The festive season is a magical time to get together with family and eat, drink and be merry! But it can also lead to an increase in waste, with many Christmas decorations made from non-recyclable materials and used for only a few weeks a year.
The good news? It’s easier than you might think to create a magical atmosphere in your home, while staying mindful of the planet.
At Kit & Kin, we’re all about finding simple, eco-friendly swaps that reduce our environmental impact, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to do just that. This year, we’re sharing some of our favourite ideas for sustainable DIY Christmas decorations. From easy Christmas crafts to natural touches, these simple homemade ornaments and decorations are perfect for the whole family to get involved with.
So whether you’re decking the halls for a big gathering or just adding a little bit of sparkle to your home, these sustainable craft ideas will make Christmas even more meaningful.
Sustainable Christmas Decoration Ideas
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Upcycled Jar Candle Holders
Have a look through your recycling and pick out some glass jars. Give them a good clean, and either wrap them in twine, or paint simple festive designs using non-toxic paint and glitter. Add a tealight (preferably soy or beeswax) and pop them in your window for a warm, cosy glow.
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Make Cardboard Stars
Here’s a super-easy Christmas craft activity the whole family can get involved with on those cosy winter days indoors. Use old cardboard boxes (hello, Kit & Kin delivery box!) to create beautiful star ornaments for your tree. Paint or decorate them with scrap materials like leftover fabric, wrapping paper or non-toxic glitter. Make a small hole and thread some string through, then hang on your tree!
Psst…not only do cardboard decorations bring a little bit of homemade love to your tree, but they’re affordable, reduce plastic waste, and let you create something completely one-of-a-kind while avoiding mass-produced items. Plus, you can recycle them when Christmas is over!
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Lolly Stick Christmas Trees
The perfect excuse to eat those summer ice lollies left over in your freezer! Cut lolly sticks into different lengths, then line them up so they make a triangular tree shape - biggest stick at the bottom, going to the smallest at the top. Stick them together using a lolly stick behind them, then paint them green. Use pom poms as baubles to decorate, then hang them around your home.
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Dried Fruit Garlands
This one needs a bit of advance prep, but is well worth it if you’re after a bit of nature-inspired decor in your home. Thinly slice some apples, oranges and lemons, and dry them by putting them in your oven on a very low heat for around 6 hours, (your air fryer will work for this too!), then leave them to dry for 24 hours. Once they’ve dried out, thread them through a piece of twine, adding other decorations like cardboard stars or old baubles if you want.
Psst…did you know that most scented candles contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive noses? Not ideal if you have pets or little ones in your home - especially during cough and cold season! Save a few of your orange and lemon slices, pop them in a pan with some cinnamon sticks and cloves, then simmer on a low heat for a couple of hours - make sure to top up the water if you need to. The beautiful festive scent will fill your home, without the harsh chemicals!
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Paper Chain Garlands
An oldie but a goodie! Find some old newspapers, leftover wrapping paper or even Christmas storybooks from your local charity shop. Cut them into strips, then link them together with a little bit of non-toxic glue. Perfect for hanging from your ceiling or wrapping around your tree - you can challenge your little ones to see who can make the longest one!
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Make Egg Carton Baubles
Cut up an old egg carton to make tree baubles. Paint with non-toxic paints, then decorate them with non-toxic glitter, or draw festive characters on them - think robins, snowmen and Santa! Pierce a hole in the top, then thread a little bit of twine through before hanging on your tree.
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Upcycle Pre-Loved Ornaments
At this time of year, your local second hand shop or online marketplace will be full of unique, vintage ornaments that add a little bit of character to your tree - without contributing to new production. Look for plain round baubles and upcycle them by painting them, or stick some cotton wool on for Santa’s beard before drawing eyes and using some old fabrics for his classic red hat.
Psst…If you’re looking for new baubles for your tree, here’s our top tip to prevent excess waste whilst starting a new family tradition. Rather than buying lots of mass produced decorations in one go, challenge yourself and your little ones to choose just one special bauble a year. Browse independent shops and local craft markets, or make it part of a special festive family day out. You’ll gradually build a collection of meaningful baubles over the years, each one reminding you and your family of a favourite festive memory.
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Wrap Up Decorative Presents
Everybody has a box of old gift wrap lying around from Christmases gone by. Find some old cardboard boxes or tins, and have some fun wrapping them up as decorations to go under your tree, or around your fireplace. The kids will love getting creative with sparkly bows and ribbons!
Make This Christmas a Sustainable One with Kit & Kin
This Christmas, we’re embracing the beauty of sustainability and making choices that are kinder to the planet. From upcycled creations and natural materials, to second-hand treasures - there are so many ways to enjoy a festive, eco-friendly Christmas.
At Kit & Kin, we believe that small sustainable switches can have a big impact - so why not start this Christmas? Share your eco-friendly decoration ideas with us by tagging @kitandkinuk in your photos, and let’s spread the joy of a greener, more mindful Christmas!
Wishing you a very merry sustainable Christmas, from all of us at Team Kit & Kin! 🎄
TLDR: Here are our top 8 ideas for creating your very own sustainable Christmas decorations:
- Upcycle glass jars to make lanterns
- Cut out and decorate cardboard stars
- Make lolly stick Christmas trees
- Hang dried fruit garlands
- Make paper chain garlands
- Decorate egg carton baubles
- Upcycle pre-loved ornaments
- Wrap up boxes as decorative gifts
Looking to get your home ready for Christmas?
Check out our eco cleaning products and bundles for a powerful, non-toxic clean.
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