Ho, ho, hold onto your pocketbook because Christmas just got a lot cheaper

If you’re like us, your family will knock on your door any day now with fruit and Bundt cakes in hand. In exchange, they expect your home to look like the Bergdorf Goodman Christmas display. But what are we to do when we spent every last penny of our decorating budget on gifts for said guests? Read on, our frugal sisters and brothers. We’ve scoured the blogosphere for four DIY projects that each cost less than your child’s weekly allowance. Plus they’re easy to tackle, so your kids can get in on the fun too!

Outdoor Holiday Sign

By Honey We’re Home

Image courtesy of Honey We’re Home.

We’ve all done it, gone to a holiday craft market, seen an adorable yard sign for $40 and thought, I could do that. Megan over at Honey We’re Home did more than thinking this year. She actually mimicked the candy cane-striped sign she spotted at her local bazaar—and she did it for $5!

Want to be like Megan? You’ll need a PVC pipe, red duct tape, a piece of wood and red, white and green spray paint. Chances are you already have most of these tucked away in your garage. To make it extra fancy, you can top it off with a leftover bow from an early Christmas present or an ornament off your tree. What you write on your sign is up to you. Megan went with “Joy to the World.” We’re thinking ours will say, “Merry Christmas & Happy Couponing!”

Paper Ornaments

By Design Sponge

Image courtesy of Design Sponge.

We were skeptical when Design Sponge gurus Derek and Lauren posted that they’d made Christmas ornaments out of paper and a stapler. Seriously, we’re staring at these items on our desks right now! But we were quickly converted when we tried their paper ornaments—and ended up with gorgeous holiday decorations for mere pennies!

You’ll need to cut a bunch of cardstock into 1-inch wide by 11-inch long strips. We’re partial to traditional red and green, but any colors will do. Simply staple the ends together, and you’ve just made a unique holiday ornament that will look dashing!

Plastic Spoon Christmas Tree

By One Project Closer’s The Better Half

Image courtesy of One Project Closer’s The Better Half.

We remember when plastic spoon mirrors were the new black on Pinterest, so we’re happy that One Project Closer’s The Better Half’s Jocie found a new way to use our leftover cutlery from past projects. Our silverware was seriously feeling neglected! The best part is you only need four things to make this tree: 120 plastic spoons, cardboard tree form, hot glue and spray paint.

Color your spoons with whatever hue that strikes our fancy and glue them in a circular fashion around the tree form. You’ll have an envy-worthy tree in less than an hour, which means you’ll have time to make an entire forest—or you could check out Jocie’s three other tree crafts. We think the ornament one is stinkin’ cute!

Two Turtle Doves Moss Wreath

By Delia Creates

Image courtesy of Delia Creates.

We’ve heard the moans and groans about “holiday creep,” but we can also sympathize with those who put their Christmas decorations up early. You work so hard on them, and then they’re gone within a month! Luckily Delia from Delia Creates came up with this handy Two Turtle Doves Moss Wreath tutorial.

Quick warning: if you’re a Frosty the Snowman purist, this craft is probably not for you. It says “Happy Holidays” in a subtler way and can be hung on your front door way past New Year’s Day. We’re partial to the two turtle doves reference as we’re in the midst of our own 12 Days of Christmas Twitter Giveaway, but you can put whatever you want on your wreath—even jolly Frosty.