Decorating for Christmas can be fun, but store-bought decorations often feel generic and expensive. DIY Christmas decorations give us more control over style, color, and budget. They also let us create pieces that feel personal and unique to our homes.
When choosing materials for DIY projects, the most important factors are safety, durability, and ease of use. We should pay close attention to whether items are non-toxic, flame-resistant, and sturdy enough to last through the season. Size and weight also matter, especially for ornaments or pieces that hang on trees or walls.
DIY decorations can be as simple as paper crafts or as detailed as handmade wreaths and ornaments. With the right supplies and some planning, we can create decorations that look good, hold up well, and fit our style. We tested a range of DIY Christmas decoration ideas to find the ones worth your time and effort.
Best DIY Christmas Decorations
We gathered the top DIY Christmas decoration kits and supplies to help make holiday projects easier and more fun. Our list highlights reliable options that let us create festive pieces without extra hassle.
Brightown Fairy Lights
We recommend this set of fairy lights because they are versatile, easy to use, and add a warm glow to any holiday setup.
Pros
- Flexible wire makes shaping simple
- Warm light creates a cozy atmosphere
- Comes in a value pack with batteries included
Cons
- Batteries don’t last very long
- Wire feels delicate when handled too roughly
- Not ideal for large outdoor displays
When we used the Brightown Fairy Lights, the first thing we noticed was how easy they were to wrap around garlands and wreaths. The thin silver wire bends without much effort, which made decorating quick. They gave off a soft warm glow that made the space feel inviting.
The lights worked well in small spaces like mason jars and tabletop trees. We liked that each strand had its own switch, so we didn’t need to plug anything in. The included batteries were ready to go, which saved us from making an extra trip to the store.
One drawback was that the batteries drained after a couple of days if left on too long. Also, the wire can tangle if we don’t store it carefully. Still, for indoor decorating and DIY projects, these lights are a solid choice and bring good value for the price.
Leyzan DIY Scrabble Ornament Kit
This kit works well for anyone who wants a simple and fun way to make personalized Christmas ornaments at home.
Pros
- Easy to assemble with kids or adults
- Includes a wide mix of ribbons, bells, and tiles
- Creates ornaments that feel personal and unique
Cons
- Glue is not included
- Some letters run out quickly
- Extra decorative pieces can feel a bit random
When we opened the box, we liked that everything was sorted and ready to use. The tiles felt solid, and the double-sided printing made it easier to find the letters we needed. The bells and bows added a nice touch without making the ornaments look too busy.
Using the kit with kids worked out smoothly. They were able to help pick letters and tie ribbons while we handled the glue. It became a group project that didn’t take too long, and the results looked good enough to hang right away.
One thing we noticed was the letter distribution. Common vowels disappeared fast, and we had more unusual letters left over. If you plan to spell out lots of names, you might need more than one kit. Still, for the price and the fun factor, we found it worth it.
LUDILO Christmas Window Clings
These reusable snowflake clings make decorating windows quick, simple, and festive without leaving a mess.
Pros
- Easy to apply and remove without glue
- Large pack with plenty of designs and sizes
- Reusable for more than one holiday season
Cons
- Only works well on smooth surfaces
- Not suited for outdoor use
- Can curl if stored carelessly
We found these window clings very simple to use. They stick firmly to glass without any adhesive, so we didn’t have to worry about residue or cleanup. The designs look crisp, and the mix of sizes gave us flexibility when arranging them.
The pack includes enough pieces to cover multiple windows, which made it feel like a good value. We liked that we could create different layouts on each window without running short. Once we were done, removing them was just as easy as putting them up.
One thing we noticed is that they don’t stay put on textured or painted walls, so they’re really best for glass or tile. Since they aren’t made for outdoor weather, we kept ours inside, and that worked perfectly. With careful storage, we plan to use them again next year.
READY 2 LEARN Sequin Ornament Kit
This kit works well if we want a simple Christmas craft for kids, but it does need a little extra effort to keep the ornaments sturdy.
Pros
- Comes with all supplies in one box
- Fun and easy for kids to follow
- Creates colorful, handmade ornaments
Cons
- Pins can slip out of the foam balls
- Ornaments are smaller than expected
- Some pieces may need glue to stay secure
We found the READY 2 LEARN ornament kit easy to set up since everything was included. The foam balls, sequins, and ribbons kept kids busy without us having to hunt down extra supplies. The illustrated instructions were clear enough that children could follow along on their own.
During use, we noticed the sequins looked bright and festive once pinned in place. The process of pushing the pins into the foam was simple, and it gave kids a sense of independence. It also worked as a calm activity that didn’t create a big mess.
On the downside, the pins didn’t always stay put in the foam. We solved that by dipping them in a bit of glue before pressing them in, which made the ornaments hold together better. The finished pieces were smaller than we expected, but they still looked nice on the tree. Overall, this kit makes a good choice for a family craft night if we plan ahead for the pin issue.
BBTO Holly Berries
We recommend this set if you want a simple way to add small, realistic pops of color to your holiday crafts and decorations.
Pros
- Bright red finish looks natural and festive
- Flexible wire makes shaping and attaching easy
- Large pack gives us plenty of pieces to work with
Cons
- Much smaller than expected, closer to blueberry size
- Foam material can dent if handled roughly
- Not very noticeable on a full-size Christmas tree
When we opened the pack, the first thing we noticed was the deep red color. It looks rich and works well with both rustic and modern holiday themes. The shiny surface stands out nicely when placed in wreaths or gift wrap.
