Hey earth muffins! With the holiday season just around the corner, there are decorations everywhere! I think decorating my apartment is one of my favorite things to do in December. From the tree to cookie plates for Santa, what’s not to love? π Believe it or not, you don’t have to purchase all of your holiday decor from big-box stores. If you are on an eco journey, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Christmas decorations either. There are plenty of ways to acquire used decor; here are my top tips for getting the best secondhand holiday decor pieces!
Where to Get the Best Secondhand Pieces
The first place to look is the basements, attics, and storage units of friends and family! It seems like everyone has a small collection of holiday decor hidden somewhere. If they aren’t using it, they might gladly give it to you! The tree I have in my apartment was in my boyfriend’s mom’s storage unit, along with two others that she wasn’t putting up. She already had her favorite tree in the living room, so it was a no-brainer to let us borrow one! π
If they are open where you live, try checking out thrift stores too. Again, people usually have way too much holiday decor; so, it often ends up at the thrift. Most of my local shops have sections dedicated to the next holiday, and I’ve been able to find some really great pieces! I haven’t been able to look for any Christmas decor this year due to Mister Corona, but I’d highly suggest it in a more “normal” year. π
I’d also recommend combing through some antique stores. While the decorations may be priced a bit higher than a thrift store, you can probably find some very unique pieces! I personally really like finding old ornaments at antique stores. It is so cool to think about where it came from, and if there are any others like it out there. βοΈ
Another great way to get secondhand decor is on Facebook Marketplace. Because it is already the holiday season, the choices might be limited… But, if you look in October (or even earlier) you should be able to find some cool things! I’ve written a whole post about how you can get the best deals on Marketplace, so I recommend checking that post out as well! You could also check out many other resale sites/apps: Ebay, Freecycle, OfferUp, etc.
Other Tips for Secondhand Holiday Decor
Secondhand decor is great because it reuses what has already been taken from the planet (in terms of resources). It also prevents things from heading to the landfill! While it is awesome, you could still buy new if the decor piece is sustainable. I personally recommend checking out Etsy to find handmade pieces. That way you can ensure the product is made with eco-friendly materials while supporting a small business. Plus, Etsy offsets the carbon from every order! π I have been sifting through stocking listings recently, as I think hand knitted ones would look amazing in my apartment.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to make your own holiday decor! Try your hand in salt dough ornaments, make a gingerbread house from scratch, or make paper snowflakes from newspaper/used paper. The ideas are endless! Make sure you are following me on Pinterest, as I often pin my favorite holiday DIY projects. I hope these tips help you get the best secondhand holiday decor pieces – your home is going to look awesome for the holiday season! π
Love,
Jenna β₯