November is the perfect time to start making cheap Christmas crafts before the holiday rush begins. With affordable supplies and a little creativity, we can transform everyday household items into beautiful Christmas decorations, handmade ornaments, festive gifts, and cozy seasonal accents.
From rustic wreaths and adorable Christmas gnomes to paper garlands and homemade snowmen, these budget-friendly projects help us decorate our homes without spending a fortune. Making decorations early also gives us more time to enjoy family activities, prepare thoughtful gifts, and create personalized pieces we can reuse every year.
Whether we love traditional red and green decorations, farmhouse-inspired neutrals, or colorful handmade ornaments, these 35 easy Christmas crafts offer something for every home and skill level.
Table of Contents
35 Easy Cheap Christmas Crafts to Make in November
1. DIY Christmas Gnome Decorations
Christmas gnomes look beautiful in farmhouse and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. We can make them using cardboard cones, leftover fabric, felt, wooden beads, and faux fur.
Cover a cone with plaid fabric or felt, then attach a wooden bead for the nose and fluffy faux fur for the beard. Finish with a tall fabric hat and arrange several gnomes on a mantel, bookshelf, or entryway table.
Estimated cost: $2-$6 per gnome.
2. DIY Christmas Wreaths with Velvet Bows
Create an elegant Christmas wreath using a grapevine wreath base, artificial greenery, ribbon, and decorative bells. Attach evergreen branches around the wreath, leaving some of the natural base visible for a rustic appearance.
Finish with an oversized red or olive-green velvet bow. Add pinecones or decorative berries for extra texture. Reusing an old wreath base makes this project even more affordable.
Estimated cost: $5-$12.
3. Cardboard Tube Advent Candles
Turn empty cardboard tubes into colorful advent candle decorations. Paint or wrap the tubes in red, green, and white paper, then add numbers and paper flames made from yellow and orange cardstock.
Arrange the finished candles on a tray surrounded by artificial snow or greenery. These decorative candles are inexpensive and easy to customize.
Estimated cost: $0-$5.
Safety tip: These are decorative candles, not real candles. Keep paper decorations away from flames and heat.
4. Paper Christmas Tree Decorations
Make three-dimensional paper Christmas trees using patterned paper, scissors, glue, and string. Cut several matching tree shapes, fold them down the middle, and glue the folded sections together to create a dimensional ornament.
Choose traditional green paper or experiment with beige, white, and muted pink. Hang the finished trees from decorative branches or your Christmas tree.
Estimated cost: $1-$4.
5. Christmas Paper Wheels Garland
Paper wheel garlands add color to fireplaces, windows, and festive party tables. Fold sheets of patterned paper accordion-style, join the ends, and spread the folds into circular rosettes.
Make several wheels in different sizes and attach them to ribbon or string. Using leftover wrapping paper helps keep the project inexpensive while creating a coordinated decoration.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
6. Sponge-Printed Reindeer Christmas Art
This easy craft is perfect for children. Cut a clean sponge into a triangle, dip it into brown washable paint, and press it onto cardstock to create a reindeer face.
Once the paint dries, add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and antlers drawn with a marker. Turn the finished artwork into Christmas cards, gift tags, or framed decorations.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
7. DIY Cardboard Reindeer Ornaments
Reuse corrugated cardboard to create rustic reindeer ornaments. Draw a reindeer silhouette, cut it out, and decorate it with white paint to create eyes, a smile, and festive markings.
Add a red ribbon bow and attach a loop of twine for hanging. For a sturdier ornament, glue two matching cardboard shapes together.
Estimated cost: $0-$3.
8. Colorful DIY Snowman Decorations
Create miniature snowmen using white foam balls, air-dry clay, or suitable recycled materials. Stack two or three white spheres, then add black eyes, an orange carrot-shaped nose, and small buttons.
Complete each snowman with a colorful scarf or tiny hat. Display several together on a shelf or beneath the Christmas tree.
Estimated cost: $2-$6 for several small snowmen.
9. Frosted Mason Jar Christmas Luminaries
Reuse empty glass jars to create beautiful Christmas luminaries. Apply a suitable frosted-glass finish, wrap the neck with twine, and attach a small evergreen sprig or ribbon.
