Fall decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few affordable supplies from the dollar store, you can create beautiful DIY fall crafts that look far more expensive than they are.
These easy DIY dollar store fall crafts are perfect for adding warmth and autumn charm to your home while staying on budget.
1. Dollar Tree Pumpkin Makeover
Materials:
- Dollar Tree foam or plastic pumpkins
- Acrylic paint (white, terracotta, sage green)
- Sandpaper
- Mod podge
- Small paintbrush
- Optional twine or faux stems
If you’re using a plastic pumpkin, lightly scuff the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere. Foam pumpkins can usually be painted directly without sanding.
Apply a base coat of white acrylic paint and let it dry completely. Once dry, layer on your chosen fall color in long, vertical strokes following the pumpkin’s natural ridges.
For a distressed farmhouse look, lightly sand the edges after the paint dries to reveal hints of the layer beneath.
Finish with a coat of mod podge to seal everything. Swap out the plastic stem for a piece of rustic twine or a cinnamon stick secured with hot glue.
2. Fall Tiered Tray Decorations
Materials:
- Dollar Tree tiered tray (or individual small trays stacked)
- Mini pumpkins
- Faux fall leaves
- Small signs or wooden letters
- Candles, burlap ribbon, acorns or pinecones
A tiered tray display is one of the easiest ways to create a styled fall vignette without much effort.
Start by laying a strip of burlap ribbon across each tier as a base layer to add instant texture and warmth.
Arrange your mini pumpkins in odd numbers (groups of 3 or 5 look most natural). Tuck faux fall leaves between them for a layered, full look.
Add a small wooden sign with a fall phrase on the top tier and a candle or two on the bottom for height variation. The key is to vary the heights of your items so the eye travels naturally from tier to tier.
3. Rustic Candle Centerpiece
Materials:
- Dollar Tree pillar candles
- Glass candleholders or small vases
- Twine
- Cinnamon sticks, faux fall berries or leaves
- A wooden slice or tray for the base
Arrange your candleholders in a cluster of three on a wooden tray or slice for a grounded, cohesive look.
Wrap each glass holder tightly with natural twine, securing it with a knot or a small dab of hot glue. Bundle a few cinnamon sticks together and tie them onto the twine wrap for a beautiful rustic accent that also smells amazing.
Tuck sprigs of faux fall berries and a few scattered artificial leaves around the base of the candles to fill in any gaps.
The varying candle heights create visual interest, and the warm glow pulls the whole centerpiece together perfectly.
4. DIY Harvest Basket
Materials:
- Dollar Tree wicker or wire basket
- Faux gourds
- Mini pumpkins
- Fall foliage picks
- Burlap fabric
- Hot glue gun
Line the inside of your basket with a folded piece of burlap to add softness and a farmhouse feel.
Arrange your faux gourds and mini pumpkins inside. Place the tallest pieces toward the back and shorter ones in front so everything is visible.
Weave fall foliage picks around the arrangement, letting a few tendrils drape naturally over the basket’s edge for an overflowing look.
If your basket has a handle, wrap it with a strip of burlap and tie a bow in the center.
This makes a gorgeous front porch decoration or a beautiful table centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.
5. Faux Wood Crate Display
Materials:
- Dollar Tree cardboard or wooden crate
- Brown and gray acrylic paint
- Sandpaper
- Mod podge
- Fall décor fillers (pumpkins, books, candles)
- Optional stencil and chalk paint
Give a plain Dollar Tree crate a serious upgrade by dry-brushing it with brown and gray paint to mimic the look of weathered wood.
Apply a base coat of medium brown paint and let it dry. Drag a nearly dry brush loaded with gray paint across the surface to create the illusion of wood grain texture.
Sand the corners and edges once dry for an authentically distressed finish. Seal with mod podge.
