Looking for the best sustainable Christmas decorations in 2024? 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.
The Best Sustainable Christmas Decorations, in a pinch…
- Most Affordable Store-Bought Christmas Decoration: Christmas Ornaments
- Best Recycled Store-Bought Christmas Decoration: Christmas Stockings
- Easiest DIY Christmas Decoration: Christmas Candle Holders
- Best Handmade Christmas Decoration: Christmas Wreath
- Most Natural Christmas Decoration: Natural Ornaments
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 combatting 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
Let’s start with some easy-to-make Christmas decorations.
From bringing a touch of the countryside to your holiday décor, rustic Christmas tree decorations are all about simplicity and charm to collecting acorns, cinnamon sticks, or even dried herbs, and with a sprinkle of imagination to transform them into miniature works of art, the ideas are endless.
DIY Natural Ornament Tutorials:
- Dried Orange Christmas Ornaments
- Rustic Christmas Tree Decorations
- DIY Natural Christmas Tree Ornaments
2. Homemade Garlands
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
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 is materials you already own!
Candle Holder Tutorials:
4. Christmas Crackers
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
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
Next up is a fantastic indoor DIY Christmas decoration idea for the whole family.
Christmas hoop centerpieces help us add a luxurious look t 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
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
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
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
In addition to being sustainable and very affordable, crafting your own decorations allows you to customize every detail, from color choices to design elements, ensuring 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
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
12. Christmas Wreath
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
13. Christmas Stockings
Christmas stockings – those festive, fun-filled traditions hung by the fireplace, eagerly awaiting Santa’s visit – just got even better!
Amour Linen offers adorable holiday stockings, crafted in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 100% European flax and OEKO-TEX® Certified for quality and sustainability.
Available in a set of 4, these stockings come in beautiful colors like terracotta, mustard, charcoal, and dusty lavender.
Opt for these zero-waste linen stockings, handcrafted from leftover linen textiles to help minimize fabric waste while adding a charming, eco-friendly touch to your holiday decor.
Price
$99 (Set of 4)
materials
100% European flax
location/shipping
United States
14. Christmas Candles
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
Sustainable vegan coconut wax & 100% real essential oils
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
15. Christmas Baskets
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
16. Ceramic Christmas Decorations
Here’s one of the most ethically made Christmas decorations for 2024!
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
17. Christmas Nativity Set
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
18. Christmas Ornaments
When it comes to the best sustainable Christmas decorations, natural materials are the best possible option.
The texture of the bark, sweetgrass, and jacaranda wood (amongst many others) brings an earthy and rustic charm to your decorations.
So, deck the halls with these lovely, nature-inspired ornaments and let your Christmas tree reflect the wonder of the natural world.
Price
From $10+
materials
Various materials including bark cloth, sweetgrass, jacaranda wood, wool felt, ivory porcelain, sand stoneware & more!
location/shipping
United States
19. Advent Calendar
From helping you create easy DIY Christmas decorations, to sharpening your puzzle-making skills, there’s an advent calendar for every taste!
Seriously, there are over 19 different options, including shower steamer sets, tea and coffee collections as well as hot sauce picks that range from savory to mouth-melting.
Price
From $28+
materials
Cardboard & various other materials
location/shipping
United States, ships internationally
20. Freestanding Christmas Reindeer
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
Different types of wood including maple, walnut, white oak, red cedar, red oak & more!
location/shipping
Worldwide
21. Personalized Christmas Ornaments
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
22. Christmas Tablecloth
“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
23. Reusable Christmas Crackers
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
24. Christmas Table Decor
Celebrate the magic of the season with these mini Christmas tree ornaments, a sustainable and charming addition to your Christmas home decor and table setting.
Crafted from stained glass, this adorable mini tree brings the holiday spirit into your home while helping eliminate waste.
Use it as a Christmas table centerpiece, place it on your mantelpiece, add it to your nativity scene, create a whimsical Christmas display, or perch it on your windowsill.
It’s even perfect as a miniature Christmas tree for dollhouses.
Price
$42.25
materials
Stained glass, cactus gravel, fusible art glass, cardboard filling & fused glass
location/shipping
Worldwide
25. Eco Christmas Decorations
Stunning recycled & fair trade glass baubles, table decorations, and small, environmentally friendly gifts perfect for stockings.
Protect The Planet offers a wide range of sustainable Christmas decorations for every aesthetic.
All products are carefully selected, and many are ethically made with recycled materials or repurposed elements that would otherwise go to waste.
Price
From $14.99+
materials
Various recycled materials
location/shipping
United Kingdom, ships to Europe
This was your full guide to the best DIY & store-bought sustainable Christmas decorations!
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.
