This tree celebrates the excitement of a new school year using primary colors, school-themed ribbon, apples, rulers, ABC accents and oversized ornaments. Most of the impact comes from colorful ribbon and a few oversized focal pieces, making it easy to recreate on a budget.
Before shopping, look through your existing decorations. You can reuse large red or gold ornaments from Christmas trees. Reusing these larger ornaments keeps the cost down while giving the tree a full, designer look.
Another great way to save is by shopping school clearance sales in July and August. Stores like Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby and Michaels often discount classroom decorations, mini chalkboards, apples, rulers and bulletin board accents that work perfectly as Christmas tree decorations.
Finally, keep an eye on ribbon sales and ribbon remnants at craft stores. Many stores sell leftover ribbon from their custom displays at a substantial discount. Since this tree only needs a few yards of each pattern, purchasing remnants is an excellent way to use several coordinating school-themed ribbons without paying full price.
Easy DIY Ideas
Instead of purchasing every school-themed ornament, consider making a few yourself:
- Write the current school year or your child’s grade on a mini chalkboard.
- Tie wooden rulers together with ribbon to create inexpensive ornaments.
- Laminate a favorite school photo or first-day-of-school picture to hang on the tree.
- Print classroom words such as “Read,” “Learn,” “Imagine,” or “Dream Big” and mount them on cardstock for quick filler ornaments.
These personal touches make the tree more meaningful while keeping the overall cost low.
Shopping List
| Priority | Item | Suggested Quantity | Purchase Link | Budget Notes |
| 1 | School-Themed Wired Ribbon (ABC, Apples, Pencils, School Bus) | 2 Rolls | https://www.walmart.com/ip/19951468564 | Choose two coordinating patterns instead of several different ribbons. |
| 2 | Solid Yellow Satin Wired Ribbon | 1 Roll | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Reliant+Ribbon+yellow+satin+wired+ribbon | |
| 3 | Large Shatterproof Ornaments (Red, Gold, Turquoise & Lime Green) | Reuse or 1 Box | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=large+shatterproof+christmas+ornaments | Reuse ornaments from Christmas Trees before purchasing more. |
| 4 | Artificial Apple Picks | 6-8 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=artificial+apple+picks | Place around the topper and throughout the tree to reinforce the school theme. |
| 5 | Colorful Berry Sprays | 4-6 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=colorful+berry+sprays | Adds height, color and movement throughout the tree. |
| 6 | ABC Picks or Teacher Picks | 3-5 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=teacher+tree+picks | Great for the topper and upper branches. |
| 7 | Mini Chalkboard Sign | 1 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mini+chalkboard+signs | Personalize it with the school year, child’s name, grade level, or a special message. |
| 8 | Wood Ruler Ornaments | 3-5 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wood+ruler+ornament | Affordable filler ornaments that fit the classroom theme. |
| 9 | Notebook Paper or Composition Book Ribbon (Optional) | 1 Roll | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=school+notebook+ribbon | Adds another fun school-themed layer without overwhelming the design. |
| 10 | Globe Ornament | 1 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=globe+christmas+ornament | One globe ornament creates a nice focal point. |