Crafting used to be something we did out of necessity. When you couldn't afford the brand-new stuff in the store, the next best thing was to make it from scratch with items you already owned. But, like all activities that used to be wholesome and fun, do-it-yourself is no longer an act of rebel creativity but a billion-dollar industry.
Commercializing DIY means most of the tutorials you'll see today involve expensive tools and materials that somehow end up costing you more than what you would have paid for the same item in a store. It's a massive scam on so many levels — except when you source your supplies from the Dollar Store.
While even the Dollar Store isn't safe from inflation, it's still a heck of a lot more budget-friendly than the other places. You won't find all of your typical crafting supplies there, but what you will find are aisles of potential canvases that you can transform into something wholly your own. And nothing is more evident of that than their fall decor.
Pinterest is still the top dog in terms of crafty DIYs, but TikTok is giving the platform a run for its money regarding Dollar Store projects. So if you're looking to get crafty this season without breaking the bank, we've rounded up the best TikTok-approved Dollar Store DIYs that anyone can do.
Candy Corn Pumpkins
Credit: Dollar Tree
Technically, these candy corn pumpkins are at the Dollar Tree. But for the sake of their affordability allure, they still qualify as a Dollar Store DIY. According to self-described "cheap mom" @taylor.mart, the original stack of three pumpkins — coming in a candy corn palette of orange, yellow and white — were only $5. So she grabbed two stacks and mixed some baking soda and paint together to give them a more expensive-looking pottery finish.
If you want to jazz up these stackable pumpkins even more, @happyhomewithjessica shared a funkier color palette to try.
The Pumpkin Wreath
Credit: Dollar Tree
We love a good dupe, and this wreath from @jaymuneediy is hard to beat. Rather than pay $89 for a mini-pumpkin-lined door hanging from Pottery Barn, she shows you how to make your own version with just a few items (such as this pumpkin garland) from Dollar Tree. And she's right — it actually looks better than the PB version.
The Other Pumpkin Wreath
Credit: Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree's pumpkin wreath form has become a fall DIY mainstay for a million reasons. The main one being that it's the perfect starting point for any seasonal wreath. You'll find tons of crafty creators sharing their own designs, but we love the simplicity of @thenestdesigns' iteration. She added some greenery for a pop of color that still gives it a very boho feel.
Upgraded Leaf Dishes
Credit: Dollar Tree
The Dollar Store and Dollar Tree have plenty of fall decor that only needs some slight modification — such as this set of plastic leaf dishes. While some people may like their original metallic vibe, @perkinsonparkway has an easy method to give them a more muted and modern feel.
The Broom Fall Tree
Credit: Dollar Tree
Thanks to this DIY from @bargain.bethany, you'll never look at brooms the same way again. Using only duct tape and paint, she transforms a simple broom handle into the trunk of an artificial tree complete with faux fall foliage. All of her supplies are from Dollar Tree and cost a fraction of what a real artificial tree would.
Fall Gnome
Credit: Dollar Tree
Who doesn't love a darling little gnome? Another little-effort big-reward tutorial from @thenestdesigns, this one only requires a few Halloween ornaments from Dollar Tree, some glue and paint. It's an unforgettable little accessory that you can keep all season long.
Skeleton Candy Bowl
Credit: Dollar Tree
A decorative candy bowl is a must for Halloween. This DIY-ed version from @makeitwithmicah strikes the perfect balance between spooky and chic. Adding — and amputating — a simple Halloween skeleton turns a boring black bowl into a one-of-a-kind container for trick-or-treaters.
Pumpkin Vase
Credit: Dollar Tree
Speaking of containers, these foam pumpkins can be used for much more than just arrangement outside your front door. Crafty creator @tamarabradshaw_home filmed a super-simple way to make them into a flower-holding vase. All it requires are a few cheap supplies and a willingness to get a little messy.
Ghost Light
Credit: Dollar Tree
If you need something to light up the night, try this ghost-shaped lantern from TikToker @thekellybarby. Using a few vases, some fabric and fairy lights, you too can create an adorable (and kind of spooky) addition to your fall decor.
Hanging Pumpkin Plate
Credit: Dollar Tree
Walls looking a little bare? Dress them up for fall with this vintage-style pumpkin hanging from @windycitycrafts1. She uses three oval-shaped serving trays and some paint to put together the perfect autumn accent piece for any room.
