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75+ Free Thrifty Dollar Store Craft Ideas

On this page you are going to find the best Dollar Store craft ideas that you will love to make for yourself or give as gifts!  The Dollar Tree DIY ideas we have here are fun and creative, as well as very inexpensive! 

Check out the items to make for the holidays, fashion and 18-inch dolls, home decor, and much more.

Dollar Store Craft Supplies

Along with these Dollar Store craft ideas, we provide a list of what you need to purchase to have on hand to create the most stunning projects. 

With these supplies, you will be prepared to create the most exciting and beautiful Dollar Tree craft ideas.

As a Dollar Store regular, I make a lot of DIY home decor and other crafts using Dollar Store craft items.  These Dollar Store projects are so affordable!  And the projects you can make are endless!

Although the items listed for the Dollar Store DIY projects below are easily found in most stores, you will find that individual stores carry different things at different times. It is fair to say that not all dollar stores are created equal. 

I recommend trying different stores or shopping in different towns when you can. Even the same chain has different things at different locations; I have access to multiple dollar stores nearby, so I make the rounds whenever possible. 

Dollar Tree Crafts For You

Here are some of the Dollar Store items that you can purchase to make the projects we have gathered below!

BOOKS:

You will find that paper crafting and decorating with book pages is a wonderful way to create lovely decor for your home.  Check out our Book Christmas Tree tutorial below.

Do some fun folding with the kids to create an easy and inexpensive holiday decoration.

SEASONAL CANDY:

The Dollar Tree stocks inexpensive candy and treats for every holiday.  Purchase up a stock of candy canes at Christmas to create our Candy Cane Vase found below. 

It’s an easy decorating idea and makes a wonderful hostess gift.

The multitude of candy available at the Dollar Tree will make the Candy Sleigh, an otherwise costly gift, into an inexpensive treat!  These make great teacher gifts and are so festive!

Inexpensive Halloween Candy from the Dollar Store is a must for the Halloween Candy Bucket Wreath that we have for you on this page. 

Add some Halloween decorations from the Dollar Tree, and you have yourself a fun and festive wreath for this fall holiday!

We have other Dollar Store projects for you that use seasonal candies to create beautiful home decor and simple gifts. Scroll down to see more!

PLACEMATS:

You can find great woven placemats at the Dollar Tree that can be used for many projects.  Pick up a couple of seasonal placemats to create the Christmas Placemat Pillow below.

This is such a simple project and would be great for teachers to use in the classroom for students to make and to give as holiday gifts to their families. 

Don’t forget that this quick, easy and inexpensive project would make a great gift for anyone, including neighbors and teachers.

BEADED NECKLACES:

The Dollar Tree always has colorful beaded necklaces available.  Keep these on hand for many craft projects, such as our Bead Garland Christmas Ornament

We have a great video to give you super instructions on crafting this simple and elegant ornament that even young children can make!

HATS:

You can find both knit and fleece hats during the winter months at the Dollar Store.  We have several Dollar Store projects that use these hats as the foundation for fashion doll accessories!  

Check out our Fashion Doll Skirt video tutorial and the cute Fashion Doll Bean Bag Chair, both made from $1 hats!

For more ideas and projects to make for dolls, check out our Doll Crafts Videos page!

SOCKS:

Socks of all sizes can be used to make Dollar Store DIY projects. You will be surprised at all of the craft ideas below that use socks from the Dollar Store!

Check out the Cell Phone Case Dollar Tree project to create an inexpensive phone case to protect your cell phone from scratches!

We have several ideas using Dollar Tree socks to make items for dolls and doll houses!  The Doll Pillow video tutorial gives great instructions for this project!

The Christmas Sock Garland is just the cutest holiday decoration, and is easily made from a variety of Christmas socks found at the Dollar Tree. 

I am planning to make this cute garland to decorate my fireplace mantle this year!  It can be made in less than half an hour!

Who would think to use holiday socks to make a wreath? The Easter Wreath uses socks and other supplies that you can easily pick up at the Dollar Tree in the spring.

