The cheapest Christmas decorations usually come from a mix of dollar stores, big-box retailers, and DIY or secondhand finds. Combining these can get you a fully decorated space for very little money.

Where to buy cheap decor

• Dollar stores (like Dollar Tree) sell ornaments, mini trees, ribbons, and frames for around one dollar each, which are ideal for quick, low-cost decorating. People often use these items to make centerpieces, snow globes, and simple wreaths on a small budget.

• Big-box stores such as Walmart and Target carry budget lines of indoor decor, ornaments, and small trees, often starting under a few dollars and frequently on seasonal sale. Checking clearance or “under $10” sections can stretch your budget further.

• Thrift stores and local marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Buy Nothing groups) are popular frugal options for secondhand trees, lights, and mixed decor. These can be especially cheap right after the holidays when many people declutter.

DIY and free ideas

• Simple DIY projects like cake-stand village scenes, bottle-brush tree displays, or homemade ornaments use inexpensive items such as faux snow, small trees, frames, and ribbon, keeping costs to just a few dollars per project. Reusing containers, frames, and wood scraps you already own reduces costs even more.

• Using natural materials—like clipped evergreen branches, pine cones, and basic ribbon—can create swags and wreaths for almost no cost if you have access to suitable trees or parks where gathering is allowed. Many frugal decorators also recommend saving money by buying decor in after-Christmas sales to reuse next year.

Quick low-budget decoration ideas

• Focus on a few high-impact spots: a small decorated tree, a front-door wreath, and one festive centerpiece can make a room feel fully decorated without buying lots of items.

• Choose multipurpose items like string lights and neutral garlands that work for winter in general, not just Christmas, so you can leave them up longer and get more use out of them.