Fill the crate with a mix of mini pumpkins, a small potted plant, stacked faux books, and a candle
6. Fall Floral Hoop Wreath
Materials:
- Dollar Tree embroidery hoop or metal ring
- Fall floral picks
- Faux eucalyptus or greenery
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
A floral hoop wreath is modern, minimalist, and incredibly easy to make.
Start by wrapping faux eucalyptus or greenery around one section of the hoop, securing it with hot glue as you go. You don’t need to cover the entire hoop, as leaving some bare metal adds to the airy aesthetic.
Layer fall floral picks like sunflowers, orange roses, or berry clusters on top of the greenery. Build up the arrangement until it feels full and intentional.
Tie a long ribbon through the top of the hoop for hanging. Let the tails drape down for an elegant touch.
This wreath looks stunning on a front door and costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a boutique store.
7. Wooden Block Pumpkins
Materials:
- Dollar Tree wooden blocks or cube-shaped wood pieces
- Orange, white, and terracotta acrylic paint
- Small paintbrush and foam brush
- Black paint pen or fine-tip brush
- Sandpaper
- Twigs or cinnamon sticks (for stems)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Mod Podge or matte sealer (optional)
Lightly sand your wooden blocks so the surface is smooth and paint-ready.
Apply two coats of your chosen color — orange, white, or terracotta — letting each coat dry fully. For a rustic touch, dry-brush a second contrasting color over the base to create subtle texture.
Once dry, use a black paint pen to draw three to five loose curved vertical lines down the block to suggest pumpkin ridges.
Keep the lines slightly imperfect for a charming, hand-painted feel. You can also add a small word like “FALL” or “BOO” on the front for extra personality.
Hot glue a twig or cinnamon stick on top as the stem, then seal everything with Mod Podge to protect your work.
Group three blocks in varying sizes and colors together on a shelf or tiered tray for a simple, stylish fall display.
8. Dollar Store Scarecrow Décor
Materials:
- Dollar Tree foam head or small stuffed head form
- Burlap or plaid fabric
- Straw or raffia
- Old hat (dollar store or thrift)
- Zip ties or twine
- Wooden dowel or stake
This charming scarecrow is easier to assemble than it looks.
Stuff a burlap sack loosely with crumpled newspaper or straw to create the body. Tie off the top and bottom with twine.
Dress your scarecrow in a small plaid shirt and overalls from the dollar store’s fabric section or cut from old fabric scraps. Stuff the sleeves and legs with straw so they hold their shape.
Attach the foam head at the top. Use a permanent marker or acrylic paint to draw on a friendly face with rosy cheeks and a stitched smile.
Top with an old hat and secure the whole figure to a wooden dowel. This front porch decoration adds playful fall character.
9. Pumpkin Vase Arrangement
Materials:
- Dollar Tree plastic or foam pumpkin
- Craft knife
- Faux fall flowers (sunflowers, mums, marigolds)
- Faux greenery
- Hot glue gun or floral foam
Turn a plain dollar store pumpkin into a gorgeous fall floral centerpiece with this clever trick.
Use a craft knife to carefully cut an opening in the top of the pumpkin. This has to be large enough to hold your flower arrangement.
If you’re using a foam pumpkin, press a small block of floral foam into the opening to anchor your stems securely.
Arrange faux sunflowers, orange mums, and deep burgundy blooms in the foam, varying heights and angles for a natural, full look.
Tuck in sprigs of faux greenery or fall leaves to fill any gaps.
10. Fall Table Centerpiece
Materials:
- Dollar Tree wooden tray or charger plate
- Assorted mini pumpkins and gourds
- Pillar candles
- Fall leaf scatter, acorns, pinecones, moss or burlap fabric
A wooden tray acts as the perfect anchor for a styled fall centerpiece that you can move easily from surface to surface.
Line the tray with a piece of burlap or a thin layer of moss for a natural, earthy base.
Place a tall pillar candle in the center, then arrange mini pumpkins, gourds, and pinecones around it. Fill in the gaps with scattered acorns and fall leaves.
The trick to making this look intentional rather than cluttered is to group similar items together in small clusters rather than spreading everything evenly.