For more general wreath ideas, check out our wreath page!

PICTURE FRAMES: 

One of the most versatile Dollar Tree items is their picture frames!  I have seen so many DIY Dollar Tree projects made from these inexpensive frames.  

Look at our projects using frames, such as the Coastal Beach Lantern, which fits in beautifully with your farmhouse decor.

Use Dollar Store frames for the Christmas Shadow Box idea below.  It is a cute way to decorate for Christmas, and once you know the basics of this project, you can make a shadow box for every season or holiday!

Chalkboards are so popular right now, and you can make a simple and inexpensive one using a Dollar Tree frame and chalkboard paint!  Our DIY Dollar Tree Chalkboard tutorial shows you how. 

SO MUCH MORE! 

Scroll down to see more Dollar Store projects using items you can easily find at your local Dollar Store. 

I love the Dollar Tree and the fact that they have so many versatile items that can be made into almost anything on a seriously small budget.

Take your time scrolling below and see all of the great ideas we have for you!

75+ Free Thrifty Dollar Store Craft Ideas

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18" Doll - Dollar Tree Find

18" Doll - Dollar Tree Find

Buying clothes, furniture and accessories for an 18" doll can be expensive but it does not have to be. Dollar Tree carries lots of items that can be used with an 18" doll. Here is something I recently found. Needlepointers.com Staff

Bandana Pillows

Bandana Pillows

Turn those dollar store bandanas into pillows to add fun and color to any spot in your home. Heathered Nest

Bead Garland Christmas Ornament

Bead Garland Christmas Ornament

Kids will love to make this super simple ornament as a gift for teachers, parents or grandparents. Learn how with this video and the photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions. Needlepointers.com Staff

Block Matching Game

Block Matching Game

Use this tutorial and Dollar Tree supplies to create an educational and fun picture matching game for the kids. Needlepointers.com Associate

Book Christmas Tree

Book Christmas Tree

Learn how to fold a paperback book into a Christmas tree. DIY book Christmas tree is a super easy, low-cost way to decorate your home. Needlepointers.com

Button Snail Craft

Button Snail Craft

This easy button snail craft is a fun craft activity with most of the supplies perhaps already on hand or can be purchased at the dollar store. Mombrite

Candy Cane Vase (Dollar Store Craft)

Candy Cane Vase (Dollar Store Craft)

A DIY candy cane vase is an easy, quick and inexpensive holiday decorating idea. Learn how to make a candy cane vase. These make nice hostess gifts or teacher gifts. Needlepointers.com

Candy Sleigh

Candy Sleigh

Learn how to make a candy sleigh! These make great teacher gifts and are fun and easy to make. By Needlepointers.com

Cell Phone Case - Sock Cell Phone Case

Cell Phone Case - Sock Cell Phone Case

Do you want to one-of-a-kind cell phone case for your cell phone? Do you need a cell phone case to protect your phone?

Watch this tutorial to learn a quick, inexpensive and fun way to protect your phone from getting scratched by making a sock cell phone cozy.

This is a good beginner sewing project.
Needlepointers Staff

Christmas Candle Holder Craft for Kids

Christmas Candle Holder Craft for Kids

Kids can make these easy candle holders as gifts for the holiday. A dollar store craft! Mess For Less

Christmas Ribbon Filled Ornament

Christmas Ribbon Filled Ornament

Do you want a simple holiday craft that your kids can made and give as gifts or hand on the tree? How about making cute ribbon filled ornaments.
Learn more about this project.
Needlepointers.com Staff

Christmas Sock Garland

Christmas Sock Garland

Are you looking for a simple and quick Christmas decorating idea? A wonderful addition to your Christmas decorations is garland made with socks.
This sock garland can be whipped up in less than a half-hour.
Needlepointers.com

Coastal Beach Lantern

Coastal Beach Lantern

Learn how to use dollar store picture frames to make a lantern. Craft Bits

Coffee Bag Purse

Upcycle coffee bags into a purse with this tutorial. All you need is coffee bags, duct tape and a scissor. After learning this technique you can use other bags to make purses and tote bags. Dollar Store Crafts

