Dorm and wallet-friendly ways to bring festive cheer to life this holiday season!
No Purchase
1. Paper Snowflakes
All the materials you need are paper and some sharp scissors! And tape to hang ’em up on the wall.
Personally, I would use painter’s tape to minimize damage to the dorm walls.
2. Paper CHain Garland
This one brings back memories from elementary school. And again! All you need is paper (preferably construction paper, but you could just draw designs on printer paper), sturdy scissors, and ol’ reliable: tape.
3. Paper Gingerbread Man Accordion
You may be a bit fatigued from the paper crafts at this point; however, I promise not only is this the last one, but it is also super worth it! A minimal materials list: paper (you can even recycle some old assignments taking up space in your folder — you probably should hang onto your syllabuses, though), scissors, markers, and tape.
4. North Pole Room Sign
For this one you’ll need a cardboard box, markers, and—you guessed it—tape.
Got any delivery boxes lying around? GOOD NEWS! You can cut off one of the sides and decorate it like you’re on top of the world, literally. Personally, I think the sign’s best placement would be on a door; however, it would still serve its purpose on the walls if the door isn’t an option.
5. repurpose Any Winter Scarf As a Table RUNNer
Just like the title says: you can repurpose any winter scarf as a table runner. This one requires zero effort whatsoever, but the main tradeoff is you lose a wardrobe staple. Though, if you have an abundance of beautiful scarves to keep you warm this winter, there really is no reason not to sacrifice for decorative purposes.
Small Purchase
Everything on this half of the list, you can get at Dollar Tree.
6. Miniature ChriSTMAS Tree
Speaking of trees, there is an abundance of miniature, tabletop Christmas trees at Dollar Tree that make great festive centerpieces.
I would suggest buying a tree topper and/or a tree skirt to really spruce it up!
7. Display Presents
Remember those old delivery boxes you’ve got lying around? If you buy some wrapping paper, you can do a practice wrapping round before the real season of giving begins. This will ensure all your gifts have crisp, beautiful lines when the big day comes.
Additionally, the display presents can be stacked nicely to take up the space that a big Christmas tree normally would.
8. Stockings
You can buy ones with designs already incorporated OR you and your friends can decorate plain stockings together. Glitter glue, rhinestones, felt, and markers galore!
9. Window Clings
Always very simple, yet impactful! Pick out your favorite window clings and stick ’em to the window or your mirror for that extra merriment.
10. Color-It-Yourself Ornaments
Fun to do with friends and your roommates! Create some creative designs on pre-made ornaments and hang them around the room or on that miniature tree you’ve now got sitting on the coffee table.
Bonus!!
11. Repurpose Soda Cans into Seasonal Cookie Cutters!
Wash and cut up those used soda (or energy drink) cans and bend the aluminum into candy canes, gingerbread men, and much more!
Just be very careful when cutting the cans; I wouldn’t want you getting hurt. Also, you can round the top edge of your DIY cookie cutters, so when you press down, they won’t bite into your skin.