Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Masha Eretnova
Before you toss that cereal box or rinse out another tin can, wait!
Your recycling bin is full of free Christmas craft supplies.
Toilet paper rolls, bottle caps, egg cartons, old corks and paper bags can all become snowmen, reindeer, Santas and little Christmas trees with a bit of paint and glue.
I rounded up my favorite upcycled Christmas crafts for kids and grown-ups. Some are simple enough for preschoolers, and others make pretty decor for your porch or tree.
The best part? They cost almost nothing, and you keep a little more out of the trash this holiday season.
Santa Corks Bowling Craft
Kids can turn old corks into charming Santa bowling pins for a festive and playful holiday activity.
Giant Finial Christmas Ornaments
Upcycle plastic bottles and other materials to create oversized outdoor ornaments that make a bold holiday statement and can go on a porch or balcony.
Cereal Box Trees Christmas Craft
Repurpose cereal boxes into colorful Christmas trees with this easy decorating idea perfect for kids in preschool.
Shredded Paper Reindeer Craft
This craft uses shredded paper to build textured reindeer decorations that are fun and unique.
Upcycled Snowman
Giving an empty container a new job as an upcycled snowman is such a cute surprise. A soft scarf, a couple of buttons, and a silly little face make it look like a tiny winter friend you made yourself. The hat on top is the best part because you can use any scrap fabric and make it as tall or puffy as you want. It’s an easy craft that turns “trash” into something you’ll actually want to keep on a shelf.
DIY Driftwood Christmas Tree Ornament
Bring beachy, natural elements into your decor with a creative Christmas tree ornament made from driftwood. Sustainable ornament idea and a great way to reuse natural materials.
Egg Carton Snowman
A very unique and original idea to build your own snowman! Use egg carton cups to stack and decorate a mini snowman with paint and accessories.
Bottle Cap Snowmen
An eco-friendly ornament made by upcycling and decorating bottle caps. It can be easily customized and even made for gifting 🙂
Paper Strips Christmas Tree Ornament
This craft uses paper strips to build a simple and charming Christmas tree ornament that’s great for little hands. It can be a great idea to reuse any paper scraps you have!
Paper Bag Snowflake
Make elegant and oversized snowflakes from simple paper lunch bags for a striking and inexpensive display.
Get the steps: The Handyman’s Daughter
Homemade Paper Envelopes
Homemade paper envelopes are such a smart way to use up leftover scrapbook paper or wrapping paper. The folding is quick and simple, and the cute little flap makes them feel extra special. They’re perfect for gift cards, tiny notes, or small surprises. Making a few in different patterns is fun, and they look so pretty all stacked together.
Repurposed Chalkboard Silver Platter
Turn a thrifted silver platter into a reusable holiday chalkboard sign with just a little paint and creativity. Perfect for the front door or announcing dinner menu.
Yarn Reindeer Ornament
Yarn is wrapped around shapes to make soft and colorful reindeer ornaments that kids can easily craft.
Toilet Roll Santa Craft
Toilet rolls become Santa Claus with a few crafty touches, making a fun and simple holiday decoration.
Bottle Cap Christmas Tree
Recycle bottle caps you collected over the year into a charming tabletop Christmas tree with a little paint, Christmas lights, and glue.
Toilet Paper Roll Snowman
Upcycle empty toilet paper rolls into adorable snowmen with paint, scarves, and buttons.
Wooden Jenga Ornaments
Use Jenga blocks to DIY custom wooden ornaments that you can paint, decorate, and personalize for your tree.
Tin Can Christmas Planters
Recycle tin cans into decorative holiday planters with paint, ribbon, and greenery for a budget-friendly craft.
Clay Pot Snowman Wind Chime
Clay pot wind chimes add a touch of winter magic to your garden all year! These cute snowman-themed chimes turn simple terracotta pots into charming, musical decorations.
This snowman has a Christman cap on its head and a smiley face. The fun part is that you can add any of your favorite embroideries to this wind chime. It immediately cheers your spirit, and sure your kids will have fun dressing it up.
Reindeer Cardboard Tube Craft
Cardboard tubes are transformed into playful reindeer figures perfect for hands-on holiday crafting.
Masha Eretnova, born in 1991, is a Chiang Mai-based certified teacher, artist, and blogger with 20+ years of personal painting journey.
She started painting and drawing very early and is now an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache, and crafts.
Her works are part of international exhibitions and contests, including ArtlyMix (Brazil), Al-Tiba 9 (Spain), Exhibizone (Canada), Italy, and many more.
Besides her artistic pursuits, Masha holds a post-grad diploma in Teaching Film Photography and 2 music school diplomas: piano and opera singing.