DIY Dollar Tree Grinch Tree
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The viral Grinch Tree is taking the internet by storm, but spending $75 on a faux Christmas tree? That’s steep! Thankfully, you can make your own adorable Grinch Tree for under $15 using Dollar Tree supplies. It’s budget-friendly, easy, and oh-so-cute!
Here’s one thing about me: if I can make or buy something cheaper, I absolutely will. So when I saw the Hobby Lobby Grinch Tree priced at $75 (on sale, no less), I knew I could recreate it for a fraction of the cost.
This DIY version uses a 4-foot white Christmas tree ($5) and a mini white Christmas tree ($1.25), attached together with zip ties and spray-painted the perfect Grinch green. Add a single red ornament, and you’ve got yourself a whimsical Grinch Tree that’s just as magical as the original—without the hefty price tag.
This tree is the perfect addition to any home, any Grinch Party and any classroom where you want to add a little Grinch touch. Your heart will be growing 3 sizes once you’re finished!
Want another fun Grinch idea? See How to Make A Grinch Wreath Out of Dollar Tree Supplies see our DIY Grinch Ornament tutorial!
Why You’ll Love Our DIY
- Uses Dollar Tree supplies, making it affordable and easy to find everything you need.
- Can be made for under $15 (including the spray paint).
- Simple to assemble and can be completed in just a few hours, including drying time for the spray paint.
Supply Information
- 4 Foot White Tree: Visit your local Dollar Tree and look in their Dollar Tree Plus section for the 4 Foot White Christmas Tree that is $5.
- Mini White Christmas Tree: These will be near all of the other Christmas decor. These are priced at $1.25.
- Zip Ties: Make sure you use clear as they are easier to hide and spray paint in the white tree. You can find these at Dollar Tree for $1.25.
- Spray Paint: For this craft we used the Rust-Oleum American Accents 2X Ultra Cover Gloss Spray Paint in Key Lime color. This was $5.98 per can. I only ended up needing 1 can.
- Red Ornament: You only need 1 and 1 ornament hook. I bought a pack of 7 at my local Dollar Tree for $1.25.
- Cardboard Piece or Tarp: You want to cover the surface where you’re going to be spray painting the tree. I used a large piece of a cardboard box.
In total, the cost will be less than $15 including the spray paint. If you have the paint on hand or any of the other supplies, your final cost will be less.
How to Bend The Mini Tree
Through trial and error, we discovered the best way to bend the mini tree to achieve that iconic Grinch tree look. Our first attempt ended in a snapped tree, likely due to the cold temperature outside. For the second attempt, we worked indoors at room temperature, gently bending the tree with pliers. This time, it bent much easier without snapping. To avoid breaking the metal, we recommend working slowly and indoors, where the tree is less likely to be brittle.
Helpful Tips
- If you want to make a taller tree, Dollar Tree does sell a 6 foot white tree for $20 which is still cheaper than Hobby Lobby.
- The Dollar Tree zip ties aren’t the strongest, so tighten them slowly to avoid snapping the piece that holds the zip tie in place.
- If you can’t find the Key Lime Spray Paint, Jungle Green spray paint is a close match.
- Feel free to use any single red ornament—glitter-covered ones work great, too!
- For a fuller tree, use two of each type of tree and zip tie them together for added volume.
- Let the tree dry outside or in a well-ventilated garage to avoid exposure to fumes.
- Make sure you spray paint the base of the tree so it blends well into the overall look.
DIY Dollar Tree Grinch Tree
Materials
- 1 4-foot white Christmas tree Dollar Tree
- 1 mini white Christmas tree Dollar Tree
- 3 clear zip ties
- 1 can key lime spray paint
- 1 red ornament
Instructions
- Start by removing the Christmas trees from their boxes. Attach the stand to the 4-foot white Christmas tree and fluff out the branches to give it a full look.
- For the mini white Christmas tree, remove the feet and the cap piece at the bottom to expose the metal bar underneath.
- Carefully bend the mini tree using pliers, starting from the middle and working toward the top to create a slight curve. Work slowly and gently to avoid snapping the metal bar.
- Attach the smaller tree to the larger one using zip ties. Use about three zip ties for a secure hold, then trim the excess ends.
- Spray paint the entire tree with Key Lime spray paint, ensuring you cover all angles for even and full coverage. Allow the paint to dry outside for at least an hour, though overnight drying is ideal.
- Once the paint is dry, attach a single red ornament to the tree. Your DIY Grinch Tree is now ready to display!
