I'm a Professional Thrift Shopper—These Are the Holiday Decorations I Always Buy Secondhand

Shopping at thrift stores can feel a bit overwhelming, especially during the holidays. One look at the Christmas aisle can have you making a beeline for the door because everything is so disorganized. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

To have a successful and enjoyable shopping experience, all you need to do is bring a list of items you’re shopping for and keep an open mind about what those items may end up looking like. For example, if you’re looking for holiday décor, don’t limit yourself to looking for it exclusively in the holiday aisle. There are so many treasures to be found; all it takes is some outside-the-box thinking and creativity. 

Here are the holiday items I always look for as a professional thrift shopper.

Plates and Chargers

I love picking up holiday-themed plates at thrift stores. Even if I can’t find a full matching set, it’s fun to mix and match. In my area, I can always find a huge stack of matching chargers, and I find that’s a great way to bring the mismatched look together as a cozy holiday place setting.

Vintage Santa Mugs

One Santa mug is cute, but a whole collection is better! They’re the perfect bit of décor to add to your kitchen for the holidays. Mugs made by Holt or Lefton are some of the most sought-after as far as vintage goes, but you’ll find lots of newer Santa mugs on the shelves.

If you can't find any Santa-themed options, consider scooping up some generic mugs, which make wonderful fillers for gift baskets. Add some really fantastic hot chocolate or homemade marshmallows, and you’ve got a perfect gift for the neighbors.

Candlesticks

One thing I always keep an eye out for at the thrift store is gold or silver candlesticks. They can be used year-round, but I especially love them at Christmas. No matter what your décor style might be, the shiny brass or chrome can add a soft, warm shine that we all need during the dark winter nights. It can be tricky to find taper candles at the thrift store that aren’t dinged or warped, but it never hurts to check! Look for deep reds or cranberry colors to pop into your candlesticks.

While you’re checking for tapers, keep an eye out for battery-operated candles. As long as they’re white or off white, you can gather quite a collection and use them around the house, in the windows, or on your porch in luminaries.

Nutcrackers

Vintage nutcrackers are the best. Turn the figure over and look specifically for a “made in Germany" stamp. Even if the paint has chips in it, they’re worth rescuing; you can always get the craft paint out and touch them up at home. I display my collection in the middle of the dining room table—they make their debut as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared.

Plaid Linens

Look for all things plaid when thrift shopping for the holidays. Tablecloths, cloth napkins, fabric remnants, placemats, blankets—they can all be used around the house. Tie mix-matched plaid winter scarves on the backs of dining chairs, in a bow, on a wreath, or under the Christmas tree. Think of tablecloths as more than just a tablecloth—it's actually just a huge piece of fabric that can be cut or sewn into a tree skirt or even a dress to wear at holiday parties. 

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Craft Supplies

I always keep an eye out for gold or plaid ribbons that can be used to wrap gifts or to make bows to place around the house. Beads and other shiny baubles can be used to make a garland for the tree. If you have a Christmas village, look for bags of Polyfill to use as artificial snow. Miniatures are always great items to pick up, especially if you can work them into the theme of a gift and place them on top of the present to make the gift wrap extra special.

Vintage Ornaments

Mercury glass ornaments like Shiny Brites are a rare find while thrifting these days, but not impossible. I’ve had luck looking through grab bags hung haphazardly near the checkout aisle; one or two are usually broken, but if there’s one intact, it’s worth saving!

But don’t discount a package of glass ornaments just because they’re not "vintage." If you plan to decorate your tree with glass bulbs, thrift stores are a great place to pick up large packs of newer colored glass bulbs for next to nothing. Rauch is a good brand to look out for, and it will help fill in the blank spots on your tree without breaking the bank.

Sporting Goods

Winter sports items, such as ice skates and skis, really bring the charm to your outdoor décor. Hang a pair of skates (kids' size, ideally!) from a wreath, or hang a pair of old skis or snow shoes on your front door in place of a wreath. 

Nativity Scenes

I’m a sucker for lone wolves and outcasts and absolutely cannot pass up the little nativity animals left behind because they’re not part of a complete set. I love the terracotta nativities from Mexico that are so vibrant and colorful as well as the chalkware pieces from the 1940s. It’s so fun to bring all the misfits together and display them during the holidays.

Christmas Trees and Wreaths

In addition to the holiday aisle, there are also many artificial garlands and Christmas trees peppered around thrift stores. Again, this can be overwhelming because there are so many, so my suggestion is to think of them more as supplies. Instead of going to the craft store, grab a wreath from the thrift store and add to it. Combine two or buy a small tree, grab your wire cutters, and add in branches to make your wreath more substantial. Use clear zip ties or wire to secure everything in place.