Place a battery-operated LED candle inside and arrange three jars together on a mantel or dining table. Paper snowflakes can add another decorative touch.
Estimated cost: $1-$4 per jar.
10. Mini Christmas Tree Garland
Make a festive garland from inexpensive felt. Cut small triangles from red and green felt, decorate them with stars or circles, and attach them to twine using glue or simple stitches.
Hang the finished garland across a mantel, shelf, doorway, or child’s bedroom wall. For a softer farmhouse look, choose cream, sage, and forest green.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
11. Gingerbread-Inspired Christmas Ornaments
Create gingerbread decorations without baking. Cut gingerbread-man shapes from cardboard or felt and use white paint to imitate icing.
Add smiling faces, buttons, decorative borders, and ribbon loops. We can also make gingerbread stars, hearts, and houses to create a matching ornament collection.
Estimated cost: $1-$4.
12. DIY Christmas Bell Decorations
Decorative bells add a traditional finishing touch to wreaths, garlands, and gifts. Reuse old bells or create lightweight decorative shapes from cardboard or air-dry clay.
Paint them antique gold, bronze, or silver, then attach them to ribbon or twine. A cluster of three bells beneath a large bow makes an attractive Christmas decoration.
Estimated cost: $2-$6.
13. Rustic Christmas Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are naturally beautiful and can often be collected outdoors where permitted. Clean and dry them thoroughly, then brush the tips with white craft paint for a snowy appearance.
Tie twine around the top and add a small ribbon or evergreen sprig. Hang the pinecones on your Christmas tree or arrange them in a decorative bowl.
Estimated cost: $0-$4.
14. DIY Christmas Gift Tags from Scrap Paper
Make personalized gift tags from kraft paper, old greeting cards, cereal boxes, or leftover cardstock. Cut rectangles, stars, or Christmas tree shapes and punch a small hole at the top.
Add handwritten names, festive drawings, and twine. A tiny evergreen sprig tucked beneath the string creates a charming finishing touch.
Estimated cost: Under $3 for a large batch.
15. Handmade Christmas Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are among the easiest and cheapest Christmas decorations. Fold square sheets of paper several times, cut small shapes along the folded edges, and carefully unfold them.
Use white paper for a classic winter look or metallic paper for extra sparkle. Hang the snowflakes from clear thread near windows or doorways.
Estimated cost: Almost nothing.
16. Christmas Paper Chain Garland
Create a colorful garland using strips of red, green, and white paper. Form the first strip into a ring, secure it with glue or tape, and thread the next strip through it.
Continue until the chain reaches your desired length. This simple project is perfect for children, classrooms, and festive family activities.
Estimated cost: $1-$3.
17. DIY Christmas Mason Jar Candle Holders
Turn ordinary glass jars into charming candle holders with ribbon, twine, and artificial greenery. Wrap the jar’s rim with your chosen material and attach a small decorative sprig.
Place a battery-operated candle inside and arrange several jars together for a warm, cozy display. These also make thoughtful handmade gifts.
Estimated cost: $1-$4 per holder.
18. DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments from Old Buttons
Use leftover buttons to create miniature Christmas trees, wreaths, and snowmen. Arrange green buttons from largest to smallest on felt or sturdy cardboard to form a tree.
Add a small trunk and ribbon loop. For a wreath, arrange green buttons in a circle and finish with a red bow.
Estimated cost: $0-$3.
19. Homemade Christmas Sock Gnomes
Transform old socks into adorable Christmas gnomes. Fill a sock with suitable stuffing to create the body, then attach a wooden bead for the nose and faux fur for the beard.
Use fabric scraps or another sock to create a tall hat. Change the colors and patterns to make each gnome unique.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
20. DIY Christmas Book Page Trees
Create elegant tabletop trees using recycled paper or suitable old book pages. Fold the pages into repeated shapes or cut and stack graduated paper layers around a central support.
Leave the trees natural or lightly paint the edges white for a snowy finish. Display them with pinecones and wooden ornaments for a rustic Christmas arrangement.
