Making thrifty things for the holidays isn’t just about saving money or resources, it’s about making things you truly love and putting your own unique stamp on them. Cookie-cutter, store-bought stuff, buh-bye. So, we asked our amazing community of thrifty fashion bloggers to share their favorite affordable and easy-to-make DIY Christmas gifts, holiday decor, and handmade gift ideas. We already knew they had killer style, but it turns out they have mad crafty skills. Copy their steps, get inspired by their creativity, and enter the wonderful world of thrifty things.
Holiday Pillows, Gemma Darr
Pillows made from secondhand sweaters? Yes, please! We honestly can’t believe how easy these pillows are to make. You can do it. If we can do it, you can do it. The basics: a secondhand sweater that you love the color or pattern of, hot glue and glue sticks, some yarn, scissors, and polyfill. That’s it. Sofa, transformed.
Photo Credit: Gemma Darr
Gemma of Gemma Darr is a college student with way too many hobbies and way too little time (her words). She’s also a photographer. Visit her blog for outfit inspo, travel ideas, lifestyle bits, DIYs, and modern musings.
Tassel Earrings, Riley Jo
Tassels are clearly having a moment, and we’re loving Riley Jo’s statement earrings. They’re surprising easy to make and are perfect to wear with your holiday party dresses. They also make super cute (and affordable) gifts for all your girlfriends. Experiment with different colors and lengths to personalize each pair.
Photo Credit: Riley Jo
Riley Jo is a middle school teacher, blogger, and passionate thrifter. Check out her blog for feminine fashion, DIY décor ideas, lifestyle moments, and more.
Creative Gift-Wrapping Ideas, Dina Days
Sometimes the gift wrap is more fun than the present itself. Dina’s quick idea to add ornaments and LED lights to gifts one year became the jumping off point for a lifetime of genius gift-wrapping ideas. Wrapping your music lover’s gift in sheet music, topping a kids’ gift with a wooden animal from the dollar store, utilizing the creative canvas of plain brown paper, and using leftover fabric or an old shirt for a textural takeover. Happy wrapping!
Photo Credit: Dina’s Days
Dina of Dina Days created her blog to share her love of thrifting with the world. We’re so glad she did. In her tiny corner of the internet, you’ll find secondhand style inspo, DIYs, recipes, and of course, an abundance of thrift tips.
Repurposed Holiday Wreaths, Wife in Progress
Creating a homemade wreath might sound intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. The trick is not to start from scratch. Dig out that old wreath from your garage that’s not your style anymore (or steal your mom’s). Save it from the trash heap and make it your own, using simple materials that cost a total of $10. Follow Jenna’s simple instructions for a repurposed wreath that’s beautiful and modern. 10 bucks, 15 minutes. You got this.
Photo Credit: Wife in Progress
Jenna of Wife in Progress is an avid crafter and DIYer that wants to help you decorate, craft, and cook your way to a beautiful home on a modest budget.
DIY Feather Fringe Skirt, My Chic Obsession
Want to stand out at the holiday party in a truly one-of-a-kind skirt? We’re in. All you need is a black mini (we have tons and tons at thredUP), feathers, and fabric glue. It’s just as easy as it sounds. Pair with a cute sparkly tank and party heels during the party circuit and dress it down with a button-up and flats in the new year.
Photo Credit: My Chic Obsession
Carolyn of My Chic Obsession is an Iowa-based blogger, photographer, and chaser of all things creative. She loves to rework outfit staples to create unique looks. Look to her blog for all things fashion and home style related.
Pet-Friendly Presents, Mom Does It All
These three cool crafts are for all the pet-lovers in your life (including you, and us). Your feline furries will go crazy for the felt catnip toys. Your active pups will devour the healthy homemade treats. And everyone will fall for the adorable tiny stockings to put them all in.
Photo Credit: Dans Le Lakehouse
Mom Does It All is a blog written by a collection of moms and dads that love trying new recipes and crafts and keeping up with the latest tech gadgets, entertainment and fashion.
Christmas Scrapbook Photocards, Faithfully Free
Do you feel guilty every year throwing out all the gorgeous holiday photo cards you receive? We do! This year, instead of throwing them in the recycling bin, create a cool scrapbook to house them all in. Shasta has some great ideas on how to create custom scrapbook layouts to preserve all your memories.
Photo Credit: Faithfully Free
Shasta of Faithfully Free dedicates her blog to sharing thrifty crafts, affordable travel, tips, easy recipes, and life hacks.
Reusable Gift Wrap Ideas, Loves the Find
There is nothing we love more than finding creative ways to wrap gifts. No more wasting paper or money! Make a pact to do this with most of your gifts this year. Your wallet and the planet will thank you. Decorate a plain paper bag, wrap your gift in a sweater or scarf (double present!), and recycle bows, stickers, and hangtags.
Photo Credit: Loves the Find
Ashlyn is a working mom with a love for sparkly vintage things, DIY projects, and anything that saves her money. Her passion for budget-friendly shopping shows up on her blog in many fashion and home style stories.
Do you have any crafty holiday ideas to share? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
