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Easy DIY Christmas Decor on a Budget

Rachel Chambless Student Contributor, University of Central Florida
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year, and when most of your money goes toward presents for your loved ones, it can leave your space feeling neglected. DIY Christmas decorations are a fun and easy way to save money during the holidays. So, call up all your friends and plan a craft night to help spread holiday cheer in your space this winter.

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Trees

This is such a cute way to make a Christmas tree if you don’t have the space for a large tree. Sometimes in dorms or apartments, complying with safety regulations can be difficult, but with this DIY, it’s easy!Β 

All you’ll need is paper, pipe cleaners, and hot glue! First, cut your pipe cleaners into five-millimeter-long pieces, and fold each one in half. Then, make a cone out of your paper and hot-glue the pipe cleaner pieces onto it. Then you’re done! It’s that simple!Β 

@brittanyuranich

Pipe cleaner christmas tree! πŸŽ„Such a beautiful but easy diy for the holidays! I love how it turned out! #christmascrafts #diychristmasdecor #diychristmas #christmasdiy #diycrafts

♬ original sound – BestOfChristmas
@brittanyuranich via TikTok
Gingerbread Cabinets

This year, there is a lot of hype about making your dull, ugly cabinets cute! One idea that’s perfect for the holidays is making your cabinets look like gingerbread tiles. For this, use construction paper and cut out shapes that resemble icing, then all you’ll have to do is tape them on! It’s a perfect way to easily add a super cute, unique Christmas look to your kitchen.

Bow Cabinets

A great alternative to the gingerbread cabinets is bow cabinets! Make your kitchen look like a beautiful present by opening your cabinet door, taking your ribbon of choice (I recommend a thick ribbon that will be easily visible), and tying a bow. It takes barely any effort and looks so adorable!Β 

@malloryleerichardson

πŸŽ€ DIY CHRISTMAS CABINET BOWS πŸŽ„FIND EVERYTHING ON MY SH0P MY! I HAD to try the viral bow cabinet trend! It instantly makes your kitchen look like a wrapped Christmas present! Such an easy way to add holiday magic without spending a ton. PRO TIP- I cut about 90in of ribbon per bow with 1 1/2” ribbon. πŸ’Œ Save this for your holiday decorating weekend! #ChristmasDecor #HolidayHome #ChristmasKitchen #DIYDecor #budgetfriendlydecor

♬ Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
@malloryleerichardson via TikTok
Garlands

There are many different garlands you can use to decorate your space during the holiday season! All you need is construction paper and something to stick it to the walls. You can make a simple paper chain garland using colored paper and cutting the paper into strips, then stapling the loops together. Another fun idea is a bow garland, made with holiday-colored ribbon and tied together in a chain until you reach your desired length. No matter what you choose, it’s sure to turn out amazing and really add a spark to your space!Β 

@sweetbeesabrina

Obsessed with the paper chain garlands and how whimsy they are with holiday decor! But decided to make it reusable by using wired ribbon instead β€οΈπŸŽ„ #paperchain #diypapercraft #christmascrafts #diychristmasdecor #christmasgarland

♬ Polar Express – β„οΈπŸŽ„- Toby -πŸŽ„β„οΈ
@sweetbeesabrina via TikTok
Fake Snow in Your Windows

Now, I am by no means suggesting that you buy instant snow and place it on your windowsill; that would create a huge mess and require a lot of cleanup. Instead, try cutting out paper snowflakes as we did in grade school. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube that show you how to cut specific designs that will make your snowflakes truly shine. Then, once you have enough, tape them onto your window! They will look so stunning when the light hits, and anyone who looks at your window will be able to feel the holiday cheer radiating out of your room.

Christmas is already stressful, but decorating doesn’t have to be! Hopefully, this gave you some good ideas for easy DIY room decor. These crafts can be done easily with friends, so don’t stress and make the most out of it.

Rachel is a senior at UCF majoring in communications. She transferred to UCF for her junior year and has loved being a part of the campus culture ever since. She is a writer and recruitment team member at Her Campus UCF. She hopes to someday work in publishing and help others publish their books.

Outside of school she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops around town, and seeing her friends. Her favorite genre to read is mystery books, especially during a rainy day with a candle lit.