This centerpiece works beautifully on a dining table, coffee table, or kitchen island.
11. Cozy Knit Candle Holders
Materials
- Dollar Tree glass jars, mason jars, or candle holders
- Dollar Tree fuzzy socks or knit socks
- Battery-operated tea lights
- Twine or jute rope
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Optional: faux berries, mini pinecones, or small fall leaves
Start by measuring the height of your glass jar. Cut the foot portion off a fuzzy sock, then trim the remaining tube so it fits neatly around the jar. Slide the knit fabric over the glass, adjusting it until it sits evenly.
If needed, secure the fabric with a few small dabs of hot glue on the back of the jar to keep it from slipping. Fold the top edge down slightly for a relaxed, sweater-inspired look.
Wrap a piece of twine around the center or neck of the jar and tie it into a simple bow. For extra fall charm, tuck a small faux leaf, berry sprig, pinecone, or cinnamon stick beneath the twine.
Place a battery-operated tea light inside the jar and switch it on. The soft glow shining through the knit texture creates a warm, cozy ambiance that’s perfect for autumn evenings.
Display several candle holders together using different sock colors and textures for a charming farmhouse-style fall arrangement.
12. Burlap Pumpkin Door Hanger
Materials:
- Dollar Tree burlap fabric or pre-cut burlap sheet
- Orange and green acrylic paint
- Pumpkin stencil (printable or hand-cut)
- Paintbrush
- Wooden dowel
- Twine for hanging
Cut a large rectangle of burlap and fold the top edge over a wooden dowel. Securi it with hot glue to create a banner-style hanger.
Use a stencil and orange acrylic paint to paint a large pumpkin shape in the center of the burlap. Fill it in fully and letting it dry.
Add a green stem and a few tendrils with a small brush. Outline the pumpkin with a thin black line for a bold, graphic look.
You can also add a hand-lettered phrase like “Hello Fall” or “Give Thanks” above or below the pumpkin with chalk paint.
Tie twine to each end of the dowel. Hang it on your front door for a warm, rustic welcome.
13. Fall Leaf Garland
Materials:
- Dollar Tree faux fall leaves
- Twine or jute rope
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Optional: burlap flags or wooden beads
A fall leaf garland is one of the simplest crafts on this list, but the result is undeniably beautiful.
Lay out your faux fall leaves in an alternating color pattern: deep orange, golden yellow, rusty red.
Fold each leaf slightly at the base and hot glue it directly onto a length of twine. Space leaves about two inches apart so the garland feels full without being stiff.
For extra dimension, add a wooden bead or a small burlap flag between every few leaves.
Drape the finished garland across a mantle, staircase railing, or dining table for an instant fall refresh.
14. Farmhouse Fall Sign
Materials:
- Dollar Tree wooden plaque or canvas
- Chalk paint (white or cream)
- Black acrylic paint or paint pen
- Sandpaper
- Mod Podge
- Stencil (optional)
Sand your wooden plaque lightly to create a smooth surface. Apply two coats of chalk paint in white or cream and let it dry fully between coats.
Use a stencil or free-hand a fall phrase like “Autumn Blessings,” “Pumpkin Season,” or “Fall Y’all” in black paint or with a paint pen.
For a truly farmhouse feel, distress the edges of the sign by sanding them lightly after the lettering dries. This will reveal the raw wood beneath.
Seal the whole sign with Mod Podge or a matte varnish to protect your work. Add a small piece of twine through a pre-drilled hole at the top for hanging, or prop it up on a tiered tray.
15. Autumn Leaf Candle Holders
Materials:
- Dollar Tree glass votive holders or plain glass jars
- Mod Podge
- Faux or pressed autumn leaves
- Tea light candles
- Twine
This project puts a natural, organic spin on the luminary concept.
Brush the outside of a clean glass votive holder with Mod Podge. Press individual faux or pressed real autumn leaves onto the surface. Smooth out any bubbles as you go.
