25 Best Sustainable Christmas Decorations | DIY & Store-Bought

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Looking for the best sustainable Christmas decorations in 2025? This year’s festive decor will be unique, enviable, and, more importantly, eco-friendly! 

Here are some amazing DIY Christmas decorations for kids and adults, on top of the many eco-friendly ornaments you can purchase online!

Around the world, people are getting ready for Christmas. Front yards are filled with Christmas ornaments, and living rooms are lit with colorful Christmas trees.

For those who celebrate, it’s no doubt a magical time of year, filled with nostalgia and Christmas cheer. Traditionally, though, it’s also a time of mass consumption (and mass disposal). 

Ornaments, wrapping paper, advent calendars, and Christmas trees spend a month or so adorning our homes and businesses before being thrown to the curb.

The good news? Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean you’re the Christmas Grinch! There are plenty of ways to fill your home with that same, joyful nostalgia, without contributing to Christmas consumption. 

Read on to find some beautiful eco-friendly Christmas tree decorations, table centerpieces, stocking stuffers, and easy DIY Christmas decorations for kids and adults.

Are Christmas decorations bad for the environment?

Just like most things, it depends on where & how the decoration was made, if it can be reused or repurposed, and how it is disposed of. 

When it comes to Christmas, the biggest overarching environmental issue is overconsumption. Around the world, gifts are bought and wrapped, greeting cards are sent out, homes are decorated, and fridges & pantries are filled.

It’s a beautiful sentiment, but in the UK alone, Commercial Waste estimated that an additional 3 million tons of general waste are created over the Christmas period.

This isn’t to mention the excess food waste and pollution, or even the 227,000 miles of wrapping paper and packaging that are purchased, used, and promptly thrown away. 

While there don’t appear to be any specific statistics about the sustainability of Christmas decorations, it does begin to paint a picture of why intentional consumption is so important at Christmas time. 

Combatting Overconsumption At Christmas With Eco-Friendly Choices

Of course, we believe that the key to combating overconsumption at Christmas is the same as combating overconsumption in general – consume intentionally!

Only buy what you need, and when you do, try to buy from local producers who champion sustainability.

And what about Christmas? Well, there’s always a sustainable alternative! Give gifts intentionally, buy only the food you & yours will need for the festive season.

Try out an alternative sustainable Christmas tree, and make sustainable Christmas decorations that are either fully compostable or reusable year after year.

Best DIY Christmas Decorations

1. Natural Ornaments

diy christmas decorations

Let’s start with some easy-to-make Christmas decorations. 

From bringing a touch of the countryside to your holiday decor, rustic Christmas tree decorations are all about simplicity and charm.

By collecting acorns, cinnamon sticks, or dried herbs and adding a bit of imagination, you can transform them into miniature works of art with endless possibilities.

DIY Natural Ornament Tutorials: 

2. Homemade Garlands

diy christmas decorations

Are you on the hunt for indoor and outdoor DIY Christmas decorations with all-natural materials? 

Whether crafted from leaves or dried fruit, these DIY garlands are a perfect blend of creativity and sustainability. 

If you’re seeking a bit of whimsy and a dash of fragrance, try your hand at crafting dried fruit garlands.

Drape them on your tree or around the dining table, and let the sweet scent of citrus and the warm hues of dried fruit fill the air.

Homemade Garland Tutorials: 

3. Christmas Candle Holders

diy christmas decorations

Wine bottle Christmas candle holders offer a delightful and sustainable way to illuminate your holiday season. 

There are so many tutorials for DIY sustainable Christmas decorations online to help you reduce waste and infuse your home with the warmth and charm of festive candles.

All you’ll need are materials you already own!

Candle Holder Tutorials: 

4. Christmas Crackers

diy christmas decorations

DIY Christmas paper decorations? You bet! Learn how to make Christmas crackers with wrapping paper and a toilet paper roll! 

Just fill them with any gifts you choose! Turn them into place cards for the holiday dinner table or give them as stocking stuffers.

Either way, they are the ultimate DIY Christmas decorations for kids and adults.

DIY Christmas Cracker Tutorials: 

5. Snow Globe

diy christmas decorations

Granted, this sustainable Christmas decorations DIY might seem like a hard quest at first, but the tutorials below will guide you through the entire process. 

DIY snow globes are a canvas for your imagination. You can create scenes that are meaningful to you, from a cozy winter cabin to a miniature snowy wonderland. 

Homemade Snow Globe Tutorials: 

6. Circle Table Decoration

diy christmas decorations

Next up is a fantastic indoor DIY Christmas decoration idea for the whole family.

Christmas hoop centerpieces help us add a luxurious look without the fuss. 

You can choose the colors, themes, and elements that suit your holiday decor, making them uniquely yours.

Whether you adorn them with evergreens, candles, or ornaments, they are basically the epitome of winter charm.

Table Decoration Tutorials: 

7. DIY Advent Calendar

diy christmas decorations

It’s no secret that the days leading up to Christmas are filled with excitement and anticipation.

