Christmas Decor Under $20: Budget Ideas That Still Look Special

You don’t need a big budget to make your home feel like Christmas. A handful of well-chosen pieces, some greenery and a little creativity can transform a room. The trick is knowing where small purchases make the biggest difference and where free or homemade decor works just as well. Here’s how to decorate for Christmas on a budget, with ideas for keeping each buy under about 20 dollars.

Where small buys make the biggest impact

The tree topper

The top of the tree is the first place people look, so a topper punches far above its size. Swapping an old or mismatched topper for a bright star can make the whole tree look new, even with the same ornaments underneath.

A few statement ornaments

Instead of buying boxes of plain balls, pick a few unusual ornaments and hang them at eye level where they’ll be noticed. Hand-painted glass pieces catch the light and become conversation starters, and they’re easy to add to over the years.

Lighting

A single strand of warm white fairy lights can make a shelf, a mantel or a bare branch glow. Battery-powered strands mean you can add light anywhere, even where there’s no outlet.

Ribbon

A roll or two of wide ribbon goes a long way: tie bows on the tree, wrap banisters, trim wreaths and dress up plain gifts in matching colors.

Budget picks from our shop

Here are a few small pieces that make a noticeable difference. Prices are set on the store and change over time, so check the listing for the current price before you buy.

A star for the top of the tree

The Christmas Tree Top Star Decoration Set comes in several colors, including gold, silver, red and white, and in three sizes, so you can choose one that suits the height of your tree. Being plastic, it’s lighter than glass or metal toppers and won’t make the top of the tree droop.

Quirky glass ornaments

For a touch of personality, the Monkey Glass Christmas Ornament is a hand-painted blown-glass monkey in a bright pink outfit that’s sure to get a smile. For an ocean lover, the Coral Fishes Tank Glass Christmas Ornament looks like a tiny aquarium. Both come ready to hang with a cord and a gift tag, so they also make easy small gifts.

Free and found decor

Some of the prettiest Christmas decorations cost nothing at all.

• Evergreen clippings: Trim a few low branches from a shrub, or ask a tree lot for the trimmings they cut off. Lay them on a mantel, in a vase or along a table.
• Pinecones: Gather them on a walk, let them dry and pile them in a bowl or basket.
• Branches and twigs: Bare branches in a tall vase, hung with a few small ornaments, make a simple alternative tree.
• Things you already own: Glass jars, cake stands, trays and baskets all make great bases for holiday displays.
• Old Christmas cards: String them on twine to make a garland, or cut out the pictures to use as gift tags.

Easy DIY decorations

Dried orange garland

Slice oranges thinly, bake them at a low temperature until dry, then thread them on twine with a few cinnamon sticks or bay leaves. It looks lovely on a tree or across a window and smells wonderful.

Paper snowflakes

Folding and cutting paper snowflakes is a classic family activity, and a window full of them looks charming from inside and out.

Mason jar lanterns

Add a battery tea light, some coarse salt for “snow” and a sprig of greenery to a glass jar, then tie ribbon around the neck.

Homemade ornaments

Salt dough, cinnamon dough and felt ornaments cost very little to make. See our tips for making Christmas ornaments for ideas and simple methods.

For more ideas like these, read our easy and inexpensive Christmas decor hacks.

Room-by-room budget ideas

Living room

Group candles, greenery and a few ornaments on a tray for an instant centerpiece on the coffee table. Swap everyday pillow covers for red, green or plaid ones. Our living room Christmas decor ideas have more inspiration.

Kitchen and dining

Fill a clear vase or bowl with ornaments, pinecones or clementines. Tie a sprig of rosemary to each napkin for a fragrant place setting.

Entryway

Hang a simple wreath on the inside of the front door, or tie a big bow on a door knocker. A small basket of pinecones by the door adds a welcoming touch.

Bedroom

A strand of fairy lights around a headboard or window and a plaid throw at the foot of the bed are enough to make a bedroom feel seasonal. See our bedroom Christmas decor ideas.

Shop smart for Christmas decor

1. Make a list first. Decide which rooms you’ll decorate and what each one needs before you shop, so you don’t buy on impulse.
2. Choose a color palette. Sticking to two or three colors makes inexpensive decor look intentional and helps new pieces work with what you have.
3. Buy versatile pieces. Plain greenery, white lights and neutral ribbon can be reused every year in different ways.
4. Shop after Christmas. Many stores mark down holiday decor in the days and weeks after Christmas, a good time to stock up on lights, ornaments, wrapping paper and wreaths for next year.
5. Pick one splurge. If there’s one piece you love, buy it and save on the rest with DIY and found decor.

Make your decorations last

The cheapest decorations are the ones you don’t have to replace. Wrap glass ornaments individually in tissue paper, wind lights around a piece of cardboard so they don’t tangle, and store everything in labeled bins. Our Christmas decor storage tips walk through the whole process.

With a little planning, a few well-placed buys and some homemade touches, a budget Christmas can look every bit as festive as an expensive one.

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.