If you’re bored of traditional Christmas trees, short of space or just after festive inspiration, you’ll love these creative DIY Christmas tree alternatives.
Many of them are quick to make and won’t break the bank, leaving more money to spend on the rest of the celebration! You’ll be able to impress your guests with your creative flair too.
We’ve included some adorable mini DIY Christmas tree ideas that would look great on a shelf or dotted around your home. Many of them would make fabulous festive gifts too!
Prepare your crafting supplies and get stuck into your next Christmas tree DIY.
32 amazing DIY Christmas tree alternatives
1. DIY balloon Christmas tree
This has to be one of the most inventive DIY Christmas trees we’ve come across! This balloon Christmas tree from sugarandcloth.com really makes a statement.
You need a garden trellis to attach your balloons to, which will form the shape of a tree. We’d recommend getting a balloon pump to make light work of the task too.
2. DIY honeycomb Christmas tree
This crafty DIY honeycomb Christmas tree from studiody.com is made using readily available paper decorations.
It’s a brilliant option if you have a small room and you don’t want the tree to take up much floor space.
3. DIY pine cone Christmas tree
If you’re a nature lover, you should craft this wintry DIY pine cone Christmas tree from thenavagepatch.com.
It would make a great piece of fall decor to cosy up your home this autumn.
4. DIY pom pom Christmas tree
Want a Christmas tree that’ll make you smile every time you look at it? This vibrant DIY pom pom Christmas tree from awwsam.com is a guaranteed moodbooster.
If you’ve got leftover yarn from other projects, it’s also a great way to use up your scraps.
Make your own DIY tree topper
Twist and bend wires to make your own radiant Christmas tree topper! Discover Gathered’s step-by-step DIY tree topper tutorial.
5. Origami Christmas tree
Decorate your shelf with Gathered’s gorgeous origami Christmas tree tutorial. They would look amazing on your Christmas dining table.
6. Macrame Christmas tree
Put your macrame skills to the test with Lia Griffith’s macrame Christmas tree idea. Decorate your shelves with greenery, baubles and candles to complete the look.
7. Felt Christmas tree wall hanging
We’re big fans of reusable Christmas decorations here at Gathered HQ, and this felt Christmas tree wall hanging from studiodiy.com ticks all the boxes.
It’s vibrant, cheerful and doesn’t take up any floor space. When you’re done, simply fold it away and store it for next year.
8. Giant cardboard Christmas trees
Kids will love these giant cardboard Christmas trees from lovelyindeed.com.
This project makes use of cardboard boxes that would otherwise be thrown away. If you’ve just moved house and you’ve got lots of boxes lying around then have a go at making your own enchanted forest!
9. Mini crochet Christmas tree pattern
Ramp up the cuteness this festive season with this teeny tiny Christmas tree crochet pattern from Gathered.
You could make your own miniature Christmas tree forest with them.
10. DIY pallet Christmas trees
If woodwork’s your favourite thing, whip up this stunning DIY pallet Christmas tree from diyhuntress.com.
It’ll give your home a real Scandi vibe and it’s sturdy enough to be reused every year.
11. DIY peg board Christmas tree
This DIY pegboard Christmas tree from sugarandcloth.com is both contemporary and creative. This is a fantastic alternative Christmas tree if you don’t have loads of space in your home.
12. Disco ball Christmas tree
Get the party started with this sparkling disco ball Christmas tree from studiodiy.com.
You could get a light projector and watch the shifting rainbow lights reflect off the disco balls.
13. Paper pom pom Christmas tree
Brighten up your home and your life with this fabulous paper pom pom Christmas tree diy from sugarandcloth.com.
Paper pom poms are glued onto a tomato cage with stunning results!
14. DIY yarn Christmas tree
Use up leftover yarn to make these stylish little yarn Christmas trees from abeautifulmess.com.
If you’re not great at DIY, you can leave off the dowel tree trunks and just use the yarn-wrapped cones as your Christmas trees.
15. Fabric Christmas trees
Make use of leftover festive fabric and whip up these sweet DIY fabric Christmas trees from Gathered.
Cover them with a dash of sequins to represent baubles and display them proudly on a shelf. This is a simple sewing project that even beginners should be able to tackle with confidence.
16. Bottlebrush Christmas trees
Bottlebrush Christmas trees are a brilliant way to add some retro flair to any room. You can dye them any colour you like to make your decor pop!
