How to Make Cheap Garland for Any Occasion

Here’s a simple guide for those special days when you want to decorate but don’t want to spend much money.

I know the pain of looking at store-bought garlands and seeing those high price tags. But I’ve found some great ways to make beautiful garlands at home that won’t empty your wallet.

In this post, I’ll show you quick and budget-friendly methods to create garlands for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to add some sparkle to your space.

These ideas use simple items you might already have at home, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can start making them right away.

DIY Guide for Making Cheap Garlands Easily

Tools & Materials Required

• Base garland (can be from Walmart, around $3)
• Dollar Tree ornaments (various colors)
• Ribbons (2 different widths)
• Wire or Christmas ornament hooks
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Pipe cleaners
• Optional decorative elements:
  • Small holiday signs
  • Berry picks
  • Solar lights
  • Extra greenery pieces

Step-by-Step Making Process

1. Start with Ribbon Bundles

• Cut ribbons into 12-inch pieces
• Layer a thin ribbon on a wide ribbon
• Fold in half to find the midpoint
• Pinch the middle and secure it with a wire
• Fan out the ribbon ends

2. Create Ribbon Patterns

• Make several ribbon bundles
• Space them evenly on the garland
• Create fan shapes for corners
• Make bow shapes for middle sections

3. End Section Treatment

• Cut 15-inch ribbon pieces for ends
• Make larger fan shapes
• Secure to garland ends

4. Add Ornaments

• Cut pipe cleaners in half
• Create small ornament clusters
• Attach between ribbon sections
• Add single large ornaments in the center of bows

5. Final Touches

• Insert berry picks between sections
• Add extra greenery for fullness
• Secure all elements with hot glue
• Add optional lights if desired

DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE CHEAP GARLAND-MAKING GUIDE FROM THIS PDF

CLICK HERE

An Approximate Budget Required for Making

Money-Saving Tips

• I often reuse items from past decorations
• You can skip optional items like signs or lights
• Watch for after-holiday sales to stock up
• Check your craft supplies before buying new ones

NOTE: Prices may vary by location. I’ve found that making your garland saves about $20-30 compared to store-bought decorated versions that cost $35-45.

How to Enhance Cheap Garlands to Look Expensive

Let me share some clever ways I’ve learned to make budget-friendly garlands look more luxurious. I’ve tried these methods myself, and they work!

1. Layer Different Textures

• Mix wide and thin ribbons
• Use both shiny and matte ornaments
• Add natural elements like pinecones or berries
• Include different types of greenery between branches
• Place smaller decorations behind larger ones

2. Create Balanced Patterns

• Space decorations at regular intervals
• Make clusters of 3-5 items in each section
• Put similar colors on opposite sides
• Keep the heaviest items in the middle
• Use smaller pieces to fill empty spots

3. Use Smart Color Combinations

• Pick two main colors that work well together
• Add one accent color for interest
• Repeat these colors throughout
• Keep metallics subtle
• Group similar shades near each other

4. Pay Attention to Details

• Hide attachment points with small decorations
• Fluff and shape branches carefully
• Turn ornaments so their best side shows
• Tuck wire ends out of sight
• Make sure ribbons face forward

5. Add Depth and Fullness

• Push some items closer to the wall
• Bring others forward
• Fill gaps with small berry sprigs
• Use pipe cleaners to secure items tightly
• Layer lighter items over darker ones

6. Include Special Touches

• Add small string lights between branches
• Insert sparkly picks strategically
• Place pearl beads or crystal drops
• Include tiny mirrors or reflective items
• Use velvet ribbons for richness

7. Focus on Quality Assembly

• Secure all items firmly
• Double-check loose ends
• Make ribbon loops even
• Keep ornaments straight
• Test that everything stays in place

8. Consider Scale and Proportion

• Use larger items as focal points
• Place smaller items around them
• Keep decorations in proportion
• Balance heavy and light areas
• Space items evenly

The key to making a garland look expensive isn’t about using costly items. It’s about careful placement and attention to detail.

Take your time arranging everything just right. Step back often to check your work.

And don’t forget – less can be more when you’re aiming for an upscale look!

Some Budget-Friendly Decorating Ideas with Garlands

Below are some money-saving tips I’ve used to decorate with garlands. These ideas have helped me create beautiful displays without spending much!

