Upcycling Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and creativity, but it can also be a season of waste. From mountains of wrapping paper to mass-produced decorations, the holidays often leave a significant environmental footprint. But what if you could celebrate in style while reducing your impact on the planet? That’s where upcycling comes in.

At IREP Resale, your friendly Austin thrift store, we believe in turning the old into something new and beautiful. Upcycling—repurposing unwanted items into fresh, functional treasures—is a fun and meaningful way to create sustainable holiday décor and unique gifts. Here are some of our favorite upcycling ideas to inspire your green holiday season.

Festive Décor with an Upcycled Twist

1. Mason Jar Magic

Mason jars are a thrifting staple, and their versatility makes them perfect for holiday decorations.

Snow Globe Jars:

Fill jars with faux snow, mini figurines, or bottlebrush trees to create charming snow globes. Seal the lid and display them on your mantel or as table centerpieces.

Candle Holders:

Wrap jars with twine, lace, or thrifted fabric for a rustic look. Place a tea light inside, and you’ve got instant ambiance.

Items to look for at IREP Resale: Mason jars, small figurines, fabric scraps, and lace.

2. Sweater-Weather Stockings

Old sweaters can find new life as cozy holiday stockings.

• Cut out a stocking shape from the sweater and sew or glue the edges together.
• Add thrifted buttons, ribbons, or fabric for embellishments.



Items to look for: Sweaters, buttons, and decorative ribbons.

3. Picture Frame Wreaths

Skip the traditional greenery and create a one-of-a-kind wreath using a thrifted picture frame.

• Paint the frame in festive colors.
• Add ornaments, pinecones, or thrifted costume jewelry for sparkle.
• Hang it on your front door with a ribbon.
• 

Items to look for: Picture frames, old jewelry, and small ornaments.

4. Rustic Ornament Garlands

Use thrifted materials to craft garlands that feel homemade and heartfelt.

• String old ornaments, wooden beads, or dried orange slices for a boho-chic look.
• Wrap them around your tree, drape them across the fireplace, or use them as table runners.
• 

Items to look for: Ornaments, beads, and fabric scraps.

Upcycled Gifts: Personal and Planet-Friendly

5. Vintage Jewelry with a New Twist

Transform old jewelry into dazzling gifts.

• Combine mismatched earrings or beads into new necklaces or bracelets.
• Use brooches to create unique magnets or bag clips.



Items to look for: Vintage jewelry, beads, and pins.

6. Tea Towel Tote Bags

Thrifted tea towels can be turned into cute, reusable tote bags.

• Sew the edges of a towel together to form the bag.
• Add thrifted belts or ribbons for handles.
• 

Items to look for: Tea towels, belts, and ribbons.

7. Customized Mugs and Glassware

Plain mugs and glasses are easy to find in thrift stores and make excellent canvases for personalized gifts.

• Use paint markers to add names, quotes, or holiday designs.
• Pair them with homemade cocoa mix or coffee beans for an extra touch.
• 

Items to look for: Mugs, glasses, and craft markers.

8. Books as Gifts or Décor

Thrift stores often have a treasure trove of books that can be creatively repurposed.

• For Book Lovers: Tie a thrifted classic with ribbon and pair it with a handmade bookmark.
• For Décor: Stack books by color or theme to create festive displays.
• 
  

Items to look for: Hardcover books, vintage novels, and holiday-themed stories.

Holiday Wrapping the Sustainable Way

9. Fabric Wraps

Instead of paper, use thrifted scarves or fabric remnants to wrap gifts. This zero-waste method is also stunningly elegant.

• Secure with a ribbon or tie the fabric itself into a bow.

Items to look for: Scarves, fabric scraps, and ribbons.

10. Repurposed Paper Wraps

Old maps, sheet music, or pages from thrifted books make for creative wrapping paper.

• Top your package with a homemade tag or sprig of greenery for a classy finish.
• 

Items to look for: Maps, sheet music, and books.

Get Started at IREP Resale in Austin

Our South Austin thrift store is packed with items waiting for their second chance. From mason jars and vintage jewelry to unique fabrics and décor, we’ve got everything you need to make your sustainable holiday dreams come true. Not sure where to start? Our friendly team is happy to help you find the perfect materials for your upcycling projects.

You can also check out Austin Creative Reuse for some materials.

Why Upcycling Matters

Choosing to upcycle instead of buying new does more than just save you money. It:

• Reduces Waste: Keeps items out of landfills.
• Saves Resources: Cuts down on the demand for new materials.
• Supports Local Businesses: Shopping at an Austin thrift store like IREP Resale strengthens our community.



Plus, upcycling is a fun, creative activity for the whole family. Whether you’re crafting with kids or hosting a DIY party with friends, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season sustainably.

Make This Holiday Season Green and Joyful

This year, make your holidays about more than just giving—you can make them about giving back. By upcycling and shopping at IREP Resale, you’re not only finding unique, heartfelt items but also supporting a sustainable future.

Stop by our thrift store in South Austin, or check out our online shop to start your upcycling adventure. Together, we can make this holiday season joyful, creative, and kind to the planet.

What upcycling projects will you try this year? Visit IREP Resale and let your creativity shine!

Location: 7601 South Congress Ave #550A, Austin, TX

Contact: (737) 228-0067