I picked up these 6 painted metal, patriotic garden stakes at Value Village for $3.50 total last week. They still had the UPC stickers attached.
I'm reluctant to spend very much money on holiday decorations that will only be on display for a few days each year. So I check thrift stores, garage sales, free piles, and stores like Dollar Tree for decor for holidays that don't seem to have a "season" for display. I can still have a few decorative accents in our home or yard, while spending very little money.
While at Value Village, I noticed they had quite a few of these patriotic home and garden decor pieces -- various plaques, garden decor, and mantel knick-knacks. Someone at some point paid the full retail price for all of these items. They later decided to replace those pieces with something new, donating the cast-offs to a thrift store.
The way I look at it, paying retail price entitles a person to be the first owner of a good. I can understand the desirability of being the first owner. But for not being that first owner, I get a substantial discount on the good I buy at thrift stores or garage sales.
There is a downside. Because secondhand decor pieces are so inexpensive, there's always a temptation to buy more stuff than I really have use for. I'll just have to muster some self-control.
A great find. I got 4 big red, white, and blue bows at the Dollar store, a few years ago that I bring out for the fourth. They still look good and add a bit of a festive look at our 4th cookouts.
ReplyDeleteHi Live and Learn,
DeleteThose red, white, and blue bows sound very festive indeed. I love when I can find holiday decorations that are inexpensive and can be used year after year. Hope you and your family have a great 4th of July cookout!
That looks like fun! I have mini flags that we put in our flower pots outside. I have a lot of blue in my decor so for the fourth, I try to pull out items with red and white in them and call it good.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris,
DeleteI love the simplicity of putting little flags into flower pots. One of our neighbors has done that in the pots at the entrance to their house and it looks so simply stylish. I love the idea of using what you already have (the blue in your decor) and adding what other items you have that are red and white. Very frugal. When Independence Day is over, those extra items go back to their regular "homes".
Great find!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you look at ones that just need some paint touched up, those misfits can be repaired and look just as good.
Blessings to you!
Shelby
Hi Shelby,
DeleteGreat tip! And I completely agree. Thank you for the reminder.