Multi-Season Garland Base (Approximate Budget – $13-20)

• Buy a plain green garland on sale
• Switch out decorations for different holidays
• Use removable ties instead of glue
• Keep basic items in neutral colors
• Save money by reusing the base many times

Mix Store-Bought with Natural Items (Approximate Budget – $8-13)

• Add free pine cones from your yard
• Mix in fresh tree trimmings
• Use dried orange slices
• Include cinnamon sticks for scent
• Gather fallen branches and spray-paint them

Create Theme Sections (Approximate Budget – $9-14)

• Split one long garland into smaller pieces
• Make mini-themed sections
• Use each piece in different rooms
• Change themes based on your needs
• Save by buying fewer decorations

Paper Craft Additions (Approximate Budget – $8-13)

• Make paper flowers to add
• Create paper chains to fill gaps
• Cut out seasonal shapes
• Use old book pages or magazines
• Make accordion-fold decorations

Creative Light Options (Approximate Budget – $9-14)

• Use battery-operated mini-lights
• Place mirrors behind to reflect light
• Add tinfoil stars for shine
• String paper lanterns through garland
• Paint cheap balls with reflective paint

Smart Shopping Strategies (Approximate Budget – $8-13)

• Buy basics after holiday sales
• Look for multi-use items
• Check dollar stores first
• Trade decorations with friends
• Buy items that work for many seasons

DIY Ornament Ideas (Approximate Budget – $10-16)

• Paint plastic balls from dollar stores
• Make salt dough decorations
• Use wrapped candy as ornaments
• Create fabric-wrapped balls
• String popcorn and cranberries

Ribbon Tricks for Impact (Approximate Budget – $8-15)

• Use wide ribbon to fill space cheaply
• Make big bows to cover empty spots
• Layer different-width ribbons
• Choose wired ribbon for better shaping
• Cut longer pieces to create swags

Placement Tips to Save Money 

• Focus garlands in high-impact areas
• Use shorter lengths in smaller spaces
• Drape diagonally to cover more area
• Place near mirrors to look fuller
• Combine with existing decorations

Storage Solutions to Save

• Keep boxes from year to year
• Sort items by color for easy reuse
• Store flat to prevent damage
• Label everything clearly
• Pack similar items together

Personal Tip

I love to start with a simple base and add just a few special items each year. This way, my collection grows slowly, and I can spread the cost over time.

Plus, it makes decorating more fun when you add new touches each season!

Remember

The key is planning ahead and being creative with what you have. Sometimes, the simplest decorations make the biggest impact.

You don’t need to spend much to create something beautiful – use these ideas as starting points and add your own personal touch!

Where to Buy Affordable Garlands

Below are the top retailers listed that offer cheap garlands:

I’ve found the best deals at Walmart and Dollar Tree for basic garlands to decorate myself. For nicer pre-decorated ones, I wait for Michaels’ 70% off sales!

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

• Sign up for store apps to get instant notifications when holiday decorations go on clearance – I’ve got 90% off this way.
• Shop for basic garlands in July or August when stores clear out leftover Christmas stock.
• Check thrift stores in January and February when people donate their unused holiday items.
• Follow craft stores on social media to catch flash sales and one-day deals on seasonal items.
• Look for multi-packs of plain garlands at wholesale clubs in early fall – the per-piece price is often lower.

Conclusion

Making your own garlands doesn’t have to be hard or costly.

I hope these tips help you create beautiful decorations that fit your budget. The best part? You can mix and match these ideas to make something unique for your home.

Want to learn more about budget-friendly decorating?

Check out my other guides, like:

• DIY Christmas Tree Decorations Under $20
• Easy Party Decorations You Can Make at Home.

Remember to save this guide for your next event – whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because. Why not start with a simple design and build from there?

I’d love to hear how your garland-making goes. Drop a comment below to share your creations or ask questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make a Cheap Garland Look Fuller?

I add layers of different textures by mixing ribbons, ornaments, and greenery. Fluffing each branch and placing decorations at various depths helps create more volume and coverage.

Are Dollar Store Garlands Good Quality?

Dollar store garlands work well as starter bases. While they’re thinner than expensive ones, they’re perfect for crafting. I’ve used them successfully when enhanced with extra decorations.

Why is Garland so Expensive?

Store-bought garlands cost more because they include pre-attached lights, high-quality materials, and ready-made decorations. The manufacturing and assembly process adds to their price tag.