The wire stems bend without breaking, which made it easy for us to twist them into garlands and centerpieces. We also tried them on small gift bags, and they stayed in place without glue. That flexibility makes them useful for quick projects.
Size is the main limitation. These berries are tiny, so they don’t make much impact on a large tree. We found they work best as fillers in smaller displays or as accents on packages. For the price, though, the pack gives us enough to experiment with different ideas.
OurWarm DIY Felt Christmas Tree
This felt tree set makes a simple, kid-friendly way to add holiday spirit without the stress of fragile decorations.
Pros
- Ornaments stick on well and don’t fall off easily
- Soft felt material feels safe for kids to handle
- Easy to store and reuse each year
Cons
- Tree arrives folded and needs ironing to flatten
- Limited to 3 feet tall, so it feels small in larger spaces
- Hook and loop can lose grip after heavy use
We set this tree up on a wall in the playroom, and it instantly became a fun activity. The kids loved choosing where to place each ornament, and we didn’t have to worry about anything breaking. The felt feels sturdy, and the stitching on the hook and loop holds up better than expected.
The size works well for little ones, though it does look small if you try to make it the main tree in a large room. It’s more of a playful decoration than a centerpiece. That said, it’s light enough to hang almost anywhere, which makes it versatile.
When we unpacked it, the folds from shipping were noticeable. A quick pass with a warm iron fixed the wrinkles, but it’s something to plan for before hanging. Once it was up, though, we found it easy to store ornaments in a bag and reuse them for the next round of decorating.
HOBAYS Fairy Lights
These lights are a smart buy for anyone who wants simple, battery-powered decorations that are easy to use for Christmas or other events.
Pros
- Compact size makes them easy to hide in decor
- Warm glow creates a cozy look
- Comes with batteries included
Cons
- Battery case is not waterproof
- No timer function for auto shutoff
- Shorter length limits larger projects
We found these lights very handy for small projects like mason jar centerpieces and wreaths. The copper wire bends easily, so shaping them around objects takes little effort. They gave off a soft, warm light that felt inviting without being harsh.
Using them indoors worked best for us since the battery case isn’t waterproof. While the string itself can handle some moisture, we wouldn’t leave the case outside. That’s something to keep in mind if you plan to decorate a porch or patio.
Because the wire is only 3.3 feet long, these lights shine most when used in smaller setups. They’re not meant for wrapping a big tree, but they’re excellent for accent lighting. We liked that the pack comes with plenty of strings, so we could spread them across multiple decorations without running short.
READY 2 LEARN Jingle Bell Wreath Kit
This kit works well for families who want a simple, hands-on Christmas craft that kids can finish without a big mess.
Pros
- Comes with everything we need in one box
- Bells have a cheerful sound when shaken
- Quick project that keeps kids engaged
Cons
- Wreaths don’t always hold a perfect circle shape
- Pipe cleaners feel a little flimsy
- Younger kids need extra help threading the bells
We tried this kit with a group of kids, and the process was straightforward. The illustrated instructions made it easy to follow, and we didn’t need to dig out extra supplies. The bright red, green, and gold bells looked festive right away.
The finished wreaths jingled nicely when shaken, which added to the holiday feel. Hanging them on the tree was simple with the included ribbons, though we found that shaping the pipe cleaners into a neat circle took some effort. Once hung, the ornaments still looked charming, even if not perfectly round.
We liked that the project was quick but still gave kids a sense of accomplishment. It worked best for ages 5 and up, while younger children needed more guidance. Overall, this kit gave us a fun way to make personalized decorations without creating a mess in the process.
GuassLee Christmas Photo Frame Craft Kit
This kit works well for families or classrooms who want a simple, hands-on Christmas project that doubles as a keepsake.
Pros
- Plenty of frames to share in groups
- Cute gingerbread house design feels festive
- Frames can be reused with new photos each year
Cons
- Sticker supply feels limited for the number of frames
- Cardstock is sturdy but not heavy-duty
- Works best for younger kids, may feel too simple for older ones
We liked how easy it was to set up this craft. The frames come ready to decorate, and the stickers are simple for small hands to peel and place. It made the process smooth, and we didn’t need to buy extra supplies to get started.
The gingerbread house design stood out once finished. Hanging them on the tree or taping them to the wall added a cheerful touch without looking messy. We appreciated that the photos could be swapped out, which means we can reuse the frames year after year.
In a larger group, we noticed the stickers ran out quickly. For a classroom, we’d suggest having a few extra sticker sheets on hand. Still, the project held attention, and the kids felt proud of their finished frames, which made it worth the effort.
Buying Guide
When we shop for supplies to make DIY Christmas decorations, we need to focus on quality and safety. Materials should be durable, easy to handle, and safe for use around children and pets.
We should also think about cost. Buying in bulk can save money, but we must be sure we will use the items. Simple materials like paper, wood, and fabric often give us the most flexibility.
Key features to check:
- Safety: Non-toxic paints, glues, and finishes
- Durability: Strong materials that last through the season
- Ease of use: Tools and supplies that are simple to cut, paint, or glue
- Appearance: Colors and textures that match our holiday style
Material Comparison
| Material | Strength | Ease of Use | Cost | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Low | Easy | Low | Light, simple |
| Wood | High | Moderate | Medium | Warm, classic |
| Fabric | Medium | Easy | Medium | Soft, cozy |
| Plastic | High | Easy | Low | Bright, modern |
We should also consider storage. If we plan to reuse decorations, choosing items that can fold, stack, or store flat will help us keep them in good condition.
By focusing on these points, we can select supplies that fit our budget, style, and skill level.
