I love thrift stores. I love never knowing just what treasures I might stumble upon. I love the mix of old and new. I love getting a bargain. I just plain, flat-out love thrift shopping! Did you know that shopping at thrift stores is one of the best ways to save money on Christmas decorating?
Today I’m going to spill all of my thrift store shopping tips with you. I’ll show you the best Christmas items to buy at thrift stores and how to use them once you buy them.
Yesterday I stopped by my local Deseret Industries. They are a charity thrift store that focuses on helping people learn job skills. All store associates are given skills training, career counseling and assistance to move into a permanent career and a life of self-reliance. Hundreds of items are put out on the shelves daily, so it’s a thrift hunter’s paradise. I stop in whenever I’m in that part of town.
Here are a few ideas and examples of the types of holiday decor to look for at your local D.I.
1. Christmas trees, greenery, garland and floral picks. A huge percentage of my Christmas picks and greenery are from D.I., including these poinsettias and faux pine branches:
I used it again this year on my pretty tree upstairs.
You can see in my thrift store haul photo above that I scored two more rolls of ribbon. I don’t need it for decorating this year, but I will probably use it to wrap presents or save it for next year.
4. Wooden Crafts. I always see lots of wooden holiday crafts at thrift stores, both finished and unfinished.
This wooden Santa could be so cute with a coat of paint.
There was an entire setting for four of the lime green elf plates. It just goes to show that you never know what you’ll find at D.I.
6. Candles and candle holders. All of these lovelies are from Deseret Industries:
Last year, I arranged all of my thrift store candle holders together as the centerpiece for our special Christmas eve dinner. It made the night memorable and was so inexpensive.
When I was at Deseret Industries yesterday, I kid you not this really happened… the man in line behind me at the check out said, “Wow! I never thought to buy Christmas stuff here before! You found some cool stuff. I bet that saves you so much money.”
He took the words right out of my mouth.
Comments & Reviews
Karen Beth says
You are so creative and know wonder we get along so well, we are both thrift store lovers!!!