Confetti Bowl

Confetti Bowl

Grab some confetti from the party section of the dollar store and make a cool confetti bowl. Mod Podge Rocks Blog

Cube Christmas Ornament

Cube Christmas Ornament

Make a Christmas ornament or Christmas decoration using inexpensive items from the Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree crafts are some of the best to make! Needlepointers.com Associate

Deco Mesh Patriotic Wreath

Deco Mesh Patriotic Wreath

Learn how to make a Deco Mesh Patriotic Wreath with Dollar Tree supplies (wreath frame, deco mesh, bow and foam stars) for a patriotic decoration for your home for all these summer patriotic holidays from memorial day to labor day. Needlepointers.com Associate

Decorate a Dollar Store Glass Vase

Decorate a Dollar Store Glass Vase

Learn how to decorate a glass vase – it makes a great gift and is easy to make with Mod Podge and dollar store craft supplies! Mod Podge Rocks Blog

Decoupage Pumpkin with Book Pages

Decoupage Pumpkin with Book Pages

Pumpkin decorations can be used all fall, from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Learn how to make cute decoupaged pumpkins with dollar store finds. Needlepointers.com

Decoupage Tea Light Holder Tutorial

Decoupage Tea Light Holder Tutorial

Make a fabulous candle holder for tea lights to decorate your holiday table this year! This inexpensive Dollar Tree DIY is a fun craft for kids and uses decoupaged napkins to create a unique look. Make several and add flameless tea lights and use it as a centerpiece. Needlepointers.com Staff

Dishtowel Potholder

Turn a dollar store dishtowel into a potholder. Artsy Crafty Babe

DIY Dollar Tree Chalkboard

Pick up a Dollar Tree frame, paintbrushes and some chalk. You will also need some black chalkboard paint and that's pretty much it. Re-Fabbed

DIY Farmhouse Style Cotton Stems

DIY Farmhouse Style Cotton Stems

These faux cotton stems are perfect for your farmhouse-style winter decor. With a few items, cotton balls, pinecone, glue and twigs, you can make affordable cotton stems. Making Manzanita

DIY Halloween Candle Holder

DIY Halloween Candle Holder

This is a super easy Halloween DIY. Repurpose and Upcycle

DIY Magnetic Organzer

Transform a simple Dollar Store cookie sheet into a handy magnetic organizer with a few simple supplies. The Crazy Craft Lady

DIY Marbled Mugs

DIY Marbled Mugs

With dollar store mugs and nail polish, create marbled mugs for your home. Also, make nice gifts. DIY Candy

DIY Mini Magnets

DIY Mini Magnets

Learn how to use dollar store calendars and Jenga dollar tree blocks to create a DIY mini magnet with decoupage. Needlepointers.com Associate

DIY White Lace Pumpkin Decoration

DIY White Lace Pumpkin Decoration

Create this no carve pumpkin decorating idea, a white lace pumpkin, with dollar store foam pumpkin, lace and a few other supplies. Needlepointers.com Associate

Doll Notebook

Doll Notebook

This video will show how to make a cute notebook for a doll. This notebook is the perfect size for an 18" doll.

Doll Pillow

Doll Pillow

How to make doll pillows from a sock for doll or doll house. For this video we used a Halloween sock but you could use any socks. Needlepointers.com

Doll Socks

Doll Socks

How to make doll socks for 18" doll from a pair of mini mittens purchased at the dollar store.

Doll Table for an 18" Doll

Doll Table for an 18" Doll

Create a table for an 18" doll with stuff from the dollar store.

