Looking for unique Chrsitmas trees this year? Don’t let space or the headache of lugging a real tree up 3 flights of stairs stand in the way of holiday decorating dreams! Use what you’ve got, even if that is yard sticks, books, bottle caps, cardboard, or egg cartons. Here are list 19 unique Christmas trees ideas that are sure to get your thinking outside of the box… or tree.
Up-Cycled Christmas Trees
I divided this list of unique Christmas trees into three sections. The first section is dedicated to unique Christmas tree made of items you likely have on hand and can simply shred, paint, cut or stack to create a festive Christmas tree. Think: books, wrapping paper, cardboard, and ladders!
1. Book Christmas Tree
Kristin created this book Christmas tree with books and a dowel. For the complete tutorial check out her site, mediatinker.
2. Chrsitmas tree tripod
My husband decorated this tripod Christmas tree in 2011. It was before I moved to Florida with him so I sent him a Christmas tree in a box. Instead of using the supplies as intended, he got creative and used them to decorate his tripod.
3. Shredded Paper
If a flocked christmas trees are more yoru style consider shredded paper! See more innovative Christmas trees from an installation at Michelle’s blog.
4. Wrapping Paper
Here’s a simple way to use the small scraps of leftover wrapping paper, turn them into a Christmas tree masterpeice! Find the full tutorial on A Little Tipsy.
5. Cardboard Christmas Tree
Turn a cardboard box into a 3D christmas tree for the kids to decorate. This cardboard christmas tree masterpeice was made by hoi pippo.
6. Bookshelf Christmas tree
Here’s another simple version of the book Christmas tree. Best part? It does not require drilling holes into the books. Simply rearrange the books you already own in a tree shape on a tall shelf.
7. Ladder Christmas Tree
Add a little rustic charm to your Christmas decor with a ladder Christmas tree. Cover the ladder in snowflakes, seashells, or vintage ornaments. Whatever you choose, the Christmas ladder is sure to be a conversation peice. Find more beautiful images at Desire Empire.
8. Egg Cartons
While most people typically have at least one egg carton on hand, collecting 200 egg cartons would take time. If you look closely, the ornaments are used Nespresso pods. This tree is an up-cycled masterpeice!
Unique Christmas Trees
The second section of the unique Chrsitmas tree list is dedicated to Christmas trees crafted out of unusual things that most people do not have on hand. Things like fire hoses and lobster traps. I hope this list inspires you to turn things you have on hand into a one of kind Christmas tree!
9. Fire hose Christmas tree
Rachael submitted this picture of a friend’s firehose Christmas tree. She turned a 3.5” retired rubber fire hose into a unique Christmas tree and present. The hose is very rigid and took quite a bit of coaxing to get it into place. They used screws to adhere it to a wooden post. How perfect is the fire hat tree topper?
10. Lobster Traps
If you’re anything like me, you likely don’t have 100’s of lobster traps on hand. But this idea could be done on a smaller scale with any type of box! Consider using cardboard boxes, gift boxes, or wooden crates. Image via Kennebunkport, Maine Christmas Prelude.
11. Wine Bottle Tree
This gorgeous “tree” is welded together and adorned with empty colored wine bottles, but wow!
12. Ornament mobile
If you have ornaments on hand, this modern Christmas tree mobile is perfect! Megan made this hanging Christmas tree with a few simple jewelry making tools and 100 green bulbs. Get the detailed tutorial at Not Martha.
Unique Christmas trees that hang
This list of Christmas trees is ideal for a small space. All of the trees below can be hung flat on a wall or window.
13. Doilies
Turn simple doilies into a beautiful window display with tape. (Image found via Mom Filter.)
14. One Strand of Lights
Use one strand of Christmas lights and a few thumbtacks to create a triangle shape on the wall. Doesn’t get much simpler than that!
15. Toilet Paper
With a toilet paper shortage in our country, this might not be the best tree for 2020, but it turned out awesome! Who would have thought toilet paper could be so elegant? This tp Christmas tree is surprisingly chic and modern and can be hung on any blank wall. Image oringially found on feel desain.
16. Trinkets
While most people do have a junk drawer full or trinkets, this wall Chrsitmas tree takes the junk drawer to the next level. My favorite part are the framed pictures included on the Christmas tree. Consider doing this on a smaller scale to make it more manageable.
17. Christmas tree bottle caps
Turn trash into treasure by painting bottle caps green and arranging them in a Christmas tree shape on card stock. Consider making a larger on one a peice of card board.
18. Rulers
I love that this ruler Christmas tree is made on a cabinet door. It’s proof that a Christmas tree can be created out of anything on anything. Collect old rulers, measuring tape, and yard sticks to make a charming tree of any size. Oringially created by My Salvaged Treasures.
19. Christmas tree card holder
Here’s the perfect space saving, multi functional Christmas tree idea! Use your holiday cards to create a tree shape on the wall. This can be done with a DIY card holder like the one below or even with washi tape.
20. Stick Christmas Tree
Turtles and Tails crafted up this whimsical nature inspired Christmas tree with branches and a star fish as a topper.
Which unique Christmas tree is your favorite? If you prefer a more traditional tree, you might like this post with 21 unusual Christmas tree themes.
Comments & Reviews
Rachael Elizabeth King says
The trinket tree and the tp tree are my favs! Great post, thanks for sharing!
Sarah Peters says
lol I love the lobster trap and the egg carton trees. Where did you find the egg carton one?
I made a tree completely out of pallets you would like too!
http://www.premierhandling.com/latest-news/turn-recycled-pallets-christmas-tree/
Natasha says
Love the trinkets one!
Ana says
Thanks for including my Tin Can Tree in the list! I love the books, bottle cap, and yardstick trees too!
Jamie Dorobek says
Ana, you’re welcome! Thanks for making realyl awesome free things 🙂