Jenga Block Crafts: 20 Easy Ideas From the Dollar Tree

Jenga block crafts are cheap, quick and surprisingly versatile. A set of tumbling tower blocks from the Dollar Tree becomes snowmen, ornaments, seasonal decor and mini signs. Here are 20 easy ideas, each with the cost and time it takes.

Jenga block crafts from the Dollar Tree, pin with title text

📌 Save this for later: tap the Save button on the image to pin it to your Pinterest board.

Jump to

Before You Start Jenga Block Crafts

  • The blocks: Dollar Tree sells tumbling tower block sets (a generic version of the Jenga game; Jenga is a Hasbro trademark). Many crafters buy several sets at once.
  • Prep: lightly sand the edges and wipe off dust so paint sticks well.
  • Glue: wood glue makes the strongest joints; hot glue is faster for quick projects.
  • Paint: acrylic craft paint and paint pens work best. Seal finished pieces with a clear coat.
  • Kids: blocks are a great kids’ craft; an adult should handle hot glue.

Jenga Block Christmas Crafts

Jenga block Christmas crafts are some of the most popular Dollar Tree projects on Pinterest.

1. Block Snowmen

Santa christmas snowman

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint a block white, add dots for eyes and buttons, an orange nose and a scrap of fabric or ribbon as a scarf. Glue a felt or pom-pom hat on top. Make a family of different heights by cutting blocks shorter.

2. Block Santa

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint the top third red for a hat, the middle a skin tone and the bottom white for a beard, then add a pom-pom to the hat. A little cotton ball beard adds texture. They’re adorable lined up on a shelf.

3. Mini Christmas Tree Stack

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Glue blocks in a pyramid (three on the bottom, two, then one), paint them green and add a star on top. Dot on colorful ornaments with a paint pen. It’s a sweet mantel or tiered tray decoration.

4. Block Reindeer

Reindeer the herd pasture

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint a block brown, add eyes and a red pom-pom nose, and glue on small twigs or pipe cleaners for antlers. Make a whole team with names on each block. Kids love this one.

5. Personalized Block Ornaments

Ornament pine wood christmas

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 each · Time: 20 minutes

Paint a block, write a name and year with a paint pen, and screw a small eye hook into the top for ribbon. They make easy gifts and place cards. Seal them so they last.

6. JOY Block Letters

Letter vintage old wood

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint three blocks and add the letters J, O and Y with stencils or vinyl, then glue a sprig of greenery to one. Stand them on a mantel or shelf. Try NOEL or PEACE too.

Jenga Block Ornaments DIY

These Jenga block ornaments DIY ideas are quick to make in batches.

7. Painted Mini Block Ornaments

Decoration ornament holidays

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 each · Time: 20 minutes

Paint blocks in plaid, stripes or snowflake patterns and add ribbon loops. Mix designs for a handmade tree. They’re nearly unbreakable.

8. Gnome Block Ornaments

Troll gnome garden gnome

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 each · Time: 30 minutes

Glue a felt cone hat and a little faux fur beard to the top of a block, with a wood bead nose. Add a loop for hanging. Gnomes are a favorite theme right now.

9. Photo Block Ornaments

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 each · Time: 20 minutes

Print small photos to fit the face of a block and decoupage them on with Mod Podge. Add the year on the back. Grandparents love these.

10. Stained Block Stars

Nicholas advent time christmas time

Difficulty: Medium · Cost: about $2 · Time: 45 minutes

Cut blocks at angles or arrange whole blocks in a star shape and glue them together, then stain them. Hang it on the tree or a wall. A miter box helps with clean cuts.

Jenga block Christmas crafts, pin with title text

📌 Save this for later: tap the Save button on the image to pin it to your Pinterest board.

Seasonal Jenga Block Crafts

Jenga block crafts work for every holiday, not just Christmas.

11. Block Pumpkins for Fall

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Glue three blocks side by side, paint them orange and add a twig stem and a faux leaf. Make them in cream and sage too. Display them on a fall tiered tray.

12. Easter Bunny Blocks

Easter bag bunny bag spring decoration

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint blocks in pastels, add bunny faces and glue on felt ears and a pom-pom tail. Group them in an Easter basket with faux grass. They’re quick for kids to help with.

13. Valentine’s LOVE Blocks

Conversation hearts valentine's day valentine

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Paint four blocks and add L, O, V and E, swapping the O for a red heart. Stand them on a mantel or table. Add a little glitter for sparkle.

14. Fourth of July Flag Blocks

American flag hanging down

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 30 minutes

Glue blocks side by side, paint red and white stripes and add a blue corner with white stars. Distress it lightly for a rustic look. Great for summer porches.

15. Halloween Ghost Blocks

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $2 · Time: 20 minutes

Paint blocks white and add simple black ghost faces. Make them different heights by cutting some blocks shorter. Line them up on a shelf for a cute, not-scary look.

Jenga Block Home Decor

Beyond holidays, these Jenga block home decor ideas are useful all year.

16. Block Tea Light Holder

Tea vanilla lights

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $3 · Time: 30 minutes

Glue blocks into a small rectangle frame and add a few battery tea lights inside. Stain or paint it to match your decor. Never use real flames near wood.

17. Mini Sayings Signs

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 each · Time: 20 minutes

Write short words like HOME, GATHER or BLESSED on blocks with a paint pen or stencil. Prop them on shelves, trays and desks. They’re great sellers at craft fairs too.

18. Block Photo Holder

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $1 · Time: 15 minutes

Cut a slit into the top of a block with a saw or glue a small clip on top, then stand a photo or place card in it. Paint it to match. It makes a cute wedding or party place card holder.

19. Tiered Tray Stack

Ranunculus blossom nature

Difficulty: Easy · Cost: about $3 · Time: 30 minutes

Stack and glue blocks into small risers to add height on a tiered tray. Paint them white or stain them. Change the decor on top each season.

20. Block Mosaic Coasters

Difficulty: Medium · Cost: about $3 · Time: 1 hour

Cut blocks into thin slices and glue them in a pattern onto a cork or wood base, then seal with a waterproof finish. Mix stained and natural pieces for contrast. Let the sealer cure fully before use.

Jenga Block Crafts FAQ

Where do I buy blocks for Jenga block crafts?

Dollar Tree sells tumbling tower block sets, a generic version of the game. Craft stores also sell bags of plain wooden blocks.

What paint works best on Jenga blocks?

Acrylic craft paint and paint pens work well. Sand lightly first, and seal finished pieces with a clear water-based coat.

What glue should I use for Jenga block crafts?

Wood glue gives the strongest hold for stacked projects. Hot glue is faster for quick decorations and adding small details.

Can I sell Jenga block crafts?

Yes, many crafters sell block crafts. Don’t use the Jenga brand name in your product titles, since it’s a trademark; describe them as wood block crafts instead.

More ideas: our Dollar Tree DIY crafts, Dollar Tree Christmas crafts, and crafts to sell.

More Ideas You’ll Love

Want more? Browse all Dollar Tree DIY ideas →

Photos are illustrative stock images from Pixabay. Prices are approximate and were checked at the time of writing.