Dollar Store Solar Light Ideas

Dollar store solar lights are already fun on their own, but sometimes they need a little help standing up, sitting pretty, or looking more intentional. These easy dollar store solar light ideas started with Halloween lights, but don’t let that limit you. The same simple wood base can be used with Christmas solar lights, Easter lights, patriotic lights, or any seasonal design you happen to find. It’s an easy way to turn a cute little light into a small display for a porch, windowsill, patio table, or even a child’s room.

I have a couple of fun dollar store solar light ideas to share with you today. First, I’ll share a fun Halloween Solar light idea for the kids. That project led to another really easy idea for the grown-ups!

While shopping at the Dollar Tree, I picked up these two Halloween solar lights and a wooden disc from their craft department. I knew that wooden disc would make the perfect stand to hold the Halloween decor.

Determine the Drill Bit Needed

To determine which drill bit size to use, I used this handy drill bit gauge. You simply find the hole that fits the best.

Find the Center of the Wooden Disc

To find the center of the wooden disc, I used a Kreg Multi Mark Tool. You could also use a Combination Square.

Drill the Hole

The best way to drill a hole in a small wooden disc is to clamp it to another piece of wood. Why? Clamp it to keep yourself safe, and use the scrap wood to get the best-looking hole without splintering, etc.

Sand | Patch | Paint

You can see that some splintering did occur, but it’s very minimal. Sand the wooden disc smooth with a fine-grit sandpaper.

For a long time, I used drywall mud for patching holes. However, lately I’ve been using this Plastic Wood. It dries quickly and very evenly.

I was so excited to see how the Dollar Store Solar Light would rest in the center of the wooden disc! Do you love it?

Then I had to see what a regular solar light looked like. THIS is what led to the other Dollar Store Solar Light Ideas below.

In keeping it real, I will tell you I tried to spray paint the wooden disc, but the paint just wouldn’t adhere to the edge of the plywood. So, I decided to switch to acrylic craft paint.

Ghost Solar Light

How fun is the ghost solar light from the Dollar Store!?

Jack-O-Lantern

It’s so hard for me to choose a favorite. But, it’s now about me! I made this adorable project for my grandson. I thought it would be a fun display in his room. The solar lights charge really easily with filtered sun, then they will glow as he drifts off to sleep! While visiting recently, I also picked up a Snowman Solar Light at Dollar General.

More Dollar Store Solar Light Ideas

After testing the simple solar light in the round wooden disc, I had an idea to make a rectangular light feature. with a piece of scrap wood.

Easy enough, drill three holes, and add three dollar tree solar lights.

Follow Directions Above

Unlike the Halloween Dollar Store Lights, I chose not to drill all the way through the wood for these.

I used a piece of heavy-grit sandpaper, rolled up, to sand and smooth the holes in the scrap wood.

I chose to use a cheap store-brand spray paint for this light feature. It worked really well, and I was very pleased with the result.

For Loose Fitting Light, add Tape

Because the solar lights were a little loose in the holes I drilled, I opted to wrap each of them with a small piece of black electrical tape.

Voila! The solar lights are now snug and won’t fall out.

I can think of many ways to use this scrap wood solar light feature! Place them on a deck railing, a table, or anywhere you need some mood lighting!

That’s what I love about this kind of project. Once you make the base, you can change the look anytime you find a new holiday solar light. Halloween ghosts and pumpkins are fun, but a snowman, bunny, heart, flag, or flower would work just as well. Keep your eyes open when you’re shopping the seasonal aisles, because dollar-store solar lights come and go quickly. A little scrap wood, a drilled hole, and a bit of paint can turn them into something you’ll actually want to display.

Don’t Stop at Halloween Solar Lights

Even though I started with Halloween solar lights, this idea isn’t just for spooky season. Dollar stores often carry solar lights for different holidays and seasons, and the same wooden disc base can be reused.

You could try:

• Christmas snowman or Santa solar lights
• Easter bunny or egg solar lights
• Patriotic solar lights for summer
• Spring flower solar lights
• Fall pumpkin or harvest designs

Just swap out the light and keep the base. That makes this a fun little seasonal display without having to make a brand-new project every time.

You may also love this dollar store basket light feature I made.

How about some hanging lanterns?

For this feature, I used reclaimed landscape timbers.

My friend Julie will give you all kinds of reasons “why you should buy Dollar Store Solar Lights“. What kind of light feature will YOU make using Dollar Store Solar Lights?

gail