Whether you’re actually putting on real clothes and entertaining this year or just want to up your holiday decoration game, with a little creativity you can make over simple, affordable objects into masterpieces. From clever ideas for hostess gifts to decorations you’ll treasure, scroll on for some seriously awesome #dollarstoredecor!
A Farmhouse Window
Amy at the Savvy Sparrow knows her way around a dollar store and this amazing farmhouse window is proof positive. It looks like the real thing! Find out how she did it over at thesavvysparrow.com.
DIY Christmas Car Ornament
This too-cute Christmas ornament is a cinch to make and calls for just a few creative materials you can grab at the Dollar Store. (Hint: nail polish is involved!) Best of all, this decoration could double as a toy if your elves need to get some emergency playtime in. Get the how-to over at The Things She Makes.
Reindeer Party Balloons
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer ... on to the Dollar Store! Make a balloon run and make your own ultra-creative holiday decorations that are sure to brighten up any party. Plus, your little ones can help give each balloon a smiling face! Learn more at A Subtle Revelry.
Snowmen Salt & Pepper Shakers
Who knew an inexpensive pair of salt and pepper shakers could turn into super cute snowmen? With a little paint and a friendly face, these little Frosty wannabes are just the thing for a quick gift or table addition. Get the instructions (along with more snowman inspiration) at 20 North Ora.
HI-CHEW Holiday Garland
Need a last-minute gift or a little something special to add to your tree? A Subtle Revelry has just the thing: a totally sweet garland! Colorful cellophane, string, and some HI-CHEWs (or other fave candy), and you're all set. Learn more here.
Paper Plate Snowman Garland
Greet your holiday guests with a cheerful snowman garland! It couldn't be easier to make since all you have to do is pick up some paper plates on the cheap. Then, enlist your holiday helpers to draw some smiling snowy faces and you're ready to go! Learn more at Real Life, One Day at a Time.
Handprint Oven Mitt
Customized oven gloves make the perfect hostess gift over the holiday period. Even better, you don't have to be particularly crafty, and you can still come up with a heartfelt homemade present. Head to Trish Sutton's blog for instructions and tips on the best dollar store gloves for the job.
Paper Wrapped Candles Centerpiece
These DIY paper wrapped candles will work as a gift as well as a dinner table centerpiece for any holiday get-together. Just customize the paper to your celebration, whether it's fall, winter or the new year. Pick up some winter wonderland gift wrap and dollar store sanctuary candles and head to Today's Creative Life for the details.
Personalized Candles
Ever wondered how to personalize a simple ivory candle? Well, here's one way of doing it with just packing tape! Head to It's Always Autumn for the instructions, and you'll have everything you need to give a beautiful personalized holiday gift to friends and family.
Bottle Brush Ornaments
Some metallic primer on the lid and top of a simple dollar store ornament and the effect is pure vintage. These snow globe ornaments make the perfect addition to a winter tree or would work well on a mantelpiece, depending on the size. Little House of Four has all the details.
Animal Magnet Gifts
A plastic dollar store hippo can get a festive magnet makeover and be put to use hanging holiday cards. Pick out more seasonal winter animals like deer or bears if you like, but we reckon even an upcycled dollar store dinosaur will be a welcome gift of gold. Sugar and Cloth has the instructions.
Clever Cocoa Mix
The gift of hot cocoa mix is always going to be well received, but if it's packaged in these cute mason jar snow globes, you'll earn extra smiles. Pick up your packaging supplies at the dollar store and the cocoa mix at the grocery and head to A Few Shortcuts for the instructions.
Tiered Party Plates
When you want to add a little seasonal flair to your party platters, some dollar store cake pans and candle holders can be crafted into a festive tiered appetizer tray. Get all the instructions at Southern State of Mind.
Pom Pom Stockings
Add some pizzazz to simple dollar store stockings with homemade pom poms! Head to Thistlewood Farms for the how-to and then deck the halls however you wish. If you have enough for every member of your party, they make clever silverware holders at the dinner table.
—Emily Myers & Abigail Matsumoto
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