Tips to DIY tacky Christmas sweaters

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Nothing says the holidays like an over the top Christmas sweater!

Pom poms, reindeer, snow flakes, and of course Santa! The ugly Christmas sweater party is the newest holiday tradition for all ages.

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"The whole theme of it is, it's the holidays, and it's gaudy. The gaudier the better!" said Jen Meneely of Too Cheap Blondes.

But you don't have to break the bank to create a yule tide classic. Sites like eBay and Amazon are great places to start to find your perfect sweater.

If you don't think you'll get much use out of it, you can rent one for a few days at RentTheRunway.com for just $15.

If you really want to stretch your dollar, professional thrifters Pippa Williams and Jen Meneely from TooCheapBlondes.com say hit the thrift store.

"The average price of the sweaters here are about $2.50 and $7," Meneely said.

Williams suggests making a party out of decorating sweaters and create your own. Just start with any plain sweater - maybe even one already in the back of your closet.

"Pinterest is just full of thousands and thousands of ideas. Not only the sweater, but how to put on the perfect Christmas party," Williams said.

With glue guns in hand, we hit the dollar stores to stock up. We bought glitter, ornaments, string lights, and bells for just a few bucks.

Target is also selling DIY kits for just $5 that will give you everything you need to decorate your duds.

Party host Evette Donnell with "Darlings by Design" says the "Create Your Own Ugly Sweater" parties are becoming more popular each year, and not just for kids.

"I think it's a great thing for all ages," Donnell said. "I like the idea of making your own and seeing what everyone else comes up with."

Don't have one yet? Check out these sweaters for one to buy or inspiration to make your own!