Every year, over 35 billion plastic bottles are thrown away in the U.S. alone and yes, that includes millions of empty creamer bottles. Most of them never get a second life, ending up in landfills where they sit for centuries.
But what if I told you those curvy little containers could become the heart of your Christmas crafting? With just a few basic supplies and a splash of creativity, you can turn trash into festive treasure.
Moreover, these 15 genius Christmas crafts will have you seeing creamer bottles in a whole new way. Once you try one, tossing them out won’t even cross your mind again.
#1. Puffy Paint Santa Creamer Bottle
Wow, these Santa bottles capture the playful spirit of Christmas with their puffy beards, button-down bellies, and those adorable wide eyes.
Crafted from repurposed coffee creamer containers, they’re painted in bold red with a textured beard and suit details that stand out. Each one has a fluffy pom-pom hat topper that adds a dash of cheer.
Plus, the mix-and-match buttons give each Santa his own personality. These are great for group crafts or a family project night around the holidays.
Materials Needed
- Empty plastic creamer bottles (16-32 oz, cleaned)
- Red acrylic paint (2 oz per bottle)
- White puffy paint (0.5 oz per bottle)
- Black, red, or green buttons (3 per bottle)
- White pom-poms (1.5″ wide)
- Paint pens or markers
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the entire bottle red, including the cap, and let it dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Sketch or paint Santa’s face and mustache on the upper part of the bottle using white and black paint pens.
Step 3: Use white puffy paint to form Santa’s beard and hat trim. You should allow to dry overnight for full texture effect.
Step 4: Glue on buttons vertically down the belly area for his suit.
Step 5: Finish with a white pom-pom on the bottle cap to mimic Santa’s jolly hat.
#2. Cozy Gnome Bottle Buddies
Whimsical and full of charm, these bottle gnomes are the softest touch your Christmas decor could ask for. Dressed in textured sock outfits with fluffy beards and pom-pom noses, they instantly bring warmth to a mantel, shelf, or centerpiece.
The secret is an empty coffee creamer bottle underneath it all! The fuzzy hat and cozy ear band complete the gnome look, and the felt embellishments give each one its own little personality.
These gnomes aren’t just deco, they’re also perfect as thoughtful handmade gifts or even holiday door greeters. Once you make one, you won’t want to stop!
Materials Needed
- 1 empty creamer bottle (16-32 oz)
- Fuzzy socks (1 for body, 1 for hat)
- 1 faux fur beard piece (approx. 4×4 inches)
- 1 pom-pom (1 inch diameter)
- Mini yarn or fleece band
- Glue gun and fabric glue
- Small embellishments (buttons, felt cutouts)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut one fuzzy sock and slide it over the bottle to cover the base. Then trim faux fur into a rounded triangle and glue it to the upper front of the bottle.
Step 2: Glue a pom-pom nose right at the top of the beard.
Step 3: Roll the second sock into a hat shape, glue in place, and add a pom-pom on top.
Step 4: Add a yarn band across the front like earmuffs, and decorate the body with felt or button accents.
Tip: You can use different sock textures and colors to make each gnome unique.
#3. Classic Snowman Bottle with Button Detail
You can see these cheery snowmen capture the heart of a classic winter scene. With bright red bottle-cap hats, pom-pom toppers, and buttoned bellies, they look like they marched straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.
Plus, the warmth of their plaid fleece scarves brings a cozy, homemade charm that softens even the chilliest shelf.
These make adorable gifts for neighbors or coworkers, and they’re just as lovely lining your windowsill, mantel, or classroom display. Simple to make but packed with festive flair, you’ll want to make a whole snowman army.
Materials Needed
- Empty 32 oz. plastic creamer bottles (labels removed, cleaned)
- Red spray paint or acrylic paint
- Mini pom-poms (1″) in holiday colors
- Black buttons (3 per snowman, ¾”)
- Fleece fabric strips (1″ x 12″) for scarves
- Paint pens (black and orange)
- Glue gun and glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the creamer bottle caps red and let dry. Next, glue a pom-pom on top to turn them into knit-style hats.
Step 2: Using a black paint pen, draw on eyes and a dotted smile. Then add a carrot nose with an orange pen.
Step 3: Glue three black buttons vertically down the front of the bottle.
Step 4: Finally, wrap a fleece strip around the neck and secure with hot glue if needed.
Note: You can use felt for the scarves if you don’t have fleece. It gives a similar soft look and cuts cleanly without fraying.
#4. Rustic Angel Creamer Bottle Ornament
Wrapped in soft drop cloth with weathered cardboard wings and crowned with a halo of moss, this upcycled creamer bottle turns into a heartwarming symbol of Christmas.
