#Shopping #Lessons #Delightful #Holiday #Décor #WorthPoint
The holidays are often full of unexpected surprises, whether it’s a gift you didn’t know you needed, a surprise visit from close friends, or the realization that you’ve finally perfected your eggnog recipe after years of experimenting with varying amounts of nutmeg. This year, my big surprise was the staggering amount of holiday décor and knickknacks at one of my favorite local thrift stores.
Quite honestly, I usually don’t see many Christmas collectibles when I thrift in December. Every store is different, of course, but in years past, I usually saw just one or two shelves of winter tchotchkes. If anything, all the Christmas goods seem to appear after the season is finished, and folks have culled their holiday collections after taking down the tree. This can be nice if you want to restock on low-priced holiday décor for next year, but not so good if you want another snowman to spice up your current season. Plus, it seems like most folks only hit up a thrift store in December if they need something laughable and low-priced for a white elephant party. I’d begun to believe that there wasn’t much Christmas to be found at the thrift store, and perhaps I’d given up on finding a priceless Christmas spirit with very competitive price tags.
However, this trip to this particular store really changed my tune. I simply couldn’t ignore row after row after row of Christmas finds. From Santas and salt shakers to ornaments and angels, I decided that I had to look through it all and show off some of my most interesting finds. Curious about what I found? Watch the video to check out my favorites.
This shopping trip also reaffirmed some important lessons that apply not only to Christmas thrifting but to the year ahead. First, learn how to take things slow. You might be tempted to think that thrift store shelves can only offer Christmas décor that’s too corny or too dated for your taste, but if you let this hasty conclusion be your guide, you’ll miss all the tiny treasures in hiding. In other words, some of my favorite finds on this trip were little, so don’t be afraid to think small.
Also, don’t limit yourself to eye level! If you’re looking to stock up on the holiday advertising collectible that no one will see coming, make sure you get low and check out the bottom shelves. Finally, if you’ve ever thought of starting an eBay store specializing in sequin-centric delights, the thrift store has your inventory needs covered, so you’ll be ready to spring into a very shiny New Year.
Want more holiday décor? Read about how to identify and value vintage snow globes, Christmas tree toppers, and collectible fruitcake tins.
In addition to her role as HIP’s curator of photography, Allison Radomski is a writer and filmmaker. She spends her days hunting for analog cameras, scoring her own movies in her laundry closet, and building her collections of Polaroids and handkerchiefs. She has degrees in cinema & media studies and religious studies from the University of Chicago.
WorthPoint—Discover. Value. Preserve.