Layer the leaves so they overlap slightly, creating a collage effect that wraps all the way around the glass.
Apply a generous top coat of Mod Podge to seal and give the leaves a slight sheen. Let everything dry overnight.
Drop in a tea light candle and the warm glow will illuminate the leaf silhouettes beautifully. These look stunning grouped together on a table or windowsill.
16. Dollar Tree Pumpkin Topiary
Materials:
- 3 Dollar Tree foam pumpkins (small, medium, large)
- Wooden dowel or skewer floral foam block
- A small pot or container
- Moss
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun
A pumpkin topiary is a show-stopping piece that looks far more expensive than it actually is.
Fill your pot with a block of floral foam to create a stable base. Push a wooden dowel firmly into the center of the foam.
Stack your three pumpkins onto the dowel from largest at the bottom to smallest at the top. Secure each one with hot glue where they meet.
Cover the exposed floral foam at the base with a layer of sheet moss. Press it down firmly and secure with hot glue for a clean, finished look.
Tie a plaid or burlap ribbon bow around the stem of the top pumpkin. Your topiary is now ready for the front porch or a corner of your living room.
17. Fall Gnome Decoration
Materials:
- Dollar Tree sock or fabric tube
- Polyfill stuffing
- Wooden bead or foam ball for nose
- Faux fur or yarn for beard
- Felt or fabric for hat
- Hot glue gun
- Rubber band
Gnomes are everywhere in fall décor, and making your own is incredibly fun.
Fill a sock or a tube of fabric with polyfill stuffing. Secure the bottom with a rubber band twisted tightly to form the gnome’s body.
Hot glue a large wooden bead near the top of the stuffed body as the nose. This is the gnome’s most defining feature, so make it prominent.
Glue a generous bunch of faux fur or looped yarn below the nose for a full, fluffy beard. Fashion a tall, pointed hat from a piece of felt or fabric. Roll it into a cone shape and secure with hot glue. Press it down over the top of the gnome’s body so the hat dominates the upper half of the figure.
18. Themed Shadow Box
Materials:
- Dollar Tree shadow box frame
- Scrapbook paper (fall colors/patterns)
- Small fall embellishments (mini pumpkins, leaves, wooden letters, buttons)
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Cut a piece of fall-patterned scrapbook paper to fit the back panel of your shadow box. Secure it with hot glue or double-sided tape to create a colorful background.
Arrange your fall embellishments inside the box, playing with layout before you commit to gluing anything down.
Spell out a fall word like “HARVEST” or “THANKFUL” using small wooden letters glued in a row. Surround the letters with mini pumpkins, faux leaves, and tiny acorns.
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, hot glue everything securely in place and close the shadow box frame. Hang it on a wall or prop it on a shelf as a piece of seasonal wall art.
20. Pumpkin Candy Dish
Materials:
- Dollar Tree plastic pumpkin (the kind that opens)
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Mod Podge
- Glitter (optional)
- Candy or treats
This one is delightfully simple and functional.
If your plastic pumpkin feels too shiny or toy-like, give it a quick coat of acrylic paint in a matte finish to tone down the plastic look. Terracotta and deep orange shades work beautifully.
For a glam fall look, brush the top lid with Mod Podge and dust it with fine gold or copper glitter before the Mod Podge dries.
Let everything cure for a few hours before handling. Fill the bottom half with your favorite fall candies: candy corn, Reese’s peanut butter cups, or caramels. Set the lid on top slightly askew so guests can see what’s inside. It’s equal parts decoration and party treat bowl.
21. Plaid Fabric Pumpkins
Materials:
- Dollar Tree foam pumpkins
- Plaid fabric (flannel or cotton)
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Foam brush
- Hot glue gun
- Optional twine or ribbon
This craft gives basic foam pumpkins a cozy, textile makeover that looks absolutely adorable on a fall shelf.
