14 Unique Holiday Decor & Gifts: Personalize Your Holidays with Creative Touches
Check out the recent ApartmentGuide article we were featured in:
The holiday season is the perfect time to express love and appreciation, and nothing says “you’re important to me” quite like handmade unique holiday decor and gifts. Crafting your own decorations or creating personalized gifts not only adds a thoughtful touch but also allows you to save money and reduce waste.
Whether you’re decorating a cozy family home in Omaha, NE, crafting gifts for your festive gathering in your Manhattan, NY rental, or adding DIY touches to an apartment in Boise, ID, these creative ideas will help bring your holiday vision to life with unique holiday decor options. Here are some great tips from experts across various fields.
Read the full article here: 14 Unique Holiday Decor & Gifts: Personalize Your Holidays with Creative Touches| ApartmentGuide
The holiday season is the perfect time to express love and appreciation, and nothing says “you’re important to me” quite like handmade unique holiday decor and gifts. Crafting your own decorations or creating personalized gifts not only adds a thoughtful touch but also allows you to save money and reduce waste. Whether you’re decorating a cozy family home in Omaha, NE, crafting gifts for your festive gathering in your Manhattan, NY rental, or adding DIY touches to an apartment in Boise, ID, these creative ideas will help bring your holiday vision to life with unique holiday decor options. Here are some great tips from experts across various fields.
1. Create unique diy Bobbin frames
If you’re looking for a unique way to display art, Swakara from contemporary art platform BetterShared suggests making a DIY bobbin frame. “Make your art gift truly special with a DIY bobbin frame, using half wood balls, primer, and a paint color of your choice,” she says. This creative project adds a charming touch to any piece of artwork and can be used for both gifting or unique holiday decor in your home. Swakara also recommends using leftover wrapping paper or wallpaper to create a custom photo frame mat, making your artwork pop.2. Spread the love with homemade edible gifts
Food gifts are always a hit, especially when they come in personalized packaging. Alba Kimos of Alba Artisan Bakery, located in Austin TX, offers a delightful way to gift baked goods. “Start by selecting festive boxes or bags, and fill them with a combination of treats like cookies, macarons, or chocolate-covered nuts,” she advises. You canadd a personal touch by including a recipe card and decorating the outside with ribbons or handwritten notes.Lizzet Belcher, interior designer at Lizzet Frausto adds, “A homemade edible gift, whether something sweet or savory, something done in a flash or a true labor of love, is a very thoughtful present that expresses that you care better than thousands of words ever will.” The care and personal touch behind an edible gift make it a unique holiday decor and gift idea.3. Design a customized candle
Table stylist Arin from Fancy My Table in Los Angeles, CA, shares a simple yet elegant DIY candle idea to match your holiday decor. “To create a customized candle, all you need is a 6-inch pillar candle, decorative napkins, parchment or wax paper, and a blow dryer,” she explains. By applying low heat from the blow dryer, you can secure the napkin to the candle, creating a beautiful and personalized design for your holiday setup.4. Make a personalized memory box
If you’re looking for a deeply meaningful gift, consider creating a personalized memory box. Sindhu Srivastava, CEO of LA-based event planning company We Crush Events says this is a wonderful way to showcase cherished memories. “Decorate it with personal touches like photos or symbols and fill it with keepsakes that tell your unique story,” she suggests. This DIY project is perfect for those who value sentimental gifts, as it captures the essence of your relationship in a tangible form.Photo courtesy of Holiday Decorating by Chris Zimmer Photography
5. DIY pinecone ornaments for effortless charm
For those who are less experienced with DIY projects, Evvery Harvey-Smith from Holiday Decorating in Montgomery County, MD, offers a simple but elegant idea: pinecone ornaments. “A can of spray paint or some leftover house paint can transform a simple pinecone into a lovely decoration,” she explains. You can paint the pinecone tips white for a snowy effect or use glitter for a more glamorous look. These ornaments are easy to make and can be given in sets as charming holiday gifts.6. Elevate gift wrapping with origami techniques
