What to Do with Holiday Remnants

We just don’t understand why Santa doesn’t have a team of elves to cover the after Christmas situation:

Let’s face it, after Christmas there is a LOT OF STUFF that either needs to be reused, upcycled, or recycled.  Here is a extensive list on what to do with all those holiday remnants. 

Of course, reuse is one of the best options….produces the least amount of waste and most cost effective.

*There are affiliate links for a few upcycle items or products to help you upcycle. You can read our disclosure policy here.

TISSUE

If it’s torn, shred it for packing materials or gift baskets.
Pinata!
13 Cleaver Ways to Reuse Tissue Paper 
Flowers
Tissue Paper Pom-Poms (for the kids)
Tissue Paper Garland
Bleeding Tissue Paper Art Tray
Cover Jar Lids like the Jars HERE
Colorful Garden Lanterns

BAGS

Here is a great way to organize them for your own reusing purposes.
If bags are torn patch, with an embellishment.
Cut them up and use them in other crafts (tags, cards, etc).
Can’t use them all yourself? Post them for FREE on Freeccycle or Craigslist.
Upcycle Gift Bags into Hardcovered Notebooks
We did a post here on ways to reuse bags HERE. (grocery plastic/paper but some gift bags could be reused in the same ways)
Paper (Bag) Stars

RIBBON

We keep ours in a jar and can grab a ribbon anytime we need one.
Cat Toy – Attach a string to a stick and you have a free cat toy!
Ribbon Garland
How to Make a Bow with Multiple Ribbons
Scrap Ribbon Lamp Shade
DIY Anthropologie-Inspired Scarf Necklace
Ribbon Wands
A Greeting Card
Decorative Orbs
Ribbon Embroidery Hoops
These Trees
Make Fabric
Mixed Ribbon Wreath and This ONE
49 Crafty Ideas for Leftover Fabric Scraps

WRAPPING PAPER

Make Your Own Bows
Decoupage Furniture
22 Ways to Reuse Paper by Wise Bread
Wrapping Paper Ribbon Curls
Ornaments (for next year)
Make a Gift Bag
Confetti
Paper Star Medallions
Drawer Liners

BROKEN ORNAMENTS

Broken Glass Glitter Ornaments
Glitter
Glue broken side down to any wreath.
Often ornaments can be repaired with just a little time.
Mosaic (How to)

UNUSED LIGHTS

This ornament idea is so adorable!
Wreath
These earrings are way cool!
If your lights are out, you can use this to test them (repair).
Christmas Lights Recycle Program that benefits Toys for Tots

BOXES

Make a Basket
Only have half of a clothing box? Don’t throw it out. Do this.
17 Creative Ways to Reuse Cardboard

TAGS

Glue them to use in various paper crafts.
Glue another piece of scrap paper over the top of the previous TO and FROM so it can be reused.
Make your own next year out of cards, calendars, wrapping paper, etc so it’s already a reuse item.

COOKIE/ POPCORN TINS

Storage Containers
Tea Storage Container or Coffee Bin
Tiered Tray
Jewelry
Bird Feeder
Planter
Popcorn – Dog Food Container
Popcorn – Toy Storage Unit

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Tags
Ornaments
Bookmarks
Wreath
Block Puzzle
Coasters
Garland

UNUSED ORNAMENTS

Wreath
You don’t have to hang them all. Place several in a bowl as holiday décor.
Attach to a gift as an addt little present and decoration.
11 Uses for Old Ornaments

CANDY CANES

30 Uses for Candy Canes
Crush them and place them in a container to use as a sprinkle in your drink, on desserts, or Valentine goodies.

TREES/GREENERY

Donate (artificial)
Most cities have a recycle program for your real tree.
25 Ways to Reuse (Real) Christmas Tree
Artificial – Star and Swag

WRAPPING PAPER CARDBOARD TUBES

Fire Starters
If you have a lot, wouldn’t this be so fun for a classroom?
This list here of uses for toilet paper rolls can be used here as well.

GIFT CARDS

Gift Card Notebook
Guitar Pics
Bracelet

We know it’s hard to keep a lot of extra stuff around, but just think if we were able to reuse just a few of these items.  What an impact that would have on our wallets and the trash pile. 

And as always, if you have some tips and tricks, we would LOVE to here them!!!

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