How to Turn Everyday Items into Eco-Friendly Christmas Decor with Your Kids

Picture this: your child tugging at your sleeve, asking when the decorations come out, and you looking around the house, wondering what you can create together. If you want a Christmas that feels personal, cosy and gentle on the planet, you already have the perfect starting point. 

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Everyday scraps, natural finds and a little imagination can shape a home that feels festive without excess. The ideas below show simple ways for families to slow down, make together and welcome the season with creativity and care.

1. Paper-straw stars

Simple paper straws can be turned into charming star-shaped ornaments, which are lightweight, recyclable and surprisingly elegant.

Video credits: Instagram/little_escaps

How children can join in:

• Let them pick colours or patterns for each star.

• Younger children can help by cutting the straws into equal lengths.

• Older ones can assist with arranging and glueing the pieces into star shapes.

• String them onto twine or ribbon to make a handmade garland.

Once hung, these stars bring a cheerful, handcrafted sparkle to mantels, shelves and trees.

2. Layered paper-petal tree

Scrap paper in different shades can be turned into a layered paper-petal tree, a project that blends painting, cutting and sculpting into one beautiful decor piece.

Video credits: Instagram/indian starling

How children can join in:

• Begin by preparing the paper; you can paint lighter sheets or use leftover coloured scraps.

• Let them help cut the paper into long strips and then into smaller pieces that will become petals.

• They can help glue the strips into petal shapes.

• Create a sturdy base by rolling dark green paper into a cone; children can help trim it into shape.

• Together, stick the petals layer by layer, first dark green, then light green, repeating for a textured effect.

If the tree needs a little extra magic, decorate a pot using an old ice-cream container and embellish it with sparkly stones or stars.

3. Scrap-paper garlands

Offcuts from notebooks, craft paper or newspaper can be revived as cheerful decorative chains.

How children can join in:

• Young ones can cut or tear the paper into stars, snowflakes, circles or traditional festive motifs.
• Older children can string the shapes with cotton thread or create classic paper loops using a stapler.
• Encourage them to vary patterns and hues for a lively, handmade effect.

These garlands drape beautifully across mantels, doorways and stair rails while remaining fully recyclable.

4. Salt dough keepsakes

A mixture of flour, salt and water can be moulded into durable ornaments that last for years.

How children can join in:

• Invite them to knead and roll the dough as though preparing festive biscuits.
• Using cutters, they may shape stars, bells and trees.

Once dried or baked, they can decorate the pieces with water-based paints or natural pigments. Finished with a loop of twine, these keepsakes become treasured yearly companions.

5. Pressed leaf and flower baubles

Local leaves and seasonal blossoms, once pressed, possess delicate textures and colours that lend an air of elegance.

How children can join in:

• Let them step outdoors to gather leaves, petals and tiny flowers.
• Show them how to press the flowers under heavy books for a day or two.
• Once ready, these can be arranged inside clear jars or transparent baubles.

These gentle decorations highlight the beauty just outside the doorstep.

6. Upcycled fabric ribbons and bunting

Fabric remnants from worn garments or household textiles can be refashioned into festive decor with delightful character.

How children can join in:

• Children can cut long strips to tie around the tree, lanterns or bannisters.
• Alternatively, they can craft triangles for bunting and affix them to string using adhesive or a quick stitch.
• Encourage mixing patterns, including checks, florals, and solids, for a charmingly eclectic look.

This approach lends warmth and texture without the need for synthetic tinsel.

7. Repurposed glass jar lanterns

Everyday jars, once home to jams, pickles or chutneys, make enchanting lanterns when thoughtfully adorned.

How children can join in:

• Let them wrap the jars with jute rope, lace remnants or cut-paper motifs.
• They may also paint the glass with diluted colours for a stained-glass glow.

Add tealights or LED candles for gentle illumination. Clustered on balconies or windowsills, these lanterns cast a soft and festive radiance.

A greener Christmas grows from small moments shared at home. When children help make the decorations, the season fills with stories, scents and little discoveries that stay long after the lights come down.