Shiho Masuda, an expert in Japanese gift-wrapping, recommends using Origami techniques to make your wrapping paper as special as the gift inside. “Add flowers, small gifts, or handwritten cards to make them truly unique and heartfelt,” she suggests. You can also incorporate Japanese Washi paper to give your gifts an artistic flair, or try creating a Furoshiki wrap using fabric. These wrapping techniques are eco-friendly, stylish, and thoughtful—perfect for adding a personal touch to any present.Photo courtesy of Shiho Masuda
7. Build a 3D cardboard holiday village
For a fun and creative holiday display, Peter Seltzer of Pete’s Papercrafts located in New Orleans, LA recommends building a 3D cardboard village inside a shadow box. “Cut out festive images from magazines, glue them to cardboard for dimension, and layer them to create a charming winter scene,” he advises. This DIY project adds a playful, festive atmosphere to your home and also makes for a thoughtful, handmade gift that can be enjoyed year after year.8. Handcraft your own wrapping paper
Kathryn Kellogg, writer of the eco-friendly blog, Going Zero Waste encourages a sustainable approach to holiday gift wrapping. “I like to put on a festive movie and doodle on brown shipping paper that I’ve saved up over the year,” she shares. Using a white paint pen or holiday-themed stamps adds a fun, personal touch, while recycling the leftover paper helps reduce waste.Photo courtesy of Shiho Masuda
9. Use fabric for wrapping large gifts
Fabric is not only a chic alternative to traditional wrapping paper, but it’s also reusable. Annabelle from Tinsel Town Gift Wrapping in the LA area recommends using scarves, bandanas, or even bed sheets to wrap larger or odd-shaped gifts. “Fabric wrapping is both rustic and elegant, adding a personal touch to your presents while also being kind to the environment,” she explains. For a finishing touch, top your gifts with a small homemade wreath instead of a bow.10. Make natural centerpieces with foraged materials
Jonah Azurin of Nadine De Leon in Washington, DC suggests adding warmth to your holiday decor by creating centerpieces with natural elements. “Foraged pinecones and florals can bring a cozy, festive feel to any table,” he notes. These natural materials not only look beautiful but also offer an eco-friendly way to decorate without spending a lot of money.11. Gift custom photo puzzles
For a memorable and interactive gift, Gary Elphick, CEO of M.I.A. Merchandise located in New York, NY, recommends custom photo puzzles. “You can turn a cherished photo into a puzzle that your loved ones can enjoytogether during the holidays,” he says. This DIY gift adds a personal touch to holiday gatherings and provides a fun activity for everyone.12. DIY wreaths from natural materials
If you enjoy crafting with natural elements, try making a DIY wreath using foraged pine and dried citrus slices. Ariana Storniolo, writer of sustainable blog, Greenify Me shares this eco-friendly idea, “Just bend a coat hanger into a circle, tie the pine and citrus onto it with twine, and you have a beautiful wreath that can be composted after the holidays.” This simple yet stunning decoration is perfect for adding a unique holiday decor to your home.13. Modern Brutalist ornaments
For a modern twist, Greta from The Design Craft in Saint Petersburg, FL suggests creating Brutalist-inspired ornaments using cement texture gift wrap. “These simple yet striking pieces add a contemporary, architectural feel to your holiday decor,” she explains. For those who love vintage glamor, she recommends using Art Deco gift wrap for creating bold, geometric ornaments.14. Fill tree spaces with larger ornaments
To create a lush, full tree without overcrowding it, Karen Bodu of Austin Staging by Karen recommends filling in empty spaces with larger ornaments or stems like magnolias. “This adds texture and dimension to your tree without needing several smaller ornaments,” she says. Using fewer, larger pieces is a simple way to achieve a polished, elegant look.A memorable holiday season with unique holiday decor & gifts
From sentimental keepsakes to eco-friendly wraps, these unique holiday decor and gift ideas provide a variety of ways to make your season truly special. Whether you’re crafting unique ornaments, custom frames, or personalized treat boxes and memory boxes, these projects will spark your creativity and encourage heartfelt gift-making. So this holiday season, gather your materials, turn on some festive music, and find your decorating style.7 Delightful Deer-Themed Christmas Decorating Ideas
7 Deer-Themed Christmas Decorating Ideas – When I began my last post, “21 Tips to Save Money on Christmas Décor,” I intended to share some creative ideas on decorating with deer for Christmas. However, I quickly digressed…
So, let’s get back on track.
I have two weaknesses when it comes to Christmas decor: deer and tabletop Christmas trees—especially glass ones. Every year, despite my growing collection, I can’t resist adding more. Finding new and unique ways to display them, however, can be a challenge. This year, I’m determined to create a stunning centerpiece for my dining table using these beloved items.
After scouring Pinterest for ideas and coming up short, I decided to create this post. Come November, I’ll share the final results of my creative endeavors. But for now, here are 7 Delightful Deer-Themed Christmas Decorating Ideas I’ve used in the past to showcase my cherished deer.
1. Fireplace Mantle Focal Point
I have deer in just about every position, height, and color, but two of my greatest loves (tabletop trees and deer) truly came together last year when I decided to showcase my largest set of deer on the fireplace mantle.
This stunning and majestic pair became the focal point of my living room. The foliage on the mantle was already beautiful, but I wanted to add height and drama. That’s when my gorgeous pair of white, glitter-covered deer came in—one sitting and the other standing—bringing an enchanting elegance to the display.
2. Tabletop Centerpieces
Last year, on that same hallway table, I opted for a much simpler approach. I included a sleigh with a simple floral arrangement featuring roses, poinsettias, pinecones, berries, and holiday greenery. To complete the look, I added gold candles to complement the gold trim on the sleigh and the gold deer, which provided a warm, inviting glow at night.
In 2022, I made deer and a sleigh the centerpiece on my coffee table, this time, in addition to four graduating height candles, I just added some picks and ornaments to the sleigh and that completed the look. It was simple and created an elegant focal point to the table. In the empty nook under my window seat, I added a white pair of deer, a lit sphere and some greenery to brighten up the space.
In 2022, transformed my hallway side table with a pair of elegant silver sitting deer, complemented by some candles and cone trees I made myself. The addition of greenery, adorned with ribbon and pinecones, completed the look, creating a festive and inviting display.
3. Tray-scapes
Last year I used deer on my coffee table again, but with a spin. I created a trayscape with mini pine trees as the backdrop, with a red jumbo ornament, flanked by a pair of gold deer. Candles added some sparkle, and pinecones and berries were the finishing touch.
Under the coffee table, you will notice another pair deer and a sleigh filled with ornaments on top of a fur rug to fill the space.
4. Dead Space Filler
I didn’t have any presents yet when I prepared for my Christmas home tour last year, so to fill up the empty space under the tree, I just used some spheres flanked by the silver set of sitting deer.
Small spaces are always difficult to decorate; our entry is 4′ x 4′ wide. A couple of years ago, I was able to inject some Christmas by using this 8″ wide side table and decorated it with a flocked alpine tree, deer, greenery, and you can never have too many lanterns.
5. Tree Decorations
Don’t overlook using your deer on your tree. In 2021, I used deer heads on both my trees. Because of their shape, they add interest like none of the other ornaments on the tree. If you own a really pretty one, it can also be used as the focal point on the tree.
6. Tablescapes
This was one of the few images I found on Pinterest when I was looking for inspiration on how to use deer on my dining table this year. I cannot take credit for the ideas below. It was one of the few that I found from Rooms For Rent Blog. I absolutely LOVE it! It’s simple, yet elegant and did I mention I also have a thing for mercury glass which is included in this lovely tablescape. Take a look and check out their blog here.
7. Wreaths & Swags
I did not create this wreath, Raz Imports has that honor. However, since I’m sharing ideas with you on how deer can be used, take a look at this pic where a deer head is used as the focal point in this wreath.
Perhaps I’ll try to create one of my own this year and share it closer to the holidays. The deer head was used here, however, deer figurines could also be used as the focal point in a wreath as well.
I hope the photos and ideas I shared here will be of some inspiration to you this upcoming holiday season. If you have any additional ideas on decorating with deer, feel free to do so in the comments section below.
Until next time, happy decorating!
21 Tips to Save Money on Christmas Décor – How to Have the Christmas Décor of Your Dreams On A Budget
Hello everyone,
Happy Christmas in July! If you’re anything like me, Christmas preparations begin well in advance of the holiday season. I start brainstorming ideas for the next year as I’m taking down decorations at the end of the season. I go into preparation mode immediately, mapping out designs and deciding what new items I might need. Spoiler alert—I usually do need new things! To avoid a hefty bill all at once, I’ve learned to purchase a little at a time, ensuring everything is paid for by October when I start decorating.
Initially, this post was meant to cover one topic, but as I write, I realize it’s perfect for sharing how you can achieve your dream Christmas décor on a budget. Here are 21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Décor.
21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Decor
1. Plan
Start early and be organized. Planning saves money in the long run. Know what you have, what you need, what you want, and what you’re willing to spend. For example, last year I wanted to add some crystal accents to my tree. By planning ahead, I knew exactly how many I needed and could look for sales and online deals throughout the year.
2. Budget
Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid debt by only spending what you can afford. If your budget is $100 a month, adhere to that limit. If you want something pricier, stay tuned, I’ll give you ways to accomplish this in another tip below.
3. Shop After Christmas Sales
One of my biggest 21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Décor – Save up for post-Christmas sales, where you can get up to 75% off. Focus on high-ticket items for the best savings. Last year, I scored on nearly all the garland I needed for this year at half the price because I bought it after the holidays.
4. Shop Sales Throughout the Year
Take advantage of Christmas in July, Way Day, and Amazon Prime Day sales. Plan your purchases and double-check that items are truly discounted. I’ve seen prices marked up during sales, so always verify you’re getting a good deal.
5. Buy Monthly
Spread out your purchases. I’ll give you an example. A few years ago, I got tired of wasting money on lights that only lasted one season, and worse yet, added a ton to my electricity bill. I wanted to swap out all of my incandescent lights for LEDs. At around $20 a pop and considering I use an average of 8-10 sets of lights a year, lights alone could have easily cost between $160 – $200. Instead of buying them all at once, I bought one set of LED lights per month starting in January. By October, I had all the lights I needed without a huge upfront cost.
On The Subject Of Lights…
Here’s another tip that can save you some money…at least in the long run.
6. Invest in Dual-Colored Lights
These lights change from warm white to multicolored, or there are some really fancy ones that cost a little more that you can program to produce whatever color or combination you want offering versatility without needing multiple sets. Though they require a higher initial investment, they’re cheaper in the long run. I bought 3 sets of dual-colored lights this month, and now I don’t need separate lights for different color schemes.
7. Use Coupons
I’ll be honest, even I sometimes forget to use this 7th tip of my 21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Décor. Before finalizing a purchase, check sites like RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com for discounts. Every little bit helps! You never know, you might save yourself an extra 20% off or free shipping, and every little bit counts.
8. Buy from Sites Like eBay, Poshmark, & Mercari
Here’s another of my 21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Décor – Purchase used estate sale or new liquidated items at lower prices from websites like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari. In many instances, you can make the seller an offer on what you’d like to pay, and often, they will accept or counter with their best possible price. Always read descriptions and check return policies to make informed decisions. I’ve found gorgeous crystal ornaments on eBay (some new) for a fraction of the retail price.
Remember that comment I made about wanting something that
costs more than your monthly budget?
This is where my next tip comes in:
9. Use PayPal Pay in 4, PayPal Credit, or AfterPay
PayPal Pay in 4, PayPal Credit, or AfterPay and other similar websites that allow you to pay in installments, often interest-free, without a credit check. They’re perfect for larger purchases that might be beyond your monthly budget. I used PayPal Pay in 4 to buy a set of high-end decorations, paying over two months without breaking the bank. In the case of PayPal Credit, as I write this, you can pay for what you want interest-free for up to 6 months.
