The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, decking the halls is serious business. But let’s be honest: it can get expensive fast, right? Between the lights, the trees, and all the festive trinkets, your wallet might be screaming, “Not again!”
The good news is you can score amazing, unique holiday decorations without breaking the bank. Secondhand is the way to go—and you’re in good company. A Capital One Shopping study found that 16 to 18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year, proving that the hunt for affordable, one‑of‑a‑kind finds is more popular than ever.
If you’re on a budget, eco‑conscious, or simply love discovering hidden gems, buying used holiday décor can be a total game-changer. Here are 12 must‑have holiday decorations you can find secondhand, and trust me, they’ll make your space feel festive without emptying your wallet.
Vintage Ornaments – A Touch of Nostalgia
Ever noticed those gorgeous vintage ornaments that have a bit of sparkle but also a history? They’re not just pretty—they’re collectibles! Vintage glass ornaments or hand-painted wooden ones add so much character to your tree. And guess what? They’re everywhere at thrift stores, flea markets, or online resale platforms.
Some vintage ornaments can sell for up to $100 each, depending on their rarity. So, you’re adding charm to your tree, and a potential little investment! FYI, some people even get lucky and find ornaments that were discontinued decades ago.
Holiday Tableware – Serve Up the Festivities
I’ve found that secondhand holiday tableware can instantly make your festive dinners feel fancy. Look for sets of holiday-themed dishes, mugs, and serving platters, often for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for discontinued patterns—some collectors are willing to pay big bucks for a complete set, especially if it’s rare. So, next time you’re sipping your hot cocoa, you could be doing it from a vintage Christmas mug that’s worth way more than you paid for it. Cheers to that!
Wreaths – No Need to Break the Bank
Wreaths are pretty much a symbol of the holidays, and secondhand wreaths are often just as beautiful as brand-new ones—without the price tag. You can find classic pine wreaths or handmade designs at thrift stores and online marketplaces, which continue to grow as part of a U.S. secondhand sector now valued at $56 billion.
I personally love buying secondhand wreaths because you can always redecorate them with your own touches, like ribbon, pinecones, or ornaments. Why settle for a cookie-cutter wreath when you can have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece?
Christmas Lights – Brighten Up Without the Overload
Let’s talk about lights. It’s practically a crime to have a Christmas tree without them, right? The good news is, secondhand Christmas lights are easy to find and still work great. Seriously, I’ve scored boxes of string lights for a couple of bucks, and they’ve lasted for years.
Plus, with LED lights being so energy-efficient these days, you can afford to go big. So, don’t sweat it if you can’t afford to buy all-new lights; secondhand ones can still bring your home to life with that cozy, holiday glow.
Stockings – Add a Personal Touch
Nothing says “festive” quite like a fireplace full of stuffed stockings. Instead of splurging on new ones, check out thrift stores or estate sales for unique, personalized stockings. Thrift stores and estate sales remain reliable sources, as 16–18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year.
Sometimes, you’ll even find vintage knit stockings or ones with cute little designs that add that perfect cozy vibe. The best part? Many secondhand stores offer stockings with names already stitched on them—so you don’t have to do the work yourself!
Holiday Figurines – Add Whimsy and Charm
Looking for that extra touch of magic? Vintage holiday figurines like snowmen, Santa Clauses, and even carolers are easy to find secondhand and instantly elevate any space. These figurines often come from collections that were discontinued or are no longer made, so you’ll have something truly unique.
They’re not just decorations; they’re little conversation starters too! You know that classic Santa figurine that’s been passed down for generations? You could snag one at a thrift store for less than $10!
Holiday Banners and Signs – Let the Festivities Begin
Secondhand holiday banners and signs offer an affordable way to decorate, mainly as Goodwill processes more than 107 million donated items, keeping seasonal décor constantly in circulation.
Think vintage metal signs or cute fabric banners that say things like “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas.” These can be found in abundance at secondhand stores, and they add an extra layer of coziness to your home. Plus, they’re easy to store away for next year!
Candle Holders – Create Ambiance on a Budget
If you love the warmth and charm that candles bring during the holidays, you’re in luck—secondhand candle holders can be found in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re after a vintage candelabra or a simple glass holder for your tea lights, you can often find them at thrift stores for a fraction of the price of new ones.
Pro Tip: Try looking for candle holders with a bit of patina or wear—they’ll have that charming, rustic look that fits perfectly with holiday decor.
Tree Skirts – Add Elegance to Your Tree
A good tree skirt ties everything together under the tree, but buying a new one can cost you more than you want to spend. Secondhand tree skirts are a steal, and you can find unique designs that you won’t see at every big-box store.
Handmade crochet skirts and sleek, modern designs both show up secondhand, giving you plenty of room to find something that fits your style and your budget.
Holiday Themed Throw Pillows – Comfort and Cheer
You can never have too many cozy throw pillows during the holidays, right? Holiday-themed throw pillows (think: reindeer, snowflakes, or Santa) can add that perfect festive touch to your living room or bedroom.
And yes, you can absolutely score these secondhand. I’ve found some gorgeous, lightly used holiday pillows that add a perfect pop of color to the couch for just a few bucks.
Vintage Tablecloths – Set the Scene for Festive Feasts
If you love hosting family dinners or holiday parties, vintage tablecloths are a must-have, and the secondhand market has some seriously stunning options.
Retro prints and elegant lace designs (think bold florals, geometric patterns from the ’60s/’70s) both show up in secondhand shops, and you’ll find beautiful tablecloths that have stood the test of time and add charm to your holiday spread. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in creating the perfect atmosphere.
Holiday Music – Vintage Albums to Set the Mood
No holiday celebration is complete without some festive tunes, right? Look for vintage holiday music albums at secondhand stores or online markets. There’s something about hearing those classic carols on a vinyl record that just brings out the magic of the season.
Vinyl’s comeback is real—RIAA data shows it outsold CDs in the U.S. in 2022 for the first time since 1987. These records add warmth and nostalgia that streaming can’t match. Plus, it’s often cheaper than buying a new holiday playlist on streaming services!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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