How to Shop for Christmas Decor at the Thrift Store Like a Pro

Anyone who’s ever taught knows that there’s something special about your very first teaching partner. Whenever I look back on my teaching years, I remember my very first year when Lizzie and I were both second grade teachers at a Catholic school on the DMV’s Virginia side. We dealt with all the things that first year teachers deal with– sweet students, great parents, crazy parents, troublesome students, exhaustion and poverty pay… It really brings two people together, ya know? Before teaching, though, we were college classmates and studied abroad together. Allow me to share some gems from way back when…

Anyway, when Lizzie launched her interior design business, I knew I had to ask her to guest post here. The designs she shares on her Instagram are drool-worthy and (best of all) very affordable!

Without further adieu, here’s Lizzie!

Hi I’m Lizzie from Lizzie Jo Designs, and today I’m sharing some fun tricks and tips to decorate for Christmas without breaking by the bank. Over the years, thrift stores and antique bazaars have been my favorite places to collect some of our best Christmas decor pieces. 

Before you head out: 

Have a planned budget for how much you’re planning on spending before you arrive, and stick to it!

Search online first for the best-rated thrift stores in your area, is there a store with nicer quality items a bit further from your usual store? Make a plan to spend some extra time to drive to the best location available. Some local Colorado favorites are Goodwill and Arc, search for the most popular in your state to make sure you’re shopping the best available options!

Have a design plan!

If you’re not sure what colors or styles you’re wanting this Christmas, check Pinterest or Instagram stories for some fun ideas of what style you gravitate towards. Are you looking for a whole room full of items or just wanting to add a few new touches to your existing decor? Create a Pinterest Board for an easy way to keep your picture ideas and styles handy for when you shop.

Once you arrive at the store, grab a cart and begin by making a beeline to the specific decor section they have available. 

Most stores will have the holiday decor clearly marked and set out in its own section for easy shopping.

Here are some of best Christmas items to shop at the thrift store:

Flocked Christmas trees (look for quality and price).

Antique candlesticks and unused pillar candles.

Pictures frames (I love to search for large matted frames that would otherwise be very expensive firsthand, usually under $10 at the thrift stores).

Boxed lights- (great deals for 1/4of the price on unused Christmas lights).

Wreaths or floral arrangements- (break apart multiple wreaths or arrangements and use pieces to create a new wreath in your preferred style).

Ornaments- thrift stores are a great place to shop beautiful ornaments for $2-$5 a piece.

Lanterns / Candle Sconces

Handmade Christmas Items- including art prints and paintings

Ugly Christmas Sweaters- for your next party!

Table linens and runners

Best rule of thumb to follow for purchasing decor

Ask yourself, “do I love it? Will I use it more than once? Is the quality and brand a good deal?” If so, go for it, if not, pass! 

Also remember there are times you’ll have no luck at all and some days you’ll hit the jackpot, it’s not a one-time experience. Often I’ll shop for specific items over a month’s time to find everything I’m searching for. It’s worth it in the end when you’re able to walk away with your dream decor for a fraction of the price. Happy holiday thrifting! 

-Lizzie

(Brittany again) I personally love the idea of scoring Christmas decor at thrift stores and need to venture out and look more often! I hope you found this guest post as helpful as I did! Have a great day, friends!