The holidays are a magical time of year. There’s nothing quite like pulling out the Christmas decorations, sipping some hot cocoa, and filling your home with festive cheer. But let’s be real—holiday decorating can get expensive, fast. We’re talking about those cute little Santa figurines that cost a small fortune, or the sparkly tinsel that’s more expensive than a new pair of shoes. It’s enough to make even the most dedicated decorator want to pull their hair out. But what if I told you that you could make your front door look like a million bucks for under $10?
Your front door is the first thing guests see, so a beautiful wreath is a must. It’s a statement piece that immediately says, “Welcome, come on in and get cozy.” You don’t need a huge budget to make a stunning, unique wreath. In fact, some of the best ones come from things you already have or can find in your backyard. A few years ago, I was so sick of looking at the same old store-bought wreaths that I decided to get crafty. I was shocked at how easy and cheap it was to make something beautiful.
I’m here to tell you that these ideas are not just for seasoned crafters. If you can use a hot glue gun without burning your fingers (mostly), you can make these. These DIY Christmas wreath ideas are so simple and so affordable that you’ll be wondering why you ever spent a fortune on one before. Ready to deck your halls without breaking the bank? Here are 13 DIY Christmas wreaths you can make without blowing your budget.
1. Classic Evergreen Wreath on a Budget
Let’s start with a classic. Nothing says “Christmas” like a traditional evergreen wreath. But those fresh ones from the lot can be pricey, and the good faux ones can be even more. My trick? Use a wire wreath form—you can get one at any craft store for a few bucks—and some floral wire. Then, take a walk! Clip some evergreen branches from your yard or a friendly neighbor’s tree (with permission, of course). You’d be surprised how many people are happy to let you trim a few rogue branches.
You just need to cut the branches into small pieces and use the floral wire to attach them to the frame, layering them as you go to create a full, lush look. You can even mix in a few different types of greenery for texture. This method gives you that beautiful, rich green look without the hefty price tag.
Hack: If you don’t have a yard or access to free greenery, check your local hardware store or home improvement center. They often have real tree clippings for free or very cheap after they’ve set up their Christmas tree displays.
2. Rustic Pinecone & Berry Wreath
This is one of my favorites because it literally comes from nature. A rustic pinecone wreath is all about bringing the outdoors in. Grab a big bag or a basket and head out on a nature walk. You’ll find pinecones, twigs, and maybe even some small, dried-up berries. The best part? It’s all free. You can use a grapevine wreath form as your base—they’re super affordable and give you that instant rustic feel.
Once you have your pinecones, make sure to bake them for about 30 minutes at 200°F (95°C) to kill any bugs and get them to open up. From there, just hot glue them onto the grapevine form. You can add a few sprigs of faux berries from the dollar store for a pop of color. The result is so charming and looks like it cost a bundle.
Hack: For a little extra sparkle, lightly spray the tips of the pinecones with silver or gold spray paint before you glue them on. It’s a simple trick that adds a touch of elegance.
3. Dollar Store Ornament Wreath
This is the one that’ll make your front door look like a festive party. An ornament wreath DIY is so easy, it’s almost ridiculous. Head to the dollar store and grab a bunch of different colored ornaments. I like to get a mix of sizes and finishes—matte, glitter, and shiny ones. You’ll also need a wire wreath form.
The process is simple: use hot glue to attach the ornaments to the wire form, packing them in tight. Don’t worry about being too neat; a little chaos makes it look more vibrant and full. Once you’re done, you won’t even be able to see the wire base. It’s a truly budget holiday decor masterpiece.
Hack: Before you glue, tie a few ornaments to the wire frame with thin floral wire. This helps secure the base layer and gives you a good foundation to glue the rest of the ornaments onto, ensuring none of them fall off later.
4. Burlap Ribbon Christmas Wreath
For all my farmhouse-chic fans out there, this one is for you. A burlap wreath adds a rustic, cozy feel to any door. You’ll need a wire wreath form and a long roll of burlap ribbon. The key is to create loops with the burlap and secure them to the wire frame using the floral wire or pipe cleaners.
The process is repetitive but totally mindless—perfect for when you’re binging holiday movies. You just keep looping and twisting until the entire form is covered. The result is a wonderfully textured, full wreath. You can leave it plain for a simple farmhouse Christmas wreath look or add a few seasonal picks, like some red berries or a rustic sign.
Hack: To get extra-full loops without using a ton of burlap, just gently pull each loop out and fluff it up after you secure it. This makes the wreath look much more substantial.
5. Minimalist Hoop Wreath with Greenery
Sometimes, less is more. If your style is modern and clean, a minimalist hoop wreath is the way to go. You’ll need a metal hoop—you can find these at craft stores or even online for cheap. The beauty of this wreath is that you only need a small amount of greenery.
Take a few sprigs of faux or real eucalyptus, juniper, or even rosemary and use floral wire to attach them to the bottom of the hoop. You can add a small ribbon or a single ornament for a little something extra, but the focus is on the simple elegance of the hoop and the greenery. It’s a modern holiday decor look that’s effortlessly chic.
Hack: Instead of a metal hoop, you can use an embroidery hoop from the craft section. They come in various sizes and are usually very inexpensive, making them a perfect base.
6. Candy Cane Shaped Wreath
Want something a little different and whimsical? Try a candy cane wreath! This is such a fun option, especially if you have kids. You’ll need a wire wreath form that’s shaped like a candy cane. If you can’t find one, you can make one by bending a coat hanger. Then, wrap the wire form in red and white ribbon or yarn, alternating colors to create the classic candy cane stripe.
