Nature Walk: Gathering Natural Items for Christmas Crafts & Decor

Before you spend another dollar on decor this season, consider this: some of the best Christmas decorating materials are sitting outside, completely free, just waiting for a family walk to collect them. Bundle everyone up and turn an ordinary afternoon into the start of your holiday decor stash.

What to Look For

Pinecones, dried leaves, birch bark, sturdy twigs, acorns, and evergreen clippings are all fair game. Look for pieces that are dry, sturdy, and free of mold or pests before they head into a craft bin.

Bring the Right Gear

A canvas bag or basket per kid (it turns collecting into a mini competition), plus gloves for handling anything prickly, makes the walk smoother and a lot more fun.

Let Kids Lead the Foraging

Give kids ownership over what “counts” as a good find, you’ll be amazed at their eye for texture and shape, and it keeps everyone engaged well past the first five minutes.

Prep Your Finds Before Storing

A quick bake in a low oven dries out pinecones and kills off any hitchhiking bugs before they come inside. Branches and leaves benefit from a few days flat-drying somewhere out of direct sun.

Turn the Haul Into Decor

Pinecones become ornaments or garland, branches turn into a rustic centerpiece or wreath base, and dried leaves make beautiful gift-wrap accents. If you want more ideas for repurposing what you find (or already own), our upcycled decor ideas post pairs perfectly with a fresh haul from the woods.

Looking for more low-cost, high-fun family activities like this one this season? Browse our holiday guides for more ideas worth bundling up for.

Free, festive, and a genuinely great excuse to get outside, nature walks are secretly one of our favorite decorating tricks. 🌲