A fabulous source for finding lightly used items in your community for bargain prices, Facebook Marketplace can quickly become your best friend. Whether you’re looking for a tree, furniture, garland, or even ornaments, your neighbors likely are selling these items at incomparable prices. It is worth checking out alongside Buy Nothing pages that will give items away for free.
12 Superb Ideas for How To Decorate for Christmas on a Budget
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Published: November 2, 2023
Updated: November 13, 2023
Everyone is hunting for the best bargain, but not always looking in the right places. We’ve had a slew of readers and contributors input their very best tips and tricks for how to decorate for Christmas on a budget. From visiting local thrift shops to using social media and promotions, there are several options for achieving the aesthetically pleasing holiday home you’re dreaming of.
There will always be a level of creativity involved in designing any space on a budget, but there is no feeling that can compare to landing a good deal on something that speaks to you. So much of the magic of the holiday is felt inside of a home that represents the meaning of this special time of year, and we are committed to helping you experience that feeling in an affordable way. Come along with us as we dive deep into the recommendations of our dedicated followers while still creating a magnificent and sparkly holiday home.
02 of Begin Thrifting Early
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Thrift and consignment stores are popular for a reason. Due to rising inflation and home costs, many homeowners are getting creative with decorating, and that includes relying on thrift stores during holiday seasons. Because of this, it is important to begin shopping early, sometimes even as soon as October, says Elena, a passionate bargain shopper. The early bird gets the worm, as they say!
03 of Check Estate Sales
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Another fabulous idea from our dear friend Sarah, who recommends visiting estate sales. Similar to thrift stores, shopping at estate sales can provide you with lightly used items at a discount. A bonus is that the items typically follow a particular design trend or style, helping you find multiple items that work well together, as was their intention in a previous home.
04 of Trade Items With Family and Friends
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Maybe there isn’t anything wrong with your decor, but you want a fresh look. Have you ever considered trading with friends and family? You may be surprised how many of your acquaintances find themselves in a similar predicament but are also fearful of costs. This is a no-hassle, cost-free way to enjoy a new decorative theme in your home.
05 of Stock up on Promotional Points
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As many popular stores like Target and Walmart work to earn customer loyalty, they often offer promotional clubs like Target Circle that allow you to collect and save points for future purchases. If you need extra money to deck the halls, “save up all of your Target Circle points and earned gift cards from promotions and use for Christmas decor purchases,” says Sarah, a home decor enthusiast. This will ensure you get the decorative style you want from your favorite stores without breaking the bank.
06 of Buy One Big Thing a Year
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There are certain items expected to exist in a home during the holidays. These include a tree, Christmas lights, stockings, and table decor. As many of these things are costly, commit yourself to buying one expensive thing a year. Maybe one year, you pick a high-quality tree, and then the next, you select sparkly deer for your yard. However you choose to do it, taking a slow and steady pace ensures you have money left over for gifts and activities.
07 of Reserve Credit Card Points
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Credit cards can be incredibly beneficial when used correctly. Often, new cardholders are eligible for intro offers just for signing up, in addition to all the points that come from making frequent purchases. Saving up those points can add up to hundreds of dollars in free money, giving you some extra cash to spend on holiday decor. Make sure to read the fine print and pay off your card on time to avoid any interest charges to your monthly expenditures.
08 of Shop at the End of the Season
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At the close of every Christmas holiday, stores offer their holiday items at incredible discounts. Sometimes pickings are slim, but you can often find fun new trinkets or big ticket items at up to 85% off the original retail price. Getting into a cycle of buying your items at the end of the season will ensure you have new things to enjoy for next year’s holiday!
09 of DIY Your Garland
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Garland is one of the most expensive decorative items for sale during the holiday season, and the large bunches can run you hundreds of dollars. If you have an eye for design and a hot glue gun, run to your local Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or Dollar Store and hand-select faux sprigs and florals to build your own. Not only will it be unique to your style, but it will save you loads of money along the way.
10 of Use Greenery From the Yard
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We are always looking for organic ways to include our natural environment in our homes, and the same goes for holiday decor. “I cut fresh white pine stems from my yard, place them in water, and they last for months!” exclaims homeowner Cathy. Not only do they provide an aromatic scent, but they are beautiful and, most of all, free. You can do the same thing with pinecones for centerpieces, wreaths, or garlands.
11 of Shop at Dollar Stores
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When was the last time you visited your local Dollar Store? Often given a bad wrap, dollar stores are an excellent source for finding items at very low prices that can be used as-is or altered as part of a craft. You’ll be surprised what treasures can be found in their Christmas collections! The best part is that they can be thrown away at the end of the season if you want to transition to something new next year.
12 of Don’t Stress!
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The holidays are what you make them. The feelings in your home, the excellent food shared, and the time spent with family and friends are all that matters. It can be so easy to get caught up in having the most aesthetically pleasing home, but you’ll find it is rarely the decorations you remember but the quality time spent and the memories made. I hope these suggestions influence your purchasing power and help you find decor that lasts for many years to come by spending the absolute least amount of money possible! I’m always a gal looking for a bargain, and you should be too!
