Bird baths are more than just pretty garden decor. They provide vital water sources for local bird populations, especially in warm months when natural water sources dry up. Creating your own DIY bird bath not only saves money, it also lets you personalize your garden space using materials you likely already have at home. In this guide, we share 20 practical DIY bird bath ideas using simple, budget-friendly items, including those from dollar stores.
These dollar store DIY bird bath projects are beginner-friendly, low-cost and highly effective in attracting birds to your garden. From upcycled bowls to hanging designs, each method includes practical advice on materials, placement and bird-friendly safety tips. If you’re a nature lover or simply want to enhance your garden with minimal effort, these ideas are for you.
1. Tiered Planter Bird Bath DIY Bird Bath
We suggest using three plastic planters from the dollar store to create a sturdy, stacked bird bath. Fill the bottom two with rocks, soild or sand for weight and stability, and glue the smallest one on top to hold water. This works because the vertical design saves ground space and mimics natural water sources birds are drawn to. The smooth plastic also makes cleaning easy, which is important for bird health. 
2. Hanging Wire Basket Bath
By repurposing a wire fruit basket, we can create a hanging bird bath ideal for small gardens or balconies. Line the bottom with a shallow plastic saucer and hang it from a tree branch or hook. Birds feel safer above ground, and the movement from wind helps deter insects. This DIY bird bath is lightweight, portable and surprisingly durable when secured well.
3. Upside-Down Flower Pot Bird Bath
Flip a large plastic flower pot upside down and glue a matching saucer on top to hold water. The pot provides height, which birds prefer, and the wide saucer gives them ample space to land and drink. Using weather-resistant plastic from the dollar store keeps this build affordable and resilient to the elements.
4. Glass Bowl Pedestal Bird Bath
Glass mixing bowls make excellent bird bath basins due to their depth and smooth finish. We recommend placing the bowl atop an inverted candleholder or short vase for elevation. Birds are attracted to shimmering surfaces, and the transparency of glass allows you to spot algae buildup early for cleaning.
5. Mosaic Tile Tray Bird Bath
Glue dollar store mosaic tiles to the bottom of a plastic tray to create texture and grip for the birds. This makes the basin both decorative and functional, preventing slips. Set it on bricks for elevation or nestle it into a flower bed. The textured surface is essential for smaller birds to perch comfortably.
6. Bundt Pan Bird Bath
A metal bundt pan creates a unique, circular shape with a central grip point for birds. Fill the pan with water and place it on an upside-down bowl or low pedestal. The hole in the center acts as a perch, making it easier for birds to access water from all angles. This shape mimics natural puddles formed around rocks or tree stumps.
7. Dollar Store Pie Plate Bath
Aluminum pie plates are lightweight, shallow and perfect for ground-feeding birds. Place one on a stepping stone, concrete block or raised garden bed. We advise adding pebbles for grip and visual interest. These plates heat quickly in the sun, so daily water changes are necessary to keep birds safe.
8. Upcycled Lamp Base DIY Bird Bath
We recommend reusing a discarded lamp base as a pedestal for a bowl or saucer. Remove the wiring and attach a sturdy plastic dish on top. The weight of the base keeps it stable outdoors. This vertical form mimics natural water catchment areas birds use in the wild, and it elevates the bath to keep predators at bay.
9. Hanging Colander Bird Bath
Plastic or metal colanders make excellent DIY bird bath bowls due to built-in drainage holes. Line the colander with a shallow waterproof liner, hang it using twine or chain and add stones to stabilize. Birds enjoy the open-air design, and the drainage prevents overflow after rain.
10. Terracotta Saucers on Bricks DIY Bird Bath
Place a terracotta saucer from the dollar store on stacked bricks to create a rustic, grounded bird bath. The porous material allows for slow evaporation, which birds find natural and comforting. This method is especially effective in areas with moderate sun exposure, as terracotta stays cool.
11. Recycled Plastic Lid Bird Bath
Use a large plastic lid from a food container or storage bin as a wide basin. Set it on a garden pot or upturned crate. We recommend adding gravel for weight and texture. This large, shallow surface mimics natural puddles that birds commonly drink from, making it an effective low-profile option.
12. Baking Dish DIY Bird Bath
A glass or metal baking dish offers a sturdy, shallow basin. Place it on a decorative plant stand or raised wooden crate. Birds benefit from the wide, flat base and reflective surface, which can help them spot the water source from a distance. Use smooth stones inside to prevent slipping.
13. Hanging Plant Saucer Bird Bath
We suggest suspending a plastic plant saucer with three chains or ropes, tied at equal lengths for balance. Hang it from a shepherd’s hook or tree branch. This setup sways gently, deterring pests while appealing to birds who prefer aerial safety. Make sure the saucer is shallow and stable to avoid spills.
14. Inverted Bowl and Saucer Design
Place a deep salad bowl upside down on a flat surface and glue a shallow saucer on top. This setup elevates the water dish while using gravity to provide balance. The wide base ensures stability, and the shallow top makes it safe for even small birds. Choose matching colors for a cohesive garden look.
15. Dollar Store Mirror Frame Bird Bath
We recommend using a mirror frame with the glass removed as a decorative tray. Insert a waterproof liner or saucer into the frame to hold water. The frame adds visual appeal, and the wide surface gives birds space to perch. This is especially effective near reflective garden elements that birds are naturally drawn to.
16. Painted Terracotta Bird Bath
Paint a terracotta saucer and place it on a matching pot for a customized look. Use non-toxic paint and sealant to prevent peeling. Terracotta’s texture helps birds grip the surface, and the custom colors make this a standout garden piece. Its weight also helps it resist tipping over in wind.
17. Garden Tray Bird Bath with Stones
A shallow plastic serving tray can become a great bird bath when filled with clean stones and water. The stones provide grip and allow different heights for birds to stand on. This is a very simple method that mimics the look of a rocky riverbed, which birds naturally gravitate toward.
18. Recycled Candle Plate Bird Bath
Use a dollar store candle plate as a bird bath base. These are typically flat, durable and come in decorative designs. Place it atop a short plant pot or set it flush on the ground. Birds enjoy the open access, and the shallow design is safe for fledglings. Adding a few small stones helps with traction.
19. Suction Cup Window Bird Bath
Attach a small plastic container to your window with strong suction cups, filled with a shallow layer of water. Birds are attracted to window perches, especially if you place the bath near a feeder. This lets you observe birds up close while giving them a safe drinking spot away from ground-level predators.
20. Paint Tray Bird Bath
We recommend using a plastic paint tray from the dollar store as a unique bird bath. The sloped surface provides birds with different water depths to choose from, ideal for both bathing and drinking. Set it on the ground with bricks to level it. This design works well for larger birds who need more space.