Dollar Store Doll Clothes

With this tutorial, learn how to make doll underwear from dollar store finds. Old Days Old Ways

Dollar Store Find for 18" Doll

Dollar Store Find for 18" Doll

This video shows something found at the dollar store which can be used with your 18" doll dollhouse - a pencil case that looks like a trash can. Needlepointers.com

Dollar Store Sock Wreath

Make an inexpensive holiday wreath - holiday socks from dollar store, a wreath form and a sharp knife is all you need. Work In Progress Kits

Dollar Store Valentine's Wreath

Dollar Store Valentine's Wreath

Use inexpensive Dollar Store items to make this gorgeous Valentine’s Day wreath for your front door. Single Girls DIY

Dollar Tree Halloween Wreath

Dollar Tree Halloween Wreath

How to make a cute and cheap DIY Halloween / Fall wreath that only requires a handful of supplies from the dollar store. Needlepointers.com Associate

Dollar Tree Haul - Craft and DIY Supplies

Dollar Tree Haul - Craft and DIY Supplies

It's a Dollar Tree haul for crafts and DIY supplies. I love to shop at Dollar Tree for inexpensive craft supplies and craft kits.
Look at what I found!

Dollar Tree Shy Pumpkin Craft

Dollar Tree Shy Pumpkin Craft

With this free tutorial, use Dollar Tree's carvable foam pumpkins to add the cutest look to your home decor with this shy pumpkin craft that won't break the bank. Needlepointers.com Associate

Dollar Tree Tote Bag

Dollar Tree Tote Bag

This craft tutorial shows you how to take a floor mat and turn it into a tote bag. Craft Bits

Dollar Tree Wall Art

Dollar Tree Wall Art

If you are looking for a fun budget craft, this is for you. You’ll be spray painting, Mod Podging, cutting, and applying Mod Podge and Dimensional Magic. Mod Podge Rocks Blog

Dollhouse Rug

Dollhouse Rug

Every dollhouse needs colorful rugs. Learn how to make this soft and cozy pompom dollhouse rug.
Here is a fun pom pom craft project that is easy, quick and inexpensive to make. It can be made in any size or shape for an 18" doll, fashion doll, doll, miniature doll or even a stuffed animal.
Needlepointers.com Staff

Duct Tape Book Cover

Duct Tape Book Cover

How to make a duct tape book cover.

Duct Tape Coin Purse

Duct Tape Coin Purse

Learn how to make a super simple duct tape coin purse (pouch) in about an hour.

Easter Basket (Dollar Store Craft)

Easter Basket (Dollar Store Craft)

Learn how to make this cute and inexpensive ribbon Easter basket with items from the dollar store. Needlepointers.com

Easter Egg Tree

This cute Easter egg tree in made from supplies you can find at your local dollar store. The Design Confidential

Easter Wreath (Dollar Store Craft)

Easter Wreath (Dollar Store Craft)

Let me show you how to make this Easter wreath with supplies purchased at Dollar Tree. This wreath used socks, plush animal, floral wreath and burlap ribbon.

Easy Hat Pattern

Easy Hat Pattern

This step-by-step tutorial shows how to make easy crochet hats with dollar tree yarn. Reuse Grow Enjoy

Fall Decor

Looking for decorating for the fall on a budget? Try this Dollar Tree craft. You'll need glass jars, popcorn, stickers and votive candles. Passionate Penny Pincher

Fall Harvest Wreath

Fall Harvest Wreath

For this free project, you can find most of the supplies at the dollar store. Elle Marie Home

Fall Jar

Make fall jars with dollar store flowers, burlap and lace. Crafting in the Rain

Fall Leaf Tree (Topiary)

Fall Leaf Tree (Topiary)

Grab some fall leaves, styrofoam tree, hot glue or school glue and make a fall leaf topiary tree. The Kim Six Fix

Fall Leaf Wreath

Fall Leaf Wreath

If you love dollar store crafts, you’re going to love this DIY dollar store fall wreath. DIY Candy

Farmhouse Candle Holder

Farmhouse Candle Holder

It's easy to create farmhouse decor with dollar store supplies! Dollar Tree tumbling tower game pieces along with Dollar Tree cylinder vases makes this farmhouse candle holder. Single Girls DIY

Farmhouse Easter Basket Wreath

Farmhouse Easter Basket Wreath

In about 15 minutes create this farmhouse-style wreath using supplies from Dollar Tree. Craft Bits

Farmhouse Rack

Farmhouse Rack

This craft tutorial shows you how to take simple dollar tree store supplies and hack them into a versatile storage rack. Craft Bits

Fashion Doll Bean Bag Chair (A Dollar Store Craft)

Fashion Doll Bean Bag Chair (A Dollar Store Craft)

How to make a bean bag chair for fashion doll. All you need is a knit hat from the dollar store. The bean bag chair cost only $1.