Your DIY Advent calendar adds an extra layer of excitement as each day reveals a hidden surprise or message. 

When you create your advent calendar, you have the freedom to fill it with personalized surprises.

Whether it’s small gifts, sweet treats, or heartwarming messages, each item is a reflection of your thoughtfulness. 

Here are some easy tutorials to inspire your creative Christmas spirit.

DIY Advent Calendar Tutorials: 

8. Homemade Christmas Wreath

diy christmas decorations

Wreaths are easy DIY Christmas decorations and can fit every aesthetic with ease.

These beautiful pieces are versatile and can be placed on your front door, or mantelpiece, or even used as a centerpiece on your holiday table. 

So, explore these tutorials, gather your materials, and let’s make a Christmas star or a bespoke door wreath to welcome all your guests this holiday season.

Christmas Wreath Tutorials: 

9. Wine Cork Christmas Tree

diy christmas decorations

Did you know that there are plenty of environmentally friendly Christmas decorations for wine lovers? 

By repurposing corks that might have otherwise ended up in the trash, you’re contributing to a more sustainable holiday season. 

Cork Christmas trees have a natural warmth and rustic elegance that adds a unique touch to your festive surroundings.

All your guests will love them as well!

DIY Wine Cork Tutorials: 

10. Paper Christmas Decorations

diy christmas decorations

In addition to being sustainable and very affordable, crafting your own decorations allows you to customize every detail.

From color choices to design elements, it ensures that your decor is a reflection of your unique style and personality. 

From Christmas trees and angels to honeycomb ornaments and many more eco-friendly Christmas tree ideas, paper decorations offer a wide variety of options. 

You can create a harmonious theme throughout your home or mix and match it for a playful, eclectic look.

Paper Christmas Decoration Tutorials: 

11. Gingerbread House

diy christmas decorations

Gingerbread houses are a wonderful tradition to share with your closest family members on Christmas morning.

Who doesn’t love laughing and bonding over frosting and candy? 

You can put your unique creations on the table as decoration and devour them afterward during the family Christmas dinner.

Gingerbread House Tutorials: 

Best Store-Bought Sustainable Christmas Decorations

No time to make your own ethically crafted Christmas decorations? The Citizenry has you covered with their stunning fresh eucalyptus and olive wreaths!

Made from baby eucalyptus and seeded eucalyptus or fresh California olive branches, each wreath is hand-crafted in a small workshop in Northern California.

The botanicals are sustainably sourced from local farms that use low-till farming methods.

By partnering with micro-family and women-owned farms, this workshop preserves traditional techniques to create natural works of art, all produced in a fair-trade environment from start to finish.

Price

From $179+

materials

Baby Eucalyptus & Seeded Eucalyptus | Fresh California Olive Branches

location/shipping

United States, ships worldwide

Use discount code SKL10 to save 10%!

Friendsheep wool ornaments add a charming and eco-friendly touch to any holiday home.

Each piece is handmade from premium New Zealand wool, creating soft, durable, and plastic-free ornaments that are safe for kids and pets.

Their lightweight design makes them perfect for trees, stockings, gifts, or seasonal displays.

Every ornament supports fair trade artisans and offers a sustainable alternative to mass-produced decor, bringing warmth, character, and purpose to your Christmas traditions.

Price

From $10+

materials

Organic Wool

Location/Shipping

United States, ships worldwide

This linen advent calendar from Magic Linen makes the wait until Christmas feel magical.

It features 24 small pockets, offering daily moments of surprise for kids or adults.

The natural color fits seamlessly into any holiday home, while the 100 percent European flax fabric is stonewashed for softness and built to last for years of traditions.

It comes with a wooden stick for easy hanging. Pocket size is 5 inches, and the full calendar measures 18 by 37.7 inches and is
OEKO-TEX® certified.

Price

$105

materials

OEKO-TEX® Certified 100% European Flax | Wooden Stick

Location/Shipping

Lithuania, ships to the United States & select international countries

This fresh eucalyptus and red berry garland from The Citizenry is handmade in Northern California and brings a natural, rustic touch to any holiday space.

Each six-foot strand is crafted with baby eucalyptus and pepperberry for a lush, organic look that works beautifully on tables, mantels, or entryways.

The garland will dry naturally over a few weeks, and you can soak it in water to refresh its appearance.

Made by Salinas Floral Studio, it reflects fair trade craftsmanship and timeless seasonal style.

Price

$259

materials

Fresh Baby Eucalyptus | Red Berry 

location/shipping

United States, ships worldwide

Imagine taking a deep, refreshing breath, just like you would when savoring the crisp sweetness of a candy cane. 

Now, add a touch of soothing vanilla to that delightful sensation. It can’t get more festive than that! 

These candles, crafted with 100% real essential oils, are your ticket to creating a cozy, stress-free, and utterly heartwarming holiday atmosphere.

