Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but what could make it even more wonderful? Making it sustainable, of course! This year, we’re focusing on making Christmas as eco-friendly as possible with our best recycled Christmas decorations.
Whether that’s recycling our Christmas tree or using handmade wrapping paper, we're determined to make this Christmas the greenest one yet.
One of the biggest waste products from Christmas is decorations. Hundreds of decorations are thrown away after one month of use and many are made from harmful and non-recyclable plastics.
To help you combine an eco-friendly lifestyle with the joy of Christmas, we’ve collected lots of wonderful recycled Christmas decorations for you to enjoy.
Grab a mulled wine, it’s time to find you some new recycled Christmas decorations.
15 DIY recycled Christmas decorations
1. Recycled glass baubles
Handmade from recycled glass, these baubles look beautiful and you'll feel good bringing them out year after year. The baubles are a classic vintage design and are available in four attractive colours.
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2. Recycled Sari Christmas tree decorations
Handmade from Sari cut-offs these Christmas decorations make use of beautiful and colourful materials to hang on your tree. Each decoration is completely unique and are handmade by women in the ancient walled city of Jaisalmer in the Great Thar desert in Rajasthan, NW India.
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3. Set of three recycled acrylic Christmas decorations
These adorable Christmas decorations are handprinted recycled acrylic, and are available in a set of three. Each bauble has a different design featuring a cute penguin and polar bear character.
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4. Recycled honeycomb tree decorations
Clem & Co have recycled paper into these sweet honeycomb Christmas trees! Sold as a pair, you’ll receive one big tree and one small tree and can choose from three festive colours.
These Christmas trees would make wonderful table, window or shelf decor. Look after them well and they can be used for years to come.
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5. Recycled newspaper angel
Every tree needs an angel! Your Christmas tree just wouldn’t look right without one. Luckily Paper High has just the angel for you and it’s made entirely from recycled newspaper.
This sustainable angel has five star reviews and is the perfect tree topper. She’ll look right at home amongst your other recycled Christmas decorations.
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6. Recycled drink can garland
Johny Todd is encouraging you to make your own recycled Christmas decorations with their kit! Everything you need to make this beautiful leaf garland is included inside the kit alongside detailed instructions.
Choose between oak and ivy leaves and sit down for an evening of garland making. This is one of those fab decorations you could keep up all year round.
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7. Recycled cotton star decorations
Made from lightweight cotton paper, these stars make beautiful traditional decor items. Attic Room makes its beautiful cotton paper by shredding and upcycling cotton fabric waste from the fashion industry.
Hang them in your window this festive period and show off your new recycled Christmas decorations!
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8. Cork star decorations
LIGA has turned waste into these beautiful recycled Christmas decorations. Made up from plastic beach waste and recycled rubber/cork, these mini ornaments are saving the planet one decoration at a time.
Choose from stars and Christmas trees each with its own unique pattern. Decorate your home with them and feel safe in the knowledge that your decor is helping mother earth.
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9. Recycled glass garland
This delicately beautiful christmas ornament is made from recycled glass and will add a touch of sparkle to your tree. Each garland consists of ten unique baubles in a variety of colours.
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Recycled Christmas decorations you can make yourself at home
10. Turn buttons into a mini Christmas tree!
Buttons are always appearing in the home. Whether they’re spare ones for clothing or ones hidden down the back of the sofa, every household has them! We’re here to show you how to turn buttons into fun recycled Christmas decorations.
Our how to make Christmas tree decorations from buttons tutorial shows you how to make this adorable little tree! Make colourful, bigger or patterned versions and hang them around your home.
Make your crafting eco-friendly this year
Get creative this Christmas with our collection of eco-friendly Christmas crafts. There’s everything from garlands to present ideas!
11. Transform old baubles with paint
This year is all about reducing, reusing and recycling. Instead of buying new Christmas baubles upcycle the ones you already have.
Lana Red is here to show you how to make these DIY Christmas baubles with nail varnish and a little gold leaf. It’s easier than it looks and is completely customisable. The perfect recycled Christmas decoration!
12. Use felt and thread scraps to make mini ornaments
Anyone with a love for arts and crafts tends to have a stash full of scraps, threads and beads. To help you clear this stash, and make your own recycled Christmas decorations, Christine Leech is here to teach you how to sew fabric Christmas ornaments.
These adorable little Christmas jumpers can be made using spare embroidery thread, felt and any decorative bits and bobs you have hanging around. Add sequins, beads and embroidery stitches to decorate and design your dream jumper in mini!
13. Make decorations from leftover clay
Pottery makers and those who enjoy dabbling with clay definitely need to make this recycled Christmas decoration. Learn how to make a Scandinavian Christmas star garland using those pesky bits of leftover clay.
The stars are tiny so you only need a tiny amount of clay to make them. Plus you only need some string or twine and a glue gun to turn the stars into a festive garland.
If you have a block of clay left over from your creations, follow our how to make air dry clay Christmas decorations tutorial. Who wouldn’t want a sparkly pretzel hanging from their tree?
14. Sew scrap fabric into beautiful decorations
Leftover fat quarters, rolls of fabric or even old clothing can be turned into recycled Christmas decorations – all you need is a little imagination! Gather up all your scraps and learn how to sew patchwork Christmas decorations.
These decorations can be made with any fabric you like. Use leftover Christmas fabric for a festive touch or turn a summer dress into floral ornaments.
15. Turn cards into a sustainable garland
Last year’s Christmas, birthday and anniversary cards make fantastic recycled decorations. Miesje Chafer’s tutorial shows you how to make this sustainable Christmas garland from old cards!
Decorate your tree, bannister and windows with your garland and keep it up for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Once you’ve made your garland, make sure you also check out our recycled Christmas card ideas.
Reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas
Christmas decorations made from recycled materials are a must this December. The festive period can often be a time of excessive waste, however, by making and buying recycled Christmas decorations, you’re helping to do your bit for the planet.
They’re just the start of your sustainable festive journey and can help you to decorate, gift and live a more eco-friendly life. They’ll allow you to enjoy Christmas guilt-free!
Gift sustainable presents with Gathered
Your Christmas decorations are made from recycled materials now it’s time for your presents to be as well! Discover our collection of the best eco-friendly gifts and give planet-friendly presents this Christmas.