Fashion Doll Purse - How to make a Fashion Doll Purse

Fashion Doll Purse - How to make a Fashion Doll Purse

Learn how to make a simple, no-sew, inexpensive purse for a fashion doll with a binder clip and pipe cleaner found at the dollar store.

Fashion Doll Skirt

Fashion Doll Skirt

This video explains how to make a fashion doll skirt from a hat purchased at the dollar store. This is a fun and easy craft project. Needlepointers.com

Felt Ornaments

Felt Ornaments

If you’re looking for cheap and easy holiday gifts or decorations, this felt ornaments DIY is for you. All supplies can be purchased at the dollar store. Beginner Sewing Project

Foam Purse

This tutorial shows how kids can make their own purses with a few inexpensive supplies - craft foam sheets and bakers twine. Cheap Dollar Store Craft! See Vanessa Craft

Glitter Glam Pumpkin

With supplies for Dollar Tree and this free tutorial, make some DIY fall decorations for your home. Thinking Closet

Gum Ball Machine Ornament

Gum Ball Machine Ornament

Make an easy Christmas ornament from a dollar tree gum ball machine! Repurpose and Upcycle

Halloween Candy Bucket Wreath

Halloween Candy Bucket Wreath

Pick up some basic Halloween decorations at the dollar store to make this Halloween-themed wreath. Craft Bits

Heart Pencil Favor

Heart Pencil Favor

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and it is time to come up with a small favor or card your child to handout to friends and classmates.
These heart pencil valentine favors are a great candy-free alternative and the pencil can be used long after the holiday is over.
Needlepointers.com Staff

Heart Pencil Topper

Heart Pencil Topper

How to make a heart Pencil topper for Valentine's Day. This is a cute idea that kids can make to give to friends. Also a nice group activity for school parties, scouts, etc. Needlepointers.com

Lace Vases - Mod Podge Lace Vases

Mod Podge project to decoupage lace onto dollar store vases. They look like ceramic lace! Dream A Little Bigger

Mini Planters

Mini Planters

Make some easy mini planters with this tutorial. The small size makes them perfect for filling with cacti or succulents to decorate your house or give to friends! DIY Candy

Mitten  Ornament - Dollar Craft

Mitten Ornament - Dollar Craft

How to make a Christmas tree ornament from small mittens purchased for $1. This a a simple, fun craft project that even kids will have fun making. Needlepointers.com

Mom Bag (Dollar Store Craft)

Mom Bag (Dollar Store Craft)

How to make an inexpensive bag as a gift for Mom for Mother's Day. Items can be purchased at a dollar store. This project only cost me $2.

No Sew Placemat Pillow

This is a fun and frugal placemat pillow project is super easy to make and no-sew. My Coupon Expert

Notebook - Embellished Duct Tape Notebook

Dollar Store Crafts

Patriotic Décor Candle Holder

Patriotic Décor Candle Holder

You don’t need to spend a lot to create a candle holder, in fact, a quick trip to your local dollar store is all you need. Living a Frugal Life

Personalized Christmas Tree Ornaments

Personalized Christmas Tree Ornaments

These monogrammed Christmas ornaments are so easy to make that it’s a great project to do with kids. Plus they are inexpensive if you purchase the ornaments at the dollar store. Organized 31

Poinsettia Flower Ornament

Poinsettia Flower Ornament

Using simple supplies from the Dollar Store, create these quick and easy Christmas Poinsettia Ornaments in just about 30 minutes. Craft Bits