10. Price Compare Online
The internet is your friend. Use the internet to compare prices. Many stores carry the same items, and prices can vary significantly. I found a Northlight 4″ Green and Blue Plaid Hanging Christmas Ball Ornament for less than $4 by comparing prices online. Copy and paste the exact item description into Google for the best results, or right-click on the image and hit the “search the web for image” or “search image with Google” and similar results will appear. See the deals for yourself:
11. DIY Decorations
Get crafty and make some of your own decorations. Pinterest and YouTube are full of DIY projects that can save you money and add a personal touch to your holiday décor. For example, I once made my own tartan and plaid ornaments using materials I got online at a fraction of the cost, they turned out beautifully and I liked them even more than the original ornaments that served as my inspiration from Pottery Barn.
A Plaid Ornament I Made Myself 12. Thrift Stores and Yard Sales
Don’t overlook secondhand stores and yard sales for unique and affordable decorations. You can often find vintage items or gently used décor at a fraction of the cost.
13. Repurpose and Upcycle
Look at what you already have and think about how you can repurpose or upcycle items into Christmas décor. An old Christmas tree became some much-needed garland, swags, and picks when I simply chopped up the branches at the base. To make them fuller, I secured them together with dark-colored zip ties. Afterward, I added some greenery and berries I already owned, and voilà–what’s old is new again!
14. Swap with Friends and FamilyArrange a decoration swap with friends or family. Everyone brings items they no longer use, and you can trade for something new-to-you. It’s a fun way to refresh your décor without spending any money. I once scored some new ornaments from my sister by swapping and in the end we both got what we wanted at no financial cost.
15. Rent Decorations
Consider renting decorations for the holiday season. Some companies, including HolidayDecorating.Net offer rental services for high-end or themed decorations, which can save you money and storage space. A client last year used our service and it worked well. She was thrilled with her decor.
16. Use Natural Elements
Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches into your décor. I LOVE PINECONES. They’re often free – where I live, there are copses of pine trees all over the place, making it FREE and easily accessible. They add a cozy, rustic touch to your home. I love foraging for pinecones and painting the tips white – just like freshly fallen snow for a festive wintery look.
17. Limit the Number of Themes
Stick to one or two themes instead of trying to cover every trend or don’t be trendy at all. I always tell my clients that Christmas is about surrounding themselves with the things and people that make them happy. It’s about creating memories, so try to keep this in mind when decorating. This will help you focus your spending and ensure a cohesive look. Last year, I chose a simple pinecone and winterberry covered in ice theme (you can check out that blog post here) and found it much easier to stay within budget.
18. Buy in Bulk
When possible, purchase items like ornaments and ribbons in bulk to save money. Many stores offer discounts for buying larger quantities. I often buy bulk packs of ribbons and use them for various projects throughout the season.
19. Join Loyalty Programs
Sign up for loyalty programs at stores where you frequently shop for decorations. Many offer exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and rewards points. I’ve saved a lot by using my loyalty points to offset the cost of new decorations.
20. Check Local Buy Nothing Groups
Join local “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook or other social media platforms where people give away items for free. You might find some great decorations that others no longer need. Last year, my husband’s niece alerted me to this new trend, and she was happy and eager to share all her new finds with me.
21. Shop Early
I cannot stress this enough. This is the last of my 21 Tips To Save Money On Christmas Décor but it’s also one of the most important because it affects the initial cost of holiday items. Buying Christmas decorations outside of the holiday season is much cheaper than doing it at Christmastime when they are in high demand. Some stores start getting and putting their Christmas stock out as early as late August to early September so try to get some deals early and avoid high demand prices.
I hope these 21 Tips to Save Money on Christmas Décor will inspire you to create your dream Christmas decor without breaking the bank. I know I discussed only Christmas here, but these tips can be used in other aspects of your life. If you have other new ways you save money, I’d love to hear them. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. With 157 days until Christmas, you still have time to plan.
Until next time, happy planning and decorating!
