These Furry String Lights are a perfect example – they add interest to any apartment or dorm room, and are sure to transition seamlessly into the holiday season. That’s why they make great birthday or Christmas gifts for teens or college-age kids. Each bulb is draped in a fluffy white fur that’s reminiscent of the first winter snow flurry, but is sure to look cool all year long. And at only $19, this is one Christmas decoration that can be enjoyed all year long.

One amazing option is this fun & funky bean bag chairs from Urban Outfitters. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and won’t show stains (even the ones from that wild housewarming party). It’s the perfect place to study, relax in front of the TV, or catch some zzz’s after pulling an all-nighter. This is one Christmas gift that’s something to write home about!

When choosing your holiday home decor, nothing says “celebrate” quite like some strategically placed mistletoe. But this year, instead of just tacking up a few random twigs of the green stuff, consider getting a festive Waterford Kissing Ball instead! This eye-catching and colorful home accessory will help set the mood year after year. It’s plush red velvet ribbon allows this bouquet to be easily hung over any doorway, staircase, or entrance, in order to ensure that all of your guests find themselves in the spotlight. And although this Kissing Ball is sure to become an instant holiday classic in your own home, it also makes a wonderful Christmas gift or Christmas party favor for family and friends.

Christmas Tree Ornament Craft Ideas

Looking for great craft making ideas on a budget? I bet you have enough supplies around your house right now to have a whole day of fun making holiday ornaments. Here is one homemade ornament idea that uses only simple materials like paper, wire and glue.

Paper Christmas Tree Ornaments

What’s Needed:

1. Leftover Wrapping Paper – Last year’s Christmas wrapping paper, birthday wrapping paper or even craftpaper scraps will work. Look for paper with fun colors or patterns even if it means cutting up a cereal box.
2. Small Wire – Have you ever bought a hanging picture frame from Ikea? Remember the thin wire that came with it that you threw in a drawer in the kitchen? Well now is the time to finally put it to use. Any small wire will do.
3. Buttons – A button or any other little plastic or shiny metal object will work to decorate the paper tree
4. Glue – If you’ve got Elmers or some other basic glue, you’re all set.
5. Stapler (optional)

Directions:

Cut five rectangular pieces of paper. The first one should be approximately 8 inches by 4 inches with each additional piece slightly smaller than the one before it. Fold each piece of paper around itself to create a cone shape with a point at the top and wide opening at the bottom. Staple the paper ends together so it will hold the cone shape.

Cut an 8-inch piece of wire and string it through the pointed cone end of each piece of paper, with the largest piece of paper at the bottom and smallest at the top to create the tree. Spread the paper cones evenly along the wire and glue into place using only a small amount of glue to attach the tip of the cone to the wire. At the top of the tree attach a button as an ornament. Use the remaining wire at the top to attach the ornament to the Christmas tree.

Optionally you can string additional pieces of wire through each of the cones, twirling up the ends in the design of your choice. Experiment and have fun. There’s no right or wrong design and generally the funkier the better. This is a great holiday craft project and it certainly won’t break the bank.

See other homemade ideas

Shop Christmas ornaments

I have to confess. The Halloween decorations don’t stay up very long. Generally, they are up for the big party and then get immediately replaced with something a bit less ghoulish like an autumn wreath. In addition to the cornucopia for the dining room table and a freshly-baked pumpkin pie for the windowsill, a handmade wreath can be both fun to make and very attractive on the front door.

Hopefully you live in an area where the leaves actually turn color (If you live in Miami, you may just need to just order a holiday wreath online or get creative with palm fronds. You will need to start by collecting a nice bunch of dried leaves in all the colors of the season. Ideally you should get about 40 leaves. Not all may be used, but you will have a good group from which to pick and choose your favorites.

Easy Autumn Wreath

Supplies Needed:

• 40-50 dried leaves in brown, red, yellow and orange
• One sheet of cardboard or chipboard at least 20 inches square
• One large round dinner plate from your kitchen
• One pen or marker
• Glue (Elmers is fine) or a Glue Gun (No glue guns for kids)
• Clear spray coating
• Scissors

Start by placing the dinner plate in the center of the cardboard and tracing the edge with the marker to get a perfect circle. Next, remove the plate and draw a bigger circle by hand around the perfect circle. The bigger circle doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be about 3 inches bigger on all sides. Cut along both circle lines with your scissors such that you end up with a big cardboard donut that is about 3 inches wide. This will be the base of your wreath.

Next, lay out your leaves in a creative pattern, covering all the cardboard and extending off the cardboard both inside and outside of the circle. Leaves should overlap. Don’t glue them down just yet. Experiment with patterns of differently-colored leaves or try a random mix of colors. There’s no wrong design. Use whatever you prefer. Once you have the leaves displayed as you like, start gluing them to the cardboard backing. Make sure no cardboard shows through. Allow to dry.

Once the wreath is dry, take it outside to a well-ventilated spot and spray with the clear sealant. This will help preserve and protect it. At this point, it’s ready to hang. Optionally, you can add fun things like little ornaments, fresh leaves, flowers or anything you like. Experiment and have fun.

Christmas Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes, so shop early to make sure you get the perfect wreath to adorn your door. Some can even be personalized with your family’s names! And don’t forget the tablescape – when you sit down to a hearty Christmas dinner, the centerpiece can help set the mood for a memorable meal. If you’re looking for a special piece that is sure to become a family heirloom, check out the wide selection on Gifts.com, like this Thomas Kinkade Christmas Centerpiece wreath with candles. Shop off-season in the slow summer months to ensure you get the best deals on your holiday decor!

Babies and young children are sure to love bath toys, crayons & colored chalk, or Webkinz-style stuffed animals. For ladies, jewelry, cosmetics, and fabulous fragrances make great stocking stuffers. Men will enjoy wallets, keychains, multi-tools & more. You can also include personalized Christmas Gifts like coffee mugs or mousepads printed with a family holiday photo. And when in doubt, there’s always the much-appreciated gift card!

Still not quite sure where to start? Gifts.com has a great Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide with tons of top stocking stuffer ideas. So instead of loading up on chocolate-y treats, this year take some extra time to fill those stockings with magic Christmas memories, that will last a whole lot longer then the post-Christmas sugar-headache.