DIY Thanksgiving Decorations on a Budget: Your Best Guide in 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and creating warm memories at home. One way to make this holiday even more special is by crafting DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget. These projects are affordable and a great way to personalize your space and impress your guests. Whether you’re decorating for a large gathering or a small dinner, this guide will help you make your Thanksgiving festive and unique.

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Gather Your Supplies

The first step in creating DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget is gathering your supplies. You can often find everything you need without spending much. Look around your home for old jars, craft paper, and ribbons. Nature provides plenty of free materials, like leaves, pinecones, and branches. Check out your local dollar store or craft shop for budget-friendly options if you need more supplies.

Here’s a simple list of supplies to get started:

Construction paper
Glue, tape, and scissors
String or twine
Fall leaves, acorns, or pinecones
Old mason jars or bottles
Burlap or ribbon

By using what you already have or finding affordable alternatives, you can create beautiful DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget that fits your style and home.

Make a Fall Leaf Garland

A fall leaf garland is one of the easiest and most charming ways to decorate for Thanksgiving. It’s simple, affordable, and brings the beauty of fall indoors.

Head outside to collect colorful leaves, or make your own by cutting leaf shapes out of construction paper.
Use a hole punch to create small holes in each leaf.
Thread the leaves onto a long piece of twine or string, spacing them out evenly.
Hang the garland on your mantle, across a window, or along a wall.

This project is a wonderful way to start making DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget, and it’s a fun activity for the whole family.

Create Centerpieces with Jars

Old jars and bottles can be transformed into stunning centerpieces for your Thanksgiving table. This is a classic example of how to make DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget while adding elegance to your home.

Clean your jars and remove any labels.
Fill the jars with natural elements like acorns, pinecones, or faux berries.
Wrap twine or burlap around the jars for a rustic touch.
Add small candles or fairy lights inside the jars for a warm, cozy glow.

Group several jars together for a centerpiece that’s both simple and sophisticated. This idea proves that DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget can look professional and stylish.

Craft a Thankful Tree

A thankful tree is a heartfelt decoration that encourages gratitude and reflection. It’s also a beautiful way to involve your guests in the holiday spirit.

Gather a few small branches and place them in a jar or vase filled with pebbles to keep them steady.
Cut out leaf shapes from colorful construction paper or cardstock.
Punch a hole in each leaf and attach a piece of string.
Write something you’re thankful for on each leaf and hang it on the branches.

Invite guests to add their thankful notes to the tree. This meaningful decoration is a standout among DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget and will surely be a memorable part of your celebration.

Design Personalized Place Cards

Adding personalized place cards to your Thanksgiving table is a small detail that makes a big impact. It’s an easy and affordable way to show thoughtfulness and creativity.

Cut small rectangles from cardstock or heavy paper.
Write each guest’s name using a marker or calligraphy pen.
Add decorative touches like small leaves, pinecones, or glitter.
Place the cards on each guest’s plate or napkin.

These place cards are not only functional but also a charming addition to your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Make a Paper Turkey Craft

Paper turkeys are a fun and festive way to add whimsy to your Thanksgiving decorations. This project is especially great for kids.

Cut out a simple turkey shape from brown construction paper.
Use colored paper to create feathers and glue them onto the turkey.
Add googly eyes and a paper beak to complete the turkey’s face.
Display the turkeys around your home or as part of your table settings.

Paper turkeys are a delightful way to include kids in making DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget while adding a playful touch to your decor.

Create a Pumpkin Vase

Pumpkins are a quintessential Thanksgiving decoration, and turning one into a vase is a creative way to showcase their beauty.

Choose a small pumpkin and hollow it out, removing the seeds and pulp.
Insert a glass jar or container into the pumpkin to hold water.
Fill the container with fresh or faux flowers in autumn colors.
Use the pumpkin vase as a centerpiece or place it on a side table.

This decoration is both stunning and practical, making it a highlight of your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Decorate with Candles and Pinecones

Candles and pinecones are a simple yet elegant way to create a cozy Thanksgiving atmosphere. This idea is perfect for anyone looking for easy DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Arrange candles of varying heights on a tray or plate.
Scatter pinecones, acorns, and fall leaves around the candles.
Light the candles to create a warm, inviting glow.

This decoration is easy to put together and instantly elevates the ambiance of your home.