Her simple beauty lies in the natural textures and the hand-tied raffia bow, which adds just enough detail without stealing the show. You can hang her on a mantel hook, or place her in a wooden crate display for a farmhouse feel.
The muted color palette and frayed edges make her feel humble and heavenly, just the kind of craft that adds soul to the season.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty plastic creamer bottle (16-32 oz, label removed)
- 1 piece of drop cloth or canvas fabric (approx. 12″ x 12″)
- Small scrap of cardboard (5″ x 4″)
- Natural Spanish moss (small handful)
- 3-4 raffia strands (12″ long)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine or string for hanging
- Optional: twine halo, tea-stain
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wrap the bottle entirely in drop cloth fabric, pulling it snug and gluing along the back seam.
Step 2: Cut a small circle of fabric, fray the edges, and glue it around the neck to mimic sleeves or a shawl.
Step 3: Tie a raffia bow just below the head area and secure with hot glue.
Step 4: Shape the wings from cardboard, score lines with scissors for texture, and hot glue them to the back.
Step 5: Add a small clump of moss for hair, and if desired, form a twine loop for the halo and glue it above the head.
#5. Candy-Filled Snowmen Gift Bottles
These candy-filled snowmen are such a delightful treat! Repurposing your empty creamer bottles into cheerful little snowmen filled with colorful M&Ms or Skittles makes for an easy and heartfelt holiday gift.
Plus, each one is decked out with a plaid ribbon scarf, pom-pom hat topper, and vintage button details that give every snowman a unique personality.
They’re perfect as classroom handouts, stocking stuffers, or even desk décor that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Materials Needed
- Empty, clean 16 oz plastic creamer bottles (clear)
- Red plastic bottle caps
- Mini googly eyes (¾”)
- Small orange foam triangles for noses
- 3-4 assorted buttons per snowman
- Plaid ribbon (1 inch wide, 18-inch length)
- Small pom-poms (assorted colors)
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- M&Ms, Skittles, or holiday candies
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Rinse and dry the creamer bottles thoroughly, then fill them with layers of colorful candies.
Step 2: Hot glue googly eyes and a little orange foam triangle just under the lid for a simple snowman face.
Step 3: Wrap a piece of plaid ribbon around the neck of the bottle and tie it like a scarf.
Step 4: Select and glue three fun buttons down the front for the snowman’s belly.
Step 5: Finally, top the cap with a pom-pom to make it look like a winter beanie.
#6. Snowman Hot Cocoa Gift Bottles
These delightful snowmen are more than just cute, they’re filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, making them a perfect holiday gift that warms both hands and hearts.
Additionally, you can add a bright red cap, googly eyes, and pom-poms for earmuffs, and suddenly you’ve got a snowman with personality.
Perfect for teachers, neighbors, or party favors, these edible gifts are practical and joyful all in one. Plus, they’re fun for kids to help assemble!
Materials Needed
- Empty plastic creamer bottle (washed and label removed)
- Hot cocoa mix (enough to fill â…“ of the bottle)
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Googly eyes
- Small orange pom-pom
- Black marker or felt
- Pom-poms
- Pipe cleaner
- Felt strip
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Layer hot cocoa, chocolate chips, and marshmallows into the bottle and seal with the cap.
Step 2: Glue on googly eyes, a small orange pom-pom nose, and draw a dotted mouth with marker or attach felt pieces.
Step 3: Add a felt scarf around the neck and glue pom-poms on each side with a pipe cleaner over the top to create earmuffs.
#7. Goofy Penguin Family from Creamer Bottles
Who knew empty creamer bottles could waddle into your heart? These black-and-white penguins are brimming with charm, each one sporting oversized googly eyes and a bright red cap that doubles as a winter beanie.
With a painted white belly and a tiny yellow triangle beak, they come to life like cartoon characters straight out of a holiday movie.
You can group them together on a shelf or mantel and get an instant family of waddling winter buddies. Kids especially love helping with this one.
Materials Needed
- 3 empty plastic creamer bottles (16-32 oz)
- Black acrylic paint
- White acrylic paint
- Yellow craft paper or foam
- Googly eyes (large size)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Paintbrush
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint each bottle black entirely and let it dry fully.
Step 2: Once dry, paint an oval or heart-shaped white belly on the front.
Step 3: Cut small triangles from yellow paper or foam for beaks and glue in place below the eyes.
Step 4: Finally, attach googly eyes using hot glue and pop the red bottle cap on as a hat.
#8. Sharpie Snowman Party Bottles
Simple, cheerful, and quick to assemble, these Sharpie snowman bottles are perfect for a last-minute classroom craft, neighbor gift, or winter party favor.
Each clear creamer bottle is packed with cotton balls to create the illusion of a plump snowman body. Then, with just a black and orange Sharpie, you draw on the classic snowman face and buttons.