Estimated cost: $0-$4.
21. DIY Christmas Ribbon Candy Canes
Make lightweight candy cane ornaments using craft wire and red-and-white ribbon. Shape the wire into a candy cane, wrap it with alternating ribbon colors, and secure the ends.
Attach a small hanging loop and display the ornaments on your Christmas tree or gift packages. Velvet ribbon creates a softer, more luxurious appearance.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
22. DIY Christmas Wineglass Centerpieces
Repurpose clean wineglasses or other suitable glassware for a simple Christmas centerpiece. Place a small artificial evergreen arrangement beneath an inverted glass and set a battery-operated tea light on its flat base.
Arrange three glasses of different heights in the center of the table. This decoration looks elegant while making use of items already at home.
Estimated cost: $0-$5.
23. DIY Felt Christmas Stockings
Cut two matching stocking shapes from felt and attach the edges with stitching or suitable craft glue, leaving the top open.
Add a contrasting cuff and ribbon loop. Personalize each stocking with initials, felt stars, or embroidered names. Make miniature versions for the Christmas tree or larger ones for a mantel.
Estimated cost: $2-$6 per stocking.
24. DIY Christmas Cardboard Stars
Reuse sturdy packaging cardboard to make rustic Christmas stars. Draw and cut out star shapes, then leave them natural or paint them white, gold, or silver.
Add twine around the edges or glue a smaller star onto the center. Attach a ribbon loop to hang the finished decorations on trees, walls, or doors.
Estimated cost: $0-$3.
25. DIY Christmas Wreath from Scrap Fabric
Use leftover fabric and ribbon to make a colorful wreath. Cut fabric into short strips and tie them around a wire or sturdy cardboard wreath form until the base is covered.
Combine red, green, cream, and plaid fabrics for a traditional look. Finish with an oversized bow and display the wreath on an interior door or covered entryway.
Estimated cost: $2-$6.
26. DIY Christmas Jar Snow Globes
Create a dry snow globe using a clean glass jar, a miniature Christmas tree, and artificial snow. Attach the miniature decoration securely to the inside of the lid, add artificial snow to the jar, and close it tightly.
Turn the jar upside down to display the miniature winter scene. Finish with ribbon around the lid for a festive touch.
Estimated cost: $2-$5.
27. DIY Christmas Pom-Pom Ornaments
Make soft Christmas ornaments using yarn and a cardboard template. Wrap yarn around the template, tie the center tightly, cut the loops, and trim the yarn into a round pom-pom.
Choose red and green for a traditional look or white and beige for a cozy winter theme. Attach a yarn loop and hang the ornaments on the Christmas tree.
Estimated cost: $2-$5 for several ornaments.
28. DIY Christmas Candle Decorations from Cardboard
Create decorative cardboard candles using empty tubes, paint, and colored paper. Paint the tubes in festive shades and attach paper flames made from yellow and orange cardstock.
Decorate the sides with numbers, stars, or stripes. Arrange the candles at different heights on a stable tray with artificial greenery.
Estimated cost: $0-$4.
29. DIY Christmas Gift Boxes from Recycled Cardboard
Turn recycled cardboard into attractive boxes for small presents and homemade gifts. Cut and fold the cardboard into a box shape, reinforce the corners, and cover it with kraft paper or leftover wrapping paper.
Finish with ribbon, a handmade gift tag, and a small decorative sprig. These boxes can be customized to match your Christmas wrapping.
Estimated cost: $0-$3 per box.
30. DIY Christmas Door Hangers
Create a welcoming door hanger using cardboard or lightweight wood. Cut a circle, star, or tree shape, paint it in festive colors, and add a message such as “Merry Christmas.”
Finish with a large ribbon and artificial greenery. For outdoor use, choose weather-resistant materials and secure the decorations properly.
Estimated cost: $3-$8.
31. DIY Christmas Photo Frame with Cotton Balls
Transform a basic photo frame into a snowman decoration using cotton balls, black buttons, and orange paper.
Attach cotton balls around the frame, then add a snowman face near the top. Place a favorite family photo or winter landscape inside to create a personalized seasonal decoration or handmade gift.