Cut your plaid fabric into strips or irregular pieces, roughly two to three inches wide. Brush Mod Podge onto a section of the pumpkin.Press a fabric strip firmly against it, wrapping and smoothing as you go.
Continue applying Mod Podge and overlapping fabric strips. Work your way around the entire pumpkin pressing into the ridges to follow the pumpkin’s natural shape.
Trim any excess fabric neatly at the seams and add a final layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal. Swap the original stem for a cinnamon stick or a knotted piece of twine for a finishing touch.
22. Sunflower Wreath
Materials:
- Dollar Tree grapevine wreath or wire wreath form
- Faux sunflowers
- Faux fall greenery
- Fall berry picks
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun
A sunflower wreath is bright, cheerful, and perfect for the early fall season.
Start by weaving or hot gluing sprigs of faux fall greenery around the wreath form to create a lush base layer.
Arrange your faux sunflowers in clusters around the wreath, concentrating most of them on one side or the bottom third for a natural, asymmetrical look.
Tuck fall berry picks and small leaf clusters between the sunflowers to fill in any gaps and add depth. Tie a generous plaid or burlap ribbon bow at the top of the wreath and use a floral wire to create a hanging loop.
This wreath is versatile enough for both your front door and interior walls.
23. Fall Mason Jar Vases
Materials:
- Dollar Tree mason jars
- Twine or rope
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Fall floral picks
- Hot glue gun
These styled mason jar vases are endlessly versatile for fall tablescapes.
Start by giving your mason jars a coat of chalk paint in warm fall hues like rust, cream, or forest green if you want a more matte, farmhouse look — or leave them clear for a more modern feel.
Wrap the neck of each jar tightly with natural twine, securing the end with a small dab of hot glue and finishing with a simple bow.
Fill each jar with a different faux fall floral arrangement — one with sunflowers, one with mums, one with berry picks — and group all three together for a cohesive but varied display.
They look gorgeous as a table centerpiece, lined up on a windowsill, or placed along a mantlepiece.
24. Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree
Materials:
- Dollar Tree bare branch or twig bundle
- Small vase or pot
- Air-dry clay or plaster of paris (to secure the branches)
- Card stock in fall colors
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Twine
- Pens or markers
This meaningful decoration doubles as a Thanksgiving activity the whole family can participate in.
Secure your bare branches in a small vase or pot using air-dry clay or a bit of plaster of paris, letting it set until the branches are stable and upright.
Cut leaf shapes from your fall-colored card stock and punch a small hole at the stem end of each leaf.
Set out a stack of blank leaves along with pens and hang a sign inviting family members to write something they’re grateful for on each leaf and tie it to the tree with a small loop of twine.
As the holiday approaches, the tree fills up with personal messages that make it both a decoration and a cherished keepsake.
25. Fall Fairy Light Lantern
Materials:
- Dollar Tree glass lantern or large glass vase
- Battery-operated fairy lights or LED string lights
- Faux fall leaves
- Small pumpkins or acorns
- Optional ribbon or twine
Save the best for last — this lantern glows so beautifully it almost looks unreal.
Start by scattering a handful of faux fall leaves and a few tiny pumpkins or acorns at the bottom of your glass lantern, creating a natural woodland scene inside.
Coil your battery-operated fairy lights on top of the fall scene, letting the wire twist organically so the lights are distributed throughout the lantern.
Close the lantern door, then add a final decorative touch by tying a plaid ribbon bow around the lantern’s handle or frame.
Turn off the room lights to fully appreciate the warm, magical glow this lantern creates — it’s the perfect finishing touch for a fall mantle, nightstand, or porch corner.
Save these easy DIY dollar store fall crafts! Each of them costs just a few dollars to make, so there’s no reason not to try them all.
Looking for more DIY inspiration? Explore these posts:
- 20 easy DIY Fall Home Décor Ideas on a Budget
- 10 Easy Pumpkin Crafts for Adults
- Cozy Fall Crafts for Adults: 10 DIY Projects
- 15 Beautiful Fall Resin Crafts
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