Reuse A Dollar Tree Holiday Trinket For Adorable DIY Valentine's Day Decor

Is there a bigger win as an adult than finding ways to reuse holiday decor for other holidays or purposes? Probably, but this is still a big one for anyone who detests spending a lot of money on decorations only to hide them away for 11 months of the year. Repurposing old Christmas ornaments or other decorations isn't always easy — especially ones that are very specific to the holiday. However, one clever upgrade gives you a way to reuse a Dollar Tree Christmas tree for Valentine's Day, and it doesn't even matter if you can't use it again for the festive season, since it costs less than $5. If you don't already own the 14-inch Metal Christmas Tree from your local Dollar Tree, you may still be able to find it in store. Cover this wintery trinket in candy conversation hearts, and you've created the sweetest (pun intended) tabletop decor for Valentine's Day.

The holiday of love may or may not fall on your radar when it comes to "going all out" with trinkets, ornaments, and other trimmings, but even if you usually skip it, this little design is a great way to acknowledge Valentine's Day in a stylish way. Furthermore, if you can't find the metal Christmas tree or a similar option at Dollar Tree, a Floral Foam Craft Cone would likely also work. Save this sustainable DIY Valentine's Day decor for when you want a little touch of the season, and make multiples to amp up your heart shaped trinkets so you don't have to spend a lot on big box store products. 

To start this project, first remove your tree's star from the top if there is one. Next, begin gluing down the hearts from the top or bottom in rows so that all of the underlying metal is covered. You can either use hot glue or super glue for this step. Once your tree is full, allow the glue to dry. Adorn the top with bows, ribbon, or other ornaments that match the season, using your glue to adhere these toppers, too. A tiny wooden or metal finial will give the design a finished look.

To preserve your candy hearts, you could paint clear nail polish over them or spray them with a varnish. You also have a few options for the candy hearts, as you might prefer to pass on actual candy for longevity purposes. You can try these Generic Polymer Clay Valentine Heart Slices instead, though these are very flat compared to the traditional conversation hearts. If you prefer thicker pieces but don't want to use candy, try making your own from air-dry clay. If you use clay, you can choose any colors you desire. 

One of the best ways to decorate your home for Valentine's Day is to add some red or pink accents, but these iconic hearts also lend a hand to the theme. If you prefer a funkier design, leave the words on the hearts showing — otherwise you can try to find versions that only feature writing on one side or none at all for a more minimal finish.