Follow this handy tutorial from abeautifulmess.com to make your own gorgeous bottlebrush trees.
17. Pipe cleaner Christmas tree
Transform humble pipe cleaners into a miniature DIY Christmas tree using this clever craft tutorial from marthastewart.com.
You could even cover it with tiny decorations too!
18. Duster Christmas trees
Dusters can become snowy looking trees with this inventive project from thenavagepatch.com.
Learn how to make your own duster Christmas trees – you’ll never look at a duster the same way again!
This is an incredible tutorial for crafters on a budget, as all the materials are affordable.
19. Plywood Christmas tree
This DIY plywood Christmas tree idea from lovelyindeed.com is a practical, space-saving decoration for people who don’t have much room.
You just need some tape, a bit of paint and some plywood board to create this eye-catching design.
20. Paper trees
Upcycle old books or music paper to make these enchanting DIY paper trees from thewonderforest.com.
It’s one of those fantastic projects that looks more expensive than it is, and it uses just a few basic materials.
21. Wooden minimalist Christmas tree
Fans of minimalism will love these fantastic wooden minimalist Christmas trees from thenavagepatch.com.
You will need some tools and some DIY know-how to make this project. However, once you’ve made it, it can be reused every year.
22. Makeshift wall hanging tree
Keep things simple with this minimalist Christmas tree wall hanging idea from almostmakesperfect.com.
It gives you the look of a Christmas tree, but it takes up hardly any space.
23. Painted Christmas tree
If you don’t mind your decorations being more permanent, check out this ingenious painted Christmas tree idea from Justina Blakeney.
Decorate a painted triangle on your wall with lights and a little star to get a modern and stylish Christmas tree.
24. Succulent DIY Christmas tree
This charming succulent DIY Christmas tree from gluesticksblog.com would be an amazing centrepiece for your Christmas table, but wouldn’t look out of place anywhere in your home.
This is a great option for plant-lovers to make this Christmas.
25. Christmas tree mobile
Your Christmas tree doesn’t need to take up any floor space at all – it can even levitate above the ground.
Make this DIY Christmas tree mobile from werecallingshenanigans.com and watch your tree float in mid-air.
Top tips to make your tree shine
Make your tree the star of the show with Gathered's expert decorating tips.
Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional.
26. Mini paper trees
These magical mini paper Christmas trees from ogcrafts.com can be made using a Cricut machine or trimmed by hand.
Whichever method you choose, you’re guaranteed to be pleased with your finished trees.
27. Glossy marbled trees
Use paint pouring techniques to make these glamorous DIY glossy marbled trees from persialou.com.
You can choose your own colours, but we love the dramatic monochrome look in this tutorial.
28. DIY glitter Christmas trees
Shine bright this December by making DIY glitter Christmas trees from thehousethatlarsbuilt.com.
This easy Christmas craft project uses cheap craft supplies that you already have lying around at home.
29. Wall confetti tree
This wall confetti tree from thecraftedlife.com is quick and easy to make. It’s a good choice if you have pets that like to attack your Christmas tree – you just need to make sure you attach your decorations out of their reach.
It takes up hardly any space at all, which is perfect if you live in a small home or apartment.
30. Fleece cone DIY Christmas trees
Layer up fabric on a cone base to make these soft-looking fleece cone DIY Christmas trees by happyhappynester.com.
31. Moss Christmas tree
Sprinkle some fairy magic in your home over the holidays by making this moss Christmas tree from apumpkinandaprincess.com.
This moss Christmas tree would look perfect teamed up with other natural decorations on your festive table.
32. Needle-felted Christmas tree
Add some charm to your Christmas table with this trio of felted Christmas trees from Gathered.
If you’re new to needle felting, don’t be intimidated – this addictive hobby is much easier than it looks.
Spruce up your home with these fun Christmas tree DIY projects
Whether you’re short on space, on a budget, or simply looking to update your festive decor, there are so many imaginative DIY Christmas tree ideas to transform your house.
We’ve found mini makes to adorn your shelves, as well as larger DIY Christmas trees to make a real statement.
Your guests will be blown away by your creativity and it’ll definitely help you to get in the mood for the holidays.
Stylish Christmas tree themes to get you feeling festive
Deck your tree out in style this December with our show-stopping Christmas tree ideas!
There are top tips for tinsel, colour schemes and ornament options to make your Christmas tree look truly magical.
