sweaters thinking I’d wear them again—but now they’ve found a better purpose. I cut out stocking shapes, sew or glue the edges, and decorate them with buttons or lace. The soft knit fabric gives them a warm, nostalgic charm that store-bought stockings just don’t have. Every year, I hang them up and feel proud knowing they came from something that had memories already. It’s such a heartwarming, sustainable holiday project.

Egg Carton Bells

To be fair, I think egg cartons are one of the most underrated craft materials. I cut out the cups, paint them gold or silver, and sprinkle some glitter on top. Then I add a little string with a bead inside so they actually jingle. Honestly, they look adorable hanging on the tree or along a garland. It’s the kind of simple craft that brings joy without needing fancy supplies. Plus, it’s fun for kids and adults alike, and it always amazes me how something so plain can turn into something festive and cheerful.

Cereal Box Gift Tags

Honestly, I stopped buying fancy gift tags after realizing how perfect cereal boxes work for them. I just cut out small shapes, decorate them with paper scraps, stickers, or even bits of ribbon, and punch a hole for twine. To be fair, they might not look “perfect,” but that’s exactly what I love. Each one feels personal and thoughtful. Friends always smile when they see them because they’re simple yet full of heart. It’s an easy, sustainable way to add a handmade touch to every Christmas gift I give.

Wine Cork Reindeer

To be honest, these little reindeer made from wine corks make me smile every time I see them. I glue two corks together, use small twigs for antlers, and add googly eyes with a red bead for the nose. To be fair, they take a bit of patience, but they’re so worth it. I sometimes tie a ribbon around their necks or make a family of them to display on my table. It’s such a cute way to reuse corks and bring a playful, handmade charm to the holidays. Each reindeer feels like its own tiny character.

FAQ

Why should I use recycled materials for Christmas crafts?

Honestly, using recycled materials helps reduce waste and makes the holiday more meaningful. To be fair, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about giving old things a new life. It adds creativity, personality, and purpose to every decoration you make.

Are recycled Christmas crafts durable?

To be fair, it depends on what materials you use and how carefully you craft them. If you glue, paint, or seal them properly, most can last for years. I still have ornaments made from cardboard and jar lids from seasons ago that look just as cute!

What are some easy recycled crafts for kids?

Honestly, the easiest ones are bottle cap snowmen, toilet paper roll reindeer, and egg carton bells. They’re fun, safe, and need minimal supplies. Kids love seeing how “trash” can become a Christmas treasure—it’s both creative and educational.

Can I use recycled crafts as gifts?

Absolutely! To be fair, handmade gifts made from recycled materials often feel more personal and thoughtful. Things like cookie tin gift boxes, CD shard ornaments, or jar lid decorations make lovely, meaningful presents that people truly appreciate.

How can I make these crafts look festive without spending money?

Honestly, the trick is in creativity. Use leftover ribbons, paper scraps, or old fabric for color. Paint, glitter, or even markers can completely transform recycled items. To be fair, a little effort and imagination can turn the simplest materials into something truly beautiful.