Pool Noodle Fireworks

Pool Noodle Fireworks

This is such a great summer crafting idea! This pool noodle fireworks craft is made entirely of stuff from the Dollar Tree. Money Wise Moms

Pumpkin Wreath

Pumpkin Wreath

Learn how to make a DIY Dollar Tree burlap pumpkin wreath using a 3D metal pumpkin form. Needlepointers.com Associate

Pumpkin Wreath with Lights

Pumpkin Wreath with Lights

Learn how to make a fun DIY Dollar Tree pumpkin wreath with lights using this tutorial with a Dollar Tree pumpkin wreath form and supplies. Repurpose and Upcycle

Rope Vase

Rope Vase

This cool flower vase with a nautical home decor theme is perfect for your home. Scrappy Geek

Rustic 3D Clothespin Star

Rustic 3D Clothespin Star

You can make 3D clothespin stars with Dollar Tree supplies and this free tutorial. Single Girls DIY

Snowman Tea Light Ornament

Snowman Tea Light Ornament

How to make a snowman tea light ornament. Light up the Christmas tree with this ADORABLE ornament. Needlepointers.com

So Simple Sock Wreath

For this project make a trip to the dollar store (Dollar Tree of course) and came back with a wreath form and 4 pairs of knee-high, striped socks. You can also add a sign if desired. 52 Mantels

Sock Drawstring Pouch (No Sew)

Sock Drawstring Pouch (No Sew)

How to make a drawstring pouch with a sock. To make a sock drawstring pouch you can purchase inexpensive socks from the dollar store or recycle the unmatched socks laying around the house. Needlepointers.com

Sock Wine Bottle Cover

Sock Wine Bottle Cover

Do you need a quick, easy idea for gift wrapping a bottle of wine? Stop by the dollar store and purchase knee-high socks and make a sock wine bottle cover. Needlepointers.com Staff

Sparkly Fall Leaf Napkin Rings

Sparkly Fall Leaf Napkin Rings

Making your own holiday decorations for the table is fun and these napkin rings are no exception. With this tutorial and supplies from the dollar store make some cute napkin rings. Elle Marie Home

St. Patrick's Day Wreath (Dollar Store Craft)

St. Patrick's Day Wreath (Dollar Store Craft)

Learn how to make an inexpensive wreath for St. Patrick's Day.

Succulent Wreath with Terracotta Pots

Succulent Wreath with Terracotta Pots

Succulents are trendy and this succulent wreath is just the DIY project to make your front door welcoming. Scrappy Geek

Sunflower Clothespin Wreath

Sunflower Clothespin Wreath

Making a stunning wreath for the front door is not difficult. With some supplies from Dollar Tree, a hot glue gun and spray paint, you can make this wreath. Single Girls DIY

Tipsy Pumpkin Bucket Totem

Tipsy Pumpkin Bucket Totem

Make this DIY Halloween decoration for outdoor display using materials and tools found at Dollar Tree and a few items from around the house. Scratch and Stitch

Trendy Decorative Lantern

Put together some trendy decorative lanterns by using photo frames from Dollar Tree. Hip 2 Save

Valentine's Day Heart Boxes

Valentine's Day Heart Boxes

An easy and inexpensive craft project for Valentine's Day.
Paper Mache boxes are the perfect canvas for creativity and these heart shaped boxes were only $1 at the dollar store.
Needlepointers.com

Vase and Christmas Ball Decoration

Vase and Christmas Ball Decoration

Learn how to create these Quick and Easy Christmas Decorations using vases and ornaments to display around your home! Mom Wife Busy Life

Wicker Vase

Wicker Vase

With a couple of items from the dollar store, create a boho-chic decorative vase. Single Girls DIY

Witch's Hat Wreath

Witch's Hat Wreath

Make a whimsical Halloween Dollar Tree witch's hat wreath with this deco mesh wreath tutorial to adorn your front door this fall. Needlepointers.com Associate





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