This is a fantastic group activity for kids or holiday events where you need something festive, fast, and budget-friendly.
Materials Needed
- Empty clear creamer bottles (washed and dried)
- Cotton balls (enough to fill each bottle)
- Black and orange Sharpie
- Optional: Ribbon or twine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fill each bottle tightly with cotton balls to create a fluffy snowman body.
Step 2: Use the black Sharpie to draw eyes, mouth, and buttons down the front.
Step 3: Add a carrot nose using the orange Sharpie. Then you just screw the red lid back on to act as the snowman’s hat.
#9. Cozy Christmas Gnome from a Creamer Bottle
This little gnome might just steal your heart and maybe a spot on your mantel. It’s made from a humble plastic coffee creamer bottle, dressed up in soft fabric and full of wintry charm.
That long fuzzy beard, the oversized hat, and the wooden nose all come together for a magical Nordic look.
You’ll love crafting one, but be warned: making just one is almost impossible. Also, feel free to add a tiny wreath or festive berries for a personal twist.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty 16 oz plastic coffee creamer bottle
- Chunky knit sock or old sweater sleeve (hat)
- Faux fur fabric (8″ × 4″)
- 1 small wooden ball (3/4″ diameter)
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Mini wreath or faux berries
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and dry your bottle, then wrap the bottom half in a festive sock or sweater material. Then glue in place to keep it snug.
Step 2: Cut a long triangle of faux fur and shape it like a beard. Let the strands run vertically and glue it beneath where the hat will sit.
Step 3: Attach the wooden ball right at the top of the beard to create that adorable gnome nose.
Step 4: Slide a sock over the top of the bottle to become the gnome’s hat. Let it droop naturally and secure it with glue if needed.
Step 5: Decorate the hat with faux holly, berries, or mini ornaments for a little extra flair.
#10. Puffy Marshmallow Snowmen Bottles
Soft, snowy, and completely adorable, these marshmallow-filled snowmen are the kind of holiday DIY that make your kitchen counter or classroom desk look instantly festive.
With fluffy mini marshmallows packed into a clear creamer bottle, these little guys come to life with some playful touches ribbon like scarves, button details, and simple facial features.
You can use these as winter party favors, classroom crafts, or small seasonal gifts for coworkers. Plus, they double as a tasty treat for cocoa lovers!
Materials Needed
- Clear empty creamer bottles (16 oz size or larger)
- Mini marshmallows (enough to fill the bottle)
- 3 small black buttons per bottle
- 2 googly eyes per bottle
- Orange craft foam or felt
- Ribbon (18-20 inches per bottle for scarf)
- Pom-poms and cotton balls
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fill each bottle with marshmallows and close the cap tightly.
Step 2: Glue on buttons down the front and attach googly eyes and an orange triangle nose to the cap.
Step 3: Tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the bottle to create a cozy scarf.
Step 4: Add a pom-pom hat using a small sock or cotton ball and secure with glue.
#11. Olaf-Inspired Snowman Made from a Creamer Bottle
If your kids are obsessed with Frozen (or you just love Olaf’s goofy charm), this upcycled craft will absolutely melt your heart.
Made from a coffee creamer bottle and a few basic supplies, this snowman brings big personality in a small package. The bottle’s curved shape is perfect for Olaf’s rounded body, and those big googly eyes and carrot nose bring him to life in seconds.
Let your kids help craft one and watch them light up with joy, it’s mess-free fun with results you’ll actually want to display all season long.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty 16 oz plastic coffee creamer bottle (white)
- 2 large googly eyes (1″)
- 1 small orange foam triangle
- Black felt sheet
- 4 black pipe cleaners
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Rinse and dry the creamer bottle, then remove any labels to leave the white base exposed.
Step 2: Glue the googly eyes to the upper section. Just below them, add the orange foam triangle as the nose and glue a curved black smile beneath.
Step 3: Cut small pieces of felt for eyebrows and Olaf’s signature buck tooth. Then attach them carefully above and below the face.
Step 4: Add three black felt circles going down the front for the snowman’s buttons.
Step 5: Poke small holes or glue black pipe cleaners into the cap for hair, and glue two to the sides as bendy arms.
#12. Nutcracker Soldier Made from a Coffee Creamer Bottle
Here’s a dashing little nutcracker who once held your morning brew! With just a bit of creativity, an empty coffee creamer bottle transforms into a festive holiday sentinel, perfect for lining your mantel or guarding under the tree.
Also, his bright red jacket, golden cords, and cheeky mustache bring instant charm, especially with those googly eyes watching over your Christmas cookies.
