Christmas tree decorating ideas can be simple, eco-friendly and affordable. Here are ideas
for a beautifully decorated holiday tree that's kind to the planet and your budget.
Craft-Free Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Candy Canes
Candy canes are an easy and inexpensive addition to the Christmas tree. They come in all colors and flavors, so make sure to buy types that will also be eaten.
Christmas Cards
If you have a large tree, set holiday greeting cards in the limbs. Or, grab a hole punch and ribbon and hang them from the tree.
Ribbons
Make bows out of ribbon or lace and tie around tree branches. Slid them off branches at the end of the season to use next year.
Tiny Toys
Tie a string around matchbox cars, fast-food meal toys, and other small tokens that are in the toy chest.
Puzzle Pieces
String around pieces from a holiday or colorful puzzle. This may seem strange, but large puzzle pieces make great ornaments.
Homemade Christmas Ornaments
CD Photo Ornaments
This is an excellent way to recycle CD's. Drill a hole in the CD using a small drill bit. String ribbon through it. Take a photo of your child (or several) and cut it to fit the CD. Glue the picture to the CD. Let your child decorate it if you wish. Don't forget to write the date on the back for a holiday keepsake.
Plastic Lids
Gather ice cream, coffee can, and other plastic container lids. Use cookie cutters to trace snowmen and Christmas trees on the plastic. Cut out and let the kids paint. Use a hole punch and string ribbon through it.
Paint
If you already have craft or glitter paint, add color to pinecones, peanuts in the shell, clothespins, aluminum foil, old buttons, and anything else that sparks your imagination.
Snowflakes
Cut paper snowflakes out of recycled computer paper or cardstock. Add them to the tree, windows and tabletops.
Star
Whether you need a star for the top of the tree or additional ornaments, this is an easy project for the children. Cut a star out of cardboard. Let the kids decorate it with glitter, wrap it in recycled aluminum foil, or color it. The possibilities are endless. Punch a hole and string it with ribbon if you are planning on using it as an ornament.
Homemade Garland Chains
Interlocking Rings
Cut rings from recycled paper, thick wrapping paper, fabric, or other material. Use thin or thick rings of one or many colors. The possibilities are endless. Link them together with staples or glue.
Popcorn & Cranberry Garland
Popcorn and cranberry garland is one of the oldest Christmas tree decorating ideas. Thread a needle with heavy duty thread. Pop plain popcorn on the stove or in the microwave.
Add a cranberry first to anchor the strand. Alternate in your preferred pattern.
Snowflake Rings
If you have a long roll of craft or wrapping paper, cut snowflake rings and wrap around the tree.
Candy Canes
Tiny Toys
Popcorn & Cranberry Garland 