Living

The Smart $3 Dollar Tree DIY Kitchen Tray Trend You Have To See!

a360 photography
Brandon Bell / Staff/Getty

Love the idea of a kitchen tray that looks expensive but doesn’t cost a fortune? Dollar Tree can help you out! Shoppers have discovered that the store has everything you need to bring your vision to life and all it takes is a few low-cost items. If you can’t wait to give it a try, we have the scoop! Keep reading to learn more about how to follow this viral DIY kitchen tray hack, plus the Dollar Tree alternatives you can buy ready-made.

The Dollar Tree tray that’s stealing hearts

Dollar Tree’s low prices make it easier than ever to craft gorgeous decor pieces for less. That’s certainly the case for one viral video that shows a savvy shopper creating a beautiful DIY kitchen tray!

The craft project combines the store’s $1.50 rectangular plastic serving trays (each measuring 17.5 inches by 12.5 inches) with one of its $1.25 peel-and-stick wallpaper sheets. The end result is a stunning tray that can be displayed in your home year-round—and it costs under $3 to make! The best part? No one will even suspect it was a DIY Dollar Tree project.

How to recreate the viral Dollar Tree DIY kitchen tray hack

This week, @LizFenwickDIY shared a video with her TikTok followers on how to give the plain tray a charming makeover. First, pick up one of the aforementioned trays in the plastics or kitchen section of the store. They’re sold in red, gray and a mint green color, but you can also paint yours a more neutral color if desired.

Credit: Dollar Tree
Credit: Dollar Tree

Using a splash of leftover paint you already have at home keeps this beautiful craft under $3. (She went with a rich terracotta color for hers!) But if you need a bottle, you’re in luck. Check out Dollar Tree’s crafting aisle for several hues of acrylic craft paint at just $1.25 each.

Finally, grab a sheet of peel-and-stick wallpaper in your favorite design. The original crafter went with a neutral palm leaf pattern, but you could opt for something more colorful and funky if it better matches your style.

Shay Trotter
Shay Trotter

Once you have everything you need, you can get started! Here’s how:

  1. Mix your paint with a bit of baking soda if desired to help it adhere better.
  2. Paint the edges, handles and back of the tray.
  3. Let dry, then add a second coat of paint.
  4. Once dry, place the wallpaper sheet onto the tray and fold the excess so you know where to cut.
  5. Cut the sheet to fit, then remove the wallpaper’s backing and apply to the tray.

This upcycling approach turns it into a showstopper that would be perfect for decor, dinner parties and more. With the right paint colors and wallpaper, you could even create several of these with a seasonal spin!

“It would be fun to make these holiday-themed too!” one happy viewer suggested.

More gorgeous Dollar Tree tray options to explore

Her creative video has certainly been a hit among Dollar Tree shoppers, but it’s far from the only DIY option you can try! The store also sells square wood trays for $1.25 that are ready for your personalization. You can paint, decorate and add peel-and-stick wallpaper to achieve the same gorgeous look!

Prefer something that already appears luxe? Consider one of the $2 translucent plastic trays that have a beautiful design and come in beautiful colors like pink, blue and red.

No matter what approach you choose—DIY or ready-to-serve—your Dollar Tree kitchen tray is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ready for more inspiration?Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Copyright 2026 A360 Media

This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 11:21 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER