Creative, affordable, and fun holiday builds using reclaimed materials from Renovation Warehouse Whangārei.
Christmas in New Zealand is all about sunshine, long evenings, barbecues, and slowing down with family. It’s also the perfect time to take on fun, low-cost DIY projects that use recycled and reclaimed materials — especially timber offcuts, old windows, fencing boards, and sleepers.
If you’re looking for holiday activities that keep the kids off screens, get the whole whānau outside, and don’t break the bank, these 10 projects are perfect for you. All materials can be found affordably at Renovation Warehouse Whangārei, including recycled timber, offcuts, reclaimed joinery, roofing, hardware, and more.
1. Build a Timber Birdhouse
A perfect bonding project for families — simple to build, educational, and something you can enjoy long after the holidays.
Why it’s great
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Encourages native birdlife (Titipounamu (riflebirds/tit), Ruru (Morepork), tauhou (Silver eye)
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Simple construction for all ages
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Kids can customise with paint or stencils
How to build it
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Cut timber into six panels (base, roof, sides).
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Nail or screw together a simple box shape, leaving a round entry hole.
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Add a perch dowel and paint with weatherproof colours.
Materials to grab from Renovation Warehouse
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Small offcuts
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Seconds or reclaimed plywood
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Nails, screws and hinges (if adding an opening door)
2. Make a Mini Planter Box for Herbs or Strawberries
A quick, satisfying project that looks great on decks, balconies, and patios.
Why families love it
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Teaches kids how to care for plants
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Great for summer veggies (lettuce, basil, cherry tomatoes)
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Uses cheap reclaimed, pallet or seconds timber
How to build it
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Cut four equal boards for the sides.
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Add a base using two or three slats.
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Nail or screw together and apply a breathable timber oil.
Extra idea:
Let kids write plant names on the front with Resene Blackboard Paint.
3. Craft a Rustic Christmas Tree Out of Slats
This trendy item is perfect for indoor or outdoor display and has become a popular DIY gift idea.
How it looks
A vertical post with horizontal slats of descending length — like a stylised Christmas tree.
How to build it
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Arrange offcuts from longest to shortest.
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Screw them into a centre post.
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Add fairy lights or wooden stars.
Why this works
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A sustainable alternative to plastic trees
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Packs away flat for easy storage
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Kids can decorate each “branch”
4. Build a Backyard Treasure Chest
A magical project that keeps toys tidy and sparks imagination.
What it’s good for
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Toy storage
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Dress-up boxes
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Outdoor pirate games
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Christmas gift box for family / whānau
How to build it
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Make a simple timber box with a hinged lid.
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Add corner brackets for strength.
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Sand and stain to look aged or treasure-like.
Optional upgrade
Burn or stencil your child’s name on the front.
5. Make an Insect Hotel for the Garden
Kids love this one — and so do beneficial insects.
What it attracts
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Ladybirds
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Bees
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Wētā
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Beetles
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Mini eco-systems (kids are fascinated!)
How to build it
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Build a small open-front box.
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Fill with bamboo, bark, pinecones, straw, timber offcuts.
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Mount it in a shaded garden space.
Why this is perfect for NZ summers
Insects are active, kids love exploring, and it supports healthy gardens naturally.
6. Create Custom Garden Markers
A simple but rewarding project using thin strips of timber.
How to make them
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Cut timber into 20–25 cm stakes.
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Sand smooth.
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Write herb or veggie names using paint pens.
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Seal with clear coat for weather protection.
Great for
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Kids learning gardening
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Labelling summer seedlings
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Christmas gifts for teachers, neighbours, grandparents
7. Build a Backyard Balance Beam
A brilliant backyard activity for younger children.
Two ways to build it
Option A: Flat sleeper on the ground — super safe.
Option B: Slightly raised beam using timber blocks at each end.
Why this is great
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Encourages coordination and balance
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Uses sturdy, affordable reclaimed sleepers
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Can be stained or painted in fun colours
8. Turn an Old Window Into a Garden Feature
Reclaimed windows are one of the most versatile décor items.
Ideas for repurposing
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A fairy-light window frame
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Trellis for climbing beans, jasmine, or tomatoes
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Garden “mirror” illusion for small spaces
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Rustic photo backdrop for Christmas Day
Why families love it
Kids enjoy decorating it, and adults love the upcycled charm.
9. Make Timber Coasters or Serving Boards
Great as handmade Christmas gifts.
How to do it
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Cut hardwood offcuts into coasters or 40–50 cm serving boards.
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Sand smooth on all edges.
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Treat with food-safe oil or beeswax.
Why it’s popular
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Cheap to make
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Looks "designer"
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Everyone appreciates a handmade gift
10. Upcycle an Old Door Into a Backyard Table
This is a hero project — big impact, low cost.
How to build it
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Choose a solid reclaimed (external) door.
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Sand and seal.
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Add timber legs, planter-box bases, or steel hairpin legs.
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Finish with outdoor varnish if using outside.
Why this is a brilliant Christmas break build
You get a unique piece of furniture that becomes a centrepiece for summer barbecues.
Why Recycled DIY Is Perfect for NZ Families
✔ Affordable
Seconds / recycled timber and materials cost a fraction of new products.
✔ Sustainable
Upcycling reduces landfill waste and teaches kids environmental responsibility.
✔ Creative & memorable
DIY builds become lasting family traditions — something kids will remember for years.
✔ Supports local
Renovation Warehouse Whangārei supplies a constantly changing range of recycled materials perfect for summer projects.
Kickstart Your Christmas DIY Projects at Renovation Warehouse
Whether you’re building birdhouses, crafting rustic decorations, or creating garden features, we have timber, sleepers, doors, windows, offcuts, and hardware ready for your holiday projects.
Visit Renovation Warehouse Whangārei and make this Christmas the year of economy, creativity, sustainability, and family fun.