Cheers!
Organize Christmas Decorations With These 8 Simple & Easy Tips
Organized – a word most of us strive to be but many find difficult to do. Below are some simple and easy tips to help Christmas 2023 and beyond get a little easier and faster. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to save lots of time when getting ready to decorate next holiday season.
Most, if not all of these tips can be applied to other areas in your life, e.g. Halloween décor, winter clothing, shoes, etc. So, here goes, feel free to share additional ideas you may have at the end.
Table of Contents
1. Use Clear Plastic Bins
Using clear plastic bins enables you to see what’s inside easily allowing you to access what you need without having to open or label the bins.
.
2. Use Large Clear Plastic Bags
To conserve space within clear plastic containers, or, if you have space available in a bin, or, if you have a limited number of bins, use large clear plastic bags to separate like items within the bin and to use up valuable space.
3. Money Saver Tip – Recycle
I’ve never purchased clear plastic bags or bubble wrap. I just save large clear plastic bags that I get when ordering items online. Or, keep the bubble wrap you might get from your orders online, you can even make bags out of them to keep your fragile ornaments or decorations. Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!
How do you make the bag? Just fold a rectangular sheet of bubble wrap to the desired depth and use clear tape to secure the opposite lengths and leave the opening at the top. If you wish, you can leave a few extra inches of overlap at the top to close by folding over and taping it in place. See the diagram below for clarification.
4. Organize by Color
If you’re like me and you have a large number of ornaments, organizing by color can help you save lots of time, especially the next year when you’re starting to decorate. You won’t have to go through the trouble of separating colors, instead, you’d just be picking the bins or bags with the colors you’d like to use.
5. Keep Like Items Together
This is another time saver. Instead of searching and separating things, pulling the bin with your picks or ribbons is a much faster process. Here are some categories for bins you may find helpful below.
- Lights, Extension Cords, Adaptors & Timers
- Ornaments
- Ribbon
- Picks & Sprays
- Candles
- Candleholders
- Tree Skirts, Santa Hats, Stockings & Christmas Table Runners
The above are just suggestions. Find solutions and categories suited to your needs that work for you.
6. Keep Boxes For Breakable Items After Purchase
Most breakable Christmas decorations arrive in boxes with molded Styrofoam especially when they’ve been ordered online. Keeping those boxes allows your decorations to be safely stored for later use.
7. Use Colored Dot Stickers
You can go one more step to keep your decorations in boxes organized by adding colored dot stickers to the cardboard box indicating the color of what’s inside, that way, you’ll save time because you won’t have to open them to check.
8. How To Keep It Organized
Wherever you keep your Christmas decorations, whether it’s in the attic, the basement, a closet or a room keep all the decorations organized within that space by following a few simple tips:
- Keep all the Christmas decorations in one section of the room instead of putting them where you can find space. By doing this, the next year you’ll be able to find everything you need for the festivities quickly in one location.
- Some may disagree with me on this tip and there is no right way or wrong way it’s just a personal preference but I prefer keeping organized with boxes and containers as opposed to bags. They’re stackable and help save space rather than bags which are bulky and irregular in shape.
- With this in mind, if you recently purchased an artificial Christmas tree, or, if you intend to in the future, do not throw your Christmas tree box away. Store the tree in the same box you purchased it and secure it closed with bungee cords. The boxes tend to be sleek and narrow in design and take up a very small footprint as opposed to Christmas tree bags which are bulky and consume a lot of space.
- Also, here’s another tip, some have problems keeping the tree’s branches together (which is the reason they can’t get it back into the box), secure them to the center of the tree using bungee cords as well. Just be careful when using them, remember your physics: with every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, if you don’t secure the bungee cord properly, the opposite end can come back to hit you in the face. Remember always – safety first.
Thanks for reading. If you need help taking your Christmas decorations down now that the holiday season is over be sure to take a look at the takedown services we offer in Montgomery County, Maryland, or, if you have other awesome Christmas decoration, storage, or organization ideas, I’d love to hear them, feel free to comment below.