Estimated cost: $3-$6.
32. DIY Christmas Garland from Recycled Fabric
Reuse old cotton clothing, ribbon, and fabric scraps to make a soft Christmas garland. Cut the fabric into narrow strips and tie them along a length of twine.
Alternate red, green, white, and plaid patterns for a cozy festive look. Hang the garland across a mantel, shelf, or staircase.
Estimated cost: $1-$4.
33. DIY Christmas Tree from Wooden Sticks
Use craft sticks or clean fallen twigs to create rustic Christmas trees. Arrange the sticks from shortest to longest into a triangular shape, then secure them to a central support using twine or suitable glue.
Add a small star, ribbon, or miniature ornaments. Hang the finished decoration on a wall or attach a stable base for tabletop display.
Estimated cost: $1-$5.
34. DIY Christmas Sweater Ornaments
Make miniature sweater ornaments from felt, fabric scraps, or old knitted clothing. Cut two matching sweater shapes and attach them together.
Decorate the front with buttons, stitched snowflakes, or colorful stripes. Add a hanging loop and use the ornaments on your tree, gift bags, or handmade Christmas cards.
Estimated cost: $1-$4 for several ornaments.
35. DIY Christmas Centerpiece with Greenery and Pinecones
Create a beautiful Christmas centerpiece using a wooden tray, evergreen branches, pinecones, and reusable candle holders.
Arrange the greenery along the tray, add pinecones and decorative berries, and place battery-operated candles between the branches. Red ribbon and gold accents create a traditional look, while natural wood and twine suit farmhouse interiors.
Estimated cost: $4-$10.
Where to Find Cheap Christmas Craft Supplies
We can find materials for these projects in everyday household items and inexpensive craft supplies.
- At home: Cardboard boxes, jars, paper, old clothing, buttons, and ribbons.
- Discount stores: Felt, glue, twine, pom-poms, and craft sticks.
- Outdoors: Fallen twigs and pinecones where collection is permitted.
- Fabric remnants: Small pieces of cotton, velvet, and plaid material.
- Recycling materials: Clean packaging, paper tubes, and sturdy cardboard.
Choose crafts that share materials to save even more money. For example, one pack of felt can supply several garlands and ornaments, while a spool of twine can decorate wreaths, gift tags, and hanging decorations.
Easy Cheap Christmas Crafts to Make with Kids
Christmas crafting is a wonderful way to spend time together while preparing for the holidays. Choose simple projects involving paper, washable paint, and easy-to-handle materials.
Some excellent options include:
- Sponge-printed reindeer.
- Paper snowflakes.
- Paper chain garlands.
- Cardboard Christmas stars.
- Cardboard reindeer ornaments.
- Paper Christmas trees.
- Cotton-ball snowman frames.
Prepare materials beforehand and supervise children when using scissors, adhesives, or small decorative pieces. Adults should handle hot glue and sharp cutting tools.
FAQs
What are the cheapest Christmas crafts to make?
Paper snowflakes, paper chains, cardboard stars, recycled gift tags, and cardboard reindeer are among the cheapest options because they use materials we may already have at home.
When should we start making Christmas decorations?
November is an excellent time to begin. Starting early gives us time to make ornaments, prepare gifts, and decorate our homes without rushing in December.
How can we decorate for Christmas on a small budget?
Reuse decorations from previous years, choose a consistent color palette, and make a few statement pieces. Complement them with inexpensive paper decorations and handmade ornaments.
Making cheap Christmas crafts in November allows us to prepare for the festive season while saving money and enjoying creative time at home. From paper trees and cardboard ornaments to velvet-bow wreaths, homemade snowmen, and rustic centerpieces, these 35 projects offer plenty of ways to decorate beautifully without overspending.
Start with a few projects that suit your home, gather the supplies you already have, and gradually build a collection of handmade decorations throughout November. By December, your home can feel festive, welcoming, and personal without stretching your holiday budget.
And for more DIY Ideas see our 25+ Rustic Wood Christmas Crafts, 17 Easy DIY Christmas Crafts Using Natural Materials.