The structured details, like shoulder fringes and shiny buttons, make him feel like he marched out of a Christmas ballet. This is one of those projects that sparks pure joy and nostalgia in any room.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty 32 oz plastic coffee creamer bottle
- Red, blue, black, and gold acrylic paint
- 2 red paper tubes (approx. 4″ long)
- Gold cord (about 3 ft), gold sequins, and a mini faux belt buckle
- Small gold leaf embellishment
- Googly eyes (1/2″), small pom-pom nose (white), felt or foam
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Remove the label and paint the bottom section of the bottle blue and the middle red for the jacket. Let it dry completely.
Step 2: Paint on a black belt and glue a mini gold buckle at the center. Then add painted gold details to mimic buttons and a collar.
Step 3: Attach the arms (red tubes) to the sides using hot glue. You now drape and crisscross gold cord across the front, anchoring with sequins.
Step 4: Paint the bottle cap or add a plastic cup as the soldier’s hat. Next, glue on a gold leaf embellishment and wrap gold cord around the rim.
Step 5: Glue on googly eyes, a pom-pom nose, and a felt mustache to bring your nutcracker to life.
#13. Jolly Santa Creamer Bottle Craft
This Santa bottle is full of old-school charm. With rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes, and a fluffy white beard, he’s ready to spread cheer straight from your countertop.
Plus, the red-painted body, white yarn topper, and glossy finish bring a delightful holiday pop to any corner of your home. It’s simple, nostalgic, and fun to create.
Place it beside your cocoa bar, tuck it into a stocking display, or line up a whole North Pole crew on your windowsill. This little guy will instantly lift spirits with his cozy, cartoon-style face.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty 32 oz. plastic creamer bottle
- Red acrylic paint (2-3 oz)
- White yarn (about 1 yard)
- Printed Santa face sticker or decoupage cutout (approx. 3″x3″)
- White puff paint or 3D paint
- 3 white buttons with red centers (0.5″)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the entire bottle red and let it dry completely. You should give it a second coat for full coverage.
Step 2: Print and cut out a Santa face or use a ready-made sticker. Then glue it to the top front of the bottle.
Step 3: Use white puff paint to outline the beard and hair, adding texture around the face. Let dry.
Step 4: Glue on three buttons vertically down the front of the bottle.
Step 5: Wrap white yarn into a small pom-pom bundle and glue it to the top of the lid as Santa’s fuzzy hat.
#14. DIY Christmas Bowling Game With Creamer Bottles
This clever game takes your empty coffee creamer bottles and turns them into a lively Christmas party favorite! With a quick makeover, just red caps, bold numbers, and stripe details, you’ve got an entire set of festive bowling pins.
This is one of those crafts where simplicity meets instant joy. Kids and adults alike will love rolling a ball across the living room to knock these over.
This project is budget-friendly, mess-free, and completely customizable if you want to swap numbers for snowflakes or candy canes.
Materials Needed
- 10 empty 16 oz plastic coffee creamer bottles (rinsed and labels removed)
- Red spray paint or acrylic paint (optional)
- Red number stickers (1-10) or stencils and red paint
- Painter’s tape
- Small foam or rubber ball
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Make sure each bottle is clean and dry. Then remove labels and any residue completely.
Step 2: Paint the bottle caps red, if needed. Let them dry thoroughly before handling.
Step 3: Apply painter’s tape to create stripes around each bottle. You can paint the stripes in red and allow them to dry before peeling the tape away.
Step 4: Stick or paint numbers on each bottle, one through ten. Then position them in a traditional bowling triangle on a long table or smooth floor.
Step 5: Find a lightweight ball, set up your pins, and let the games begin!
#15. Painted Snowman Family Bottles
Sometimes, simple really is sweeter. These painted creamer bottle snowmen radiate joy with their clean design and cheerful personality.
Each bottle transforms into a charming little character with a pop of color from yarn scarves, pom-pom buttons, and painted hats.
They’re perfect as tabletop winter decor or a fun classroom project where kids can personalize their own little snow-person. You can even make an entire snowman family with unique colors and expressions.
Materials Needed
- Empty creamer bottles (washed, labels removed)
- Acrylic paint (black, red, green, etc.)
- Paintbrushes
- Small pom-poms (0.5″, assorted colors)
- Yarn or fleece strips (about 10″ each)
- Black and orange permanent markers
- Glue gun or tacky glue
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the top portion of each creamer bottle in your chosen hat color. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Draw on the eyes, carrot nose, and a dotted smile using markers or paint pens. Then add lashes or blush for a playful look.
Step 3: Glue on two or three pom-poms down the front as buttons.
Step 4: Tie a piece of yarn or fleece around the neck to form a scarf, securing with a dot of glue if needed.
Read more: 20 Gorgeous DIY Christmas Bottle Decorations That Light Up the Holidays
