Easy Dollar Tree Cutting Board DIY Ideas
There’s something so fun about taking an everyday kitchen item and transforming it into seasonal décor. These Dollar Tree bamboo cutting boards are a perfect example—they’re lightweight, affordable, and full of potential.
With just a bit of paint, a printable, and a few creative touches, you can turn them into beautiful handmade pieces for Christmas decorating or gifting.
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Five Christmas Cutting Board DIY Projects
This year, I’ve been especially inspired by cozy holiday themes: peppermint stripes, sweet gingerbread houses, and nostalgic Santa treats. These projects feel warm and familiar, but still fresh enough to display proudly in your home. They also make thoughtful, personal gifts—something your neighbors, teachers, or hostess friends will truly appreciate.
In this tutorial, I’m sharing five different ways to style these cutting boards for the holiday season. Each idea uses simple craft-store supplies and easy-to-follow techniques, so anyone can jump in and create pieces that look like something you’d find in a boutique holiday shop.
Watch the Step by Step Video Tutorial
If you want to follow along step-by-step, here is the full YouTube tutorial walking you through all five cutting board ideas from start to finish.
Gift Wrap Cutting Board
Painting and Polka Dots
The first idea turns a small cutting board into a whimsical gift-wrap–inspired piece. I used my Holly Berry paint from the Ralph Lauren collection I created with Nicole at Afraid Not. Two coats give the board the perfect candy-red base. Once dry, I added playful white polka dots using a Dollar Tree paint spouncer. It creates that sweet peppermint feel without needing any artistic skill.
Finishing With Ribbon and Bling
To complete the look, I wrapped a striped ribbon across the board and tied a simple bow. A quick trim of dovetails polishes the ends beautifully. For a touch of holiday sparkle, I added one of my signature pearl brooches right in the center. Styled on a tray with a red candle and sprig of faux holly, it looks festive, elegant, and cheerful—just like a wrapped present ready to give.
Wooden Recipe Card Board
Transferring the Printable
The second idea was inspired by the recipe display boards at Magnolia. Using a reversed printable, I brushed Mod Podge onto the board, laid the printable face-down, and burnished it with a credit card. After drying it thoroughly, I used water and a baby wipe to gently remove the top paper layer.
What’s left behind is a charming recipe print transferred right onto the cutting board. It’s incredibly satisfying to reveal, and no two boards look exactly alike.
Styling and Gifting
This board looks adorable displayed alongside Christmas mugs or faux treats. But it also makes a great neighbor gift paired with a box of cookies or homemade snack mix. Even my faux cookies in the photos—yes, Ritz crackers—look the part.
Christmas Tree Countdown Board
Painting and Printable Transfer
For the third board, I used a white chalk-style paint as the base. After two coats and a good dry time, I applied a reversed printable of a Christmas tree countdown. Using the same Mod Podge transfer method as before, I removed the top layer to reveal the tree and numbers beneath. A quick darkening of the lines with a Sharpie brings everything into focus.
Acrylic Overlay
The real magic comes from the Crafter’s Square acrylic board. With four tiny dots of hot glue on the corners, it becomes a dry erase surface—perfect for coloring in the countdown numbers each day. A velvet red bow at the top gives it the sweetest finishing touch. It’s a wonderful project for kids, grandkids, or anyone who loves a daily holiday tradition.
Treats for Santa Board
Transferring the Design
For the fourth project, I returned to the Holly Berry paint for the base. Once dry, I traced a “Treats for Santa” template using carbon paper and my embossing tool. After revealing the imprint, I filled in the design with a white chalk pen—simple and classic.
A small paint touch-up fixed a stray dab from my pen, and I added decorative holly accents to finish the piece.
A Charming Christmas Eve Tradition
This board is just the right size for Santa’s milk, reindeer snacks, and a few cookies. I love the idea of pairing it with a recipe card or even making reindeer treats to gift along with the board. It’s adorable on a placemat or tucked into a holiday kitchen vignette.
Gingerbread House Board
Staining and Transferring
Inspired by the gingerbread cutting board sold at Aldi, the fifth project begins with a warm gel stain applied using the baby-wipe method. It’s quick, clean, and leaves the perfect gingerbread-colored finish.
With the stain dry, I used carbon paper to transfer a printable gingerbread house design, then traced all the white icing elements with my embossing tool. The chalk pens bring the whole board to life—fine tips for small details and a thicker pen for broader lines.
A Sweet Seasonal Accent
This board looks just like the Aldi version, and I styled it with two gingerbread mugs to complete the look. It’s festive enough for Christmas but cozy enough to leave out through winter for hot cocoa season. Handmade gifts like this feel thoughtful, personal, and special.
These five cutting board ideas show just how versatile and charming Dollar Tree bamboo boards can be during the holidays. With a few simple steps and some creative touches, you can make décor that feels warm, handmade, and meaningful—perfect for gifting or displaying in your own home.
I’d love to hear which board inspires you most. Whether you go bold with peppermint polka dots, nostalgic with recipe transfers, or sweet with gingerbread detailing, each one adds a touch of Christmas magic to your kitchen or holiday vignettes.
Until next time, stay creative.
