Sleigh the Savings
It's the most wonderful time of the year again, the holiday season is upon us, and that means many of us will get together with family and friends. While there are those who get to sit back and enjoy the festivities, there are also the hosts who do all the planning and holiday decorating. So what if you had to do the hosting this year? How could you jazz up the holidays without freezing your pockets? My answer, head over to your local Goodwill store.
I like to think of myself as a passionate thrift shopper, so to me Goodwill around the holidays is paradise. This year, I decided to take it to the next level by exploring not one, but two Goodwill stores in my area – the Wilmington Island Goodwill and the Victory Dr. Goodwill. Spoiler: I saved a sleigh-load of cash even while shopping in between the two locations!
Wilmington Island Wonderland
Since I went to two different stores, let's just call this trip the Thriftmas tour. First stop was the Wilmington Island Goodwill. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the staff but the best part? I walked in as they were putting out new inventory. By the time “Come Check it out” came over the intercom, I was already reaching into a bin with another group of women looking to see who’d snag the best holiday decor. What caught my eye was the assortment of Christmas plates they seemed to have. While I could only find 2 plates per design that went together, there was no doubt in my mind that I would not be able to mix and match these Santa, holiday wreath, and snowman themed plates if I needed to host. After all, they screamed “festive” and were in good condition.
Holiday Decor needed? Well obviously this is no problem for Goodwill. I also found myself drawn to their donated decor that I could see myself decorating my tabletops with. There was this pretty wood sign that read “NOEL”, a potted mixed greenery with berries, a mini tree, and even snow globes. These were going to be the perfect addition to my holiday decor and, most importantly, it's giving a second life to a charming piece of someone else’s holiday past. But the satisfaction didn't stop there. I ventured into the clothing section, browsed around and then checked out. From my plates ringing up $1.99 to the globes weighing in at $4.99, this whole shopping cart was a steal, and I couldn't help but feel the rush of excitement that comes with finding holiday decor on a budget.
Victory Dr. Victories
The rush of excitement had to continue. So next, I headed to the Victory Goodwill, and let me tell you, a small victory was ahead. This store had a great selection of gently used holiday-themed dishware. I picked up a set of glasses that might even make the Grinch embrace the season. And for $1 each? I can cheer and make a toast without breaking the bank. This also had a collection of snowman themed china plates that read “Let it snow”, perfect for those hosting events I mentioned earlier. 5 plates, and they all matched what a deal. I was also able to find some glass jars and metal containers that I thought would be perfect for filling with candy, now that’s sweet!
Tips for Your Holiday Hosting/Decor:
As you go through this holiday season, keep these tips in mind:
Explore Different Goodwill's: Each Goodwill store has its own unique donations. Don't be afraid to shop from one to another (like me) – you never know what you may find. Goodwill Southeast has 17 locations from Statesboro to St. Mary’s GA.
Check Often : Goodwill's inventory is constantly changing. Visit regularly during the holiday season to see what new items are being processed. Try getting up early to do your shopping as you may be able to beat the holiday rush.
Spread the Joy: This Thriftmas Series isn't just about what you find for yourself, but others! A Sustainable gift can be just as thoughtful as if it were a brand-new one. Think about it – the snowglobes, the plates, the glasses, and the other items were probably destined for a landfill. But with my help, and hopefully yours they're part of a new cycle, bringing joy and reducing our carbon footprint.
So there you have it – my journey across two Goodwill stores, where I sleighed the savings. Let's all do our part to continue the cycle of good, making the planet merrier while keeping our wallets happy. Happy Thriftmas, everyone!
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