Price

From $14.99+ 

ingredients

Coconut Wax | 100% Essential Oils

location/shipping

United States, ships worldwide 

Baskets double as amazing, environmentally friendly Christmas decorations!  

Handcrafted with love and care by talented Balinese artisans, these unique, rattan holiday baskets are sure to bring joy to your festivities.

They are designed to hold your holiday treasures and treats with style and charm. 

Plus, the lid of the basket cleverly doubles as Santa’s hat, adding an extra touch of whimsy to this already charming piece.

Price

From $89.99+

materials

Rattan 

location/shipping

United States, ships worldwide

Here’s one of the most ethically made Christmas decorations for 2025! 

Since these scenes are lovingly hand-crafted, no two are exactly alike, making them truly unique.

You’ll appreciate the subtle variations in color, size, and motif, which give each one its individual character. 

Let’s not forget that high-quality ceramics are often made using natural, non-toxic materials.

This reduces the release of harmful chemicals or substances into the environment.

Price

From $27.99+

materials

Ceramic

location/shipping

United States, ships worldwide

Crafted from sustainably grown wood, these hand-carved centerpieces are the result of dedicated artisans at Pekerti Nusantara in Indonesia who pour their heart and soul into creating these beautiful heirloom pieces. 

With a meticulous hand-painting process in white and gold, intricate details come to life, making every figurine a one-of-a-kind work of art. 

Price

From $24.99+

materials

Ceramic | Albesia Wood, Paper | Batik Cloth | Cotton | Sinamay | Terracotta | Olive Wood

location/shipping

United States

Next up is one of the most charming sustainable Christmas decoration ideas that both adults and kids will adore!

These reindeer are crafted from various types of wood, including maple, walnut, white oak, red cedar, and red oak—the choice is yours!

Plus, you can even personalize your reindeer for an extra-special touch.

Price

From $34.95+

materials

Varies – Maple | Walnut | White/White Oak | Red Cedar

location/shipping

Worldwide

Unique eco Christmas tree decorations? Yes, please! 

This personalized family and pet Christmas ornament is designed to hold up to 10 names. 

The materials? Three layers of different wood types, including walnut, maple, and Baltic wood. 

Each ornament comes adorned with a charming bow and bead with jute, making it ready to hang in your home the moment it arrives.     

Price

From $27.99+

materials

Acrylic Paint | Walnut | Maple

location/shipping

Worldwide

“What’s old is new again”, and that includes sustainable Christmas decoration pieces for the dinner table!

Add a touch of yesteryear charm with this delightful vintage Christmas tablecloth.

Place it on your dining table or buffet, let it drape over a side table, or even use it as a backdrop for your holiday photos. So, so nostalgic and pretty!  

Price

From $95.00+

materials

Cotton

location/shipping

Worldwide

Next up is one of our favorite sustainable Christmas decoration ideas! 

These reusable crackers feature a durable cardboard inner tube made from recycled materials; they’re not only gentle on the environment but also a future heirloom. 

Fill them with special gifts, make announcements, or use them as elegant place markers at your Christmas dinner table. 

They’re also the perfect way to present gifts like money, tickets, or vouchers, adding an element of surprise and delight.

Price

From $23.10+

materials

Linen | Embroidered Linen | Satin Thread | Embroidery | Satin Ribbon

location/shipping

Worldwide

Here’s To Sustainable Christmas Decorating!

We hope you’ve found inspiration to make your holiday season both festive and eco-conscious with these sustainable Christmas decoration ideas. 

From DIY crafts to eco-friendly Christmas tree decorations and ethically sourced ornaments, there are countless ways to infuse sustainability into your holiday traditions.

More To Love…

  • 🕯️ Non-Toxic Christmas Candles Clean-burning holiday candles made with safer waxes and natural scents to create a cozy, festive atmosphere without paraffin, synthetic fragrance, or harmful toxins.
  • 🎅 Ways To A Sustainable Christmas – Simple, eco-minded swaps for decor, gifting, and celebrations that reduce waste and help you enjoy a more meaningful, environmentally conscious holiday season.
  • 🎁 Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap – Beautiful, low-waste wrapping ideas made from recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials so your gifts look thoughtful without adding unnecessary holiday waste.
  • 🎄 Sustainable Christmas Tree Alternatives – Creative, planet-friendly options that offer the beauty of a holiday tree without plastic, pesticides, or landfill impact, perfect for greener seasonal decorating.
  • 💌 Eco-Friendly Christmas Cards – Recycled, plantable, and plastic-free cards that let you share heartfelt holiday messages while keeping your celebrations low waste and kinder to the planet.

📌 Save This Guide For Later

Save this guide to discover simple, stylish, and eco-friendly ways to decorate for the holidays without the waste.

From natural materials to low-tox swaps and mindful alternatives, this guide helps you create a festive home that is beautiful, sustainable, and better for the planet.

Perfect for planning your holiday decor or revisiting when you are ready to shop and style your space.

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