You can then decorate it with oversized bows, fake peppermints, or even some small, festive signs. It’s a whimsical and festive piece that’s sure to make your door stand out and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Hack: Use two different widths of ribbon—a wide white ribbon and a thinner red one. You can wrap the red ribbon in a spiral over the white to create a perfect candy cane look that’s neat and polished.
7. Red Bow Statement Wreath
This one is all about drama on a dime. A classic Christmas decor look is a simple green wreath with one big, bold bow. You can use a simple faux evergreen wreath from a craft store (they usually go on sale) or make your own with backyard clippings. The magic is in the bow.
Head to the ribbon section and find a wide, wired ribbon in a festive color like deep red or tartan. The wire inside the ribbon is key because it holds its shape. Make a big, lush bow and attach it to the top or bottom of the wreath. Seriously, that’s it. It’s a simple but stunning DIY ribbon wreath that looks way more expensive than it is.
Hack: To make a perfect bow, search for “how to make a loopy bow” on YouTube. It’s a simple technique that results in a professional-looking bow every time and uses less ribbon than you’d think.
8. Pom-Pom Christmas Wreath
For crafters who love a good cozy vibe, a DIY pom-pom wreath is the perfect project. It’s a bit of a time commitment, but it’s a fun, mindless activity you can do while watching movies. You’ll need a bunch of yarn in different colors—think reds, greens, and whites. You can make your own pom-poms with a pom-pom maker or just a simple fork.
Once you have a pile of fluffy pom-poms, just hot glue them all over a foam wreath form. The result is a whimsical, textured wreath that looks so cozy and unique. This is a great budget-friendly wreath idea for a family craft night.
Hack: Want to make a ton of pom-poms super fast? You can use a piece of cardboard cut into a “C” shape and wrap your yarn around it multiple times before tying the center. It’s much quicker than the fork method.
9. Frosted Winter Wreath with Snow Spray
Ever seen those beautiful, snow-covered wreaths and wondered how to get that look? The secret is simple: snow spray! You can take any faux wreath, even an old one you have lying around, and give it a winter wonderland makeover. A can of snow spray is super cheap and goes a long way.
Just spray a light, even coat all over the wreath, focusing on the tips of the branches. Let it dry completely. For extra sparkle, you can add a dusting of iridescent glitter. It instantly transforms a plain wreath into a frosted wreath that looks like it’s been touched by a little bit of magic.
Hack: For a truly realistic look, don’t spray the whole wreath. Focus the spray on the upper parts of the branches, as if snow has just settled on top. This makes it look more natural and less like it was just covered in spray paint.
10. Grapevine Wreath with Natural Touches
A grapevine wreath is one of the easiest and most versatile bases you can use. They are naturally beautiful and already have that rustic, organic feel. They’re also relatively inexpensive.
The fun part is what you add to it. Since the grapevine base is already gorgeous, you don’t need to do a lot. I love adding a simple cluster of faux berries, some sprigs of pine, and maybe a few bells. You just tuck the stems of the greenery into the vines and secure with a little hot glue if needed. It’s an easy, rustic holiday wreath that looks like something you’d buy at a high-end boutique.
Hack: To make your natural additions look more cohesive, group them together in one area of the wreath, or create a swag that runs down one side. This creates a focal point and keeps the look from being too busy.
11. Fabric Scrap or Rag Wreath
Talk about upcycling! A DIY rag wreath is perfect for using up old fabrics you have lying around. We’re talking old T-shirts, torn dish towels, or even leftover quilting scraps. You’ll need a wire wreath form.
Just cut your fabric into strips about an inch wide and a few inches long. Then, one by one, tie the fabric strips onto the wire form. You just keep tying knots until the entire form is covered and fluffy. You can use a mix of colors for a playful look or stick to a specific palette like red and white for a more cohesive feel. This is a great, eco-friendly way to make a Christmas wreath without spending a single penny.
Hack: To make the tying process go faster, pre-cut all of your fabric strips before you start. You’ll be surprised how quickly this project comes together when you don’t have to stop and snip every few minutes.
12. Jingle Bell Christmas Wreath
Love the sound of sleigh bells? A jingle bell wreath is a super fun and festive option. You can buy packs of assorted jingle bells at any craft store for cheap. You’ll also need a wire wreath form.
The process is similar to the ornament wreath—you just hot glue the bells onto the wire form. You can use different sizes of bells to add texture and depth. I personally love the look of shiny silver and gold bells mixed together. The best part? Every time your front door opens and closes, you get to hear that wonderful, cheerful jingle. It’s a great musical Christmas decor piece.
Hack: Before you start gluing, spray paint some of your jingle bells different colors, like red or green, to add a pop of color to the silver and gold mix.
13. Paper & Craft Wreath (Kids-Friendly)
Looking for a craft to do with the little ones? A DIY paper wreath is a perfect choice. This is also the most customizable and budget-friendly option on the list. All you need is a paper plate with the middle cut out, some construction paper, and glue.
You and the kids can cut out paper Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars, or even little gingerbread men and glue them all over the paper plate ring. For a little extra flair, you can add glitter, cotton balls, or pom-poms. It’s an easy and fun Christmas craft for kids that results in a truly unique decoration.
Hack: Use a hole punch to make a bunch of little paper circles in different colors and glue them on for a colorful confetti wreath effect. It’s easy for little hands and looks surprisingly festive.
Closing Thoughts
See? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a stunning Christmas display. Whether you’re into the classic evergreen, a rustic pinecone look, or something more whimsical with pom-poms or ornaments, there’s a DIY Christmas wreath out there for you.
The best part about making your own is that you get a truly unique piece that reflects your personality and style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas—maybe a minimalist hoop wreath with some added pinecones, or a burlap wreath with a few ornaments tucked in. It’s your creation, so make it yours. So, which wreath idea will you try this year? Save this post to your holiday board for later!