Make a DIY Wreath

A Thanksgiving wreath adds a festive touch to your front door or any wall in your home. Making one yourself is a fun way to personalize your decor and stick to DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Use a wire frame or a sturdy piece of cardboard as your wreath base.
Attach faux leaves, flowers, and pinecones with hot glue or floral wire.
Add a bow or ribbon for a finishing touch.
Hang the wreath on your door or above your fireplace.

This project is both rewarding and cost-effective, giving you a beautiful piece to showcase your holiday spirit.

FAQs

What are some affordable materials for Thanksgiving decorations?

Affordable materials are key when making DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget. You don’t need to buy expensive supplies. Many great items are free, already in your home, or available at dollar stores.

For instance, construction paper is perfect for creating garlands, paper turkeys, and other crafts. It’s cheap, colorful, and easy to work with, making it a go-to option for DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Mason jars are another excellent choice. You can repurpose old jars from your pantry to create elegant centerpieces. Fill them with pinecones, acorns, or candles for a festive touch.

Twine or string is versatile and adds a rustic charm to many projects. Use it for hanging garlands, wrapping jars, or tying bows. It’s inexpensive and widely available, making it ideal for DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Nature offers some of the best materials at no cost. Collect fall leaves, pinecones, and acorns from your yard or a nearby park. These items are perfect for crafting natural-looking decorations without spending a penny.

Thrift stores are also treasure troves for inexpensive materials like old vases, ribbons, or fabric. With a little creativity, you can turn these finds into beautiful DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

How can I involve kids in Thanksgiving decorating?

Getting kids involved in crafting DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. There are many easy and fun projects that kids can enjoy.

Start with paper turkeys. Kids can cut out turkey shapes, glue on colorful paper feathers, and add googly eyes. This simple activity is a hit with young children and contributes to your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Leaf garlands are another fun project. Kids can collect leaves from outside and thread them onto twine. If real leaves aren’t available, they can cut out paper ones in fall colors.

Decorating jars is a creative activity for older kids. They can fill jars with small items like acorns or faux berries, then decorate the outside with twine, paint, or stickers. This hands-on project teaches kids how to repurpose materials while making beautiful DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Kids can also help with a thankful tree. They can cut out paper leaves and write what they’re thankful for. Hanging the leaves on branches makes the activity both interactive and meaningful.

Don’t forget to let kids personalize place cards. They can write guests’ names, add drawings, or decorate the cards with stickers. This activity is simple and adds a personal touch to your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

What are some quick and easy Thanksgiving decorations?

When time is short, there are still plenty of options for quick and easy DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget. These ideas come together fast and make a big impact.

A fall leaf garland is one of the quickest decorations to make. Simply collect leaves or cut paper ones, punch a hole in each, and string them onto twine. Hang the garland over a mantle or across a doorway for instant festive flair.

Jar centerpieces are another fast option. Fill a clean jar with pinecones, acorns, or faux berries, and place a candle or fairy lights inside. Arrange a few jars together for a quick yet elegant display that fits perfectly into your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

Candles paired with pinecones or small pumpkins create a cozy and polished look. Arrange them on a tray or directly on your table. This idea requires minimal effort but adds a warm Thanksgiving touch to your home.

If you have construction paper, paper turkeys are a breeze to make. Cut out turkey shapes, glue on feathers, and add details like eyes and a beak. Display them on your dining table or around the house for quick and cheerful DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget.

For a super-fast idea, create a mini thankful tree. Grab a few branches, place them in a jar, and cut out some paper leaves. Write thankful notes on the leaves and hang them on the branches. This decoration is simple yet meaningful.

Quick wreaths are another great idea. Use a cardboard circle as the base, glue on leaves, pinecones, or faux flowers, and add a ribbon for hanging. This project takes less than an hour and makes your DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget look professionally crafted.

Even small touches, like wrapping napkins with twine and tucking in a sprig of rosemary, can elevate your table settings. These little details are quick, easy, and budget-friendly.

Conclusion

Creating DIY Thanksgiving decorations on a budget is a wonderful way to celebrate the season without overspending. From garlands and centerpieces to personalized place cards and thankful trees, there are endless possibilities to make your home festive and welcoming. These projects are not only fun but also a meaningful way to spend time with family and friends.

For more creative ideas, check out our post on DIY Garden Projects for Beginners or explore How to Start a Vegetable Garden at Home.

Additionally, visit Good Housekeeping or Better Homes & Gardens for more inspiration and tips on crafting beautiful decorations.