ILoveYouChristmas

When we find vintage Christmas decorations that evoke feelings of comfort and warmth, it’s as though we’re bringing a little part of a happy memory into our homes. They help us connect with the past, celebrate traditions, and add a touch of nostalgia to our lives. Whether it’s a classic ornament or a quirky decoration, vintage Christmas items have a certain charm and vibe that is difficult to replicate with anything else.

Finding these unique pieces can be a challenge, but the treasure hunt is part of the fun! That moment when you uncover what you have been looking for is so exciting and makes the find even more treasured. So if you are looking to add Vintage Christmas decor to your Christmas tradition, here are the seven best places to find vintage Christmas decorations.

Before we dive deeper into each one let’s cover some tips that will help you get authentic vintage Christmas decorations in great condition.

Tips When Looking for and Buying Vintage Christmas Decorations

TIP 1 – Know what Vintage Christmas items you are hunting for

When searching for vintage Christmas items, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Are you drawn to a specific time period, such as Mid-century Christmas? Or perhaps you’re seeking items for a particular room in your home, such as vintage plates, cups, or tins for your kitchen. If you’re aiming to create a vintage Christmas tree, you’ll likely be on the lookout for ornaments. Having a clear idea of what you want to find will allow you to make purposeful purchases and build a cohesive vintage collection that speaks to your personal style. So, take some time to consider what types of vintage Christmas items you’re hunting for.

TIP 2 – Check the vintage Christmas item is genuine

When embarking on the hunt for vintage Christmas items, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting the real deal. With knockoffs, reproductions, and new items made to look vintage, it can be difficult to tell what’s authentic and what’s not. Here are a few tricks to help you confirm the authenticity of a vintage Christmas decoration.

Know how to identify the brand

If you’re looking for a particular brand, it’s important to know how to correctly identify it to avoid getting a knockoff. Do a little research ahead of time to learn where the brand name or logo should be located on the decoration, what it should look like, and what the branding looked like during the time period you’re interested in.

Check the craftsmanship

Vintage Christmas decorations are often collectible because they were made with great care and attention to detail. Look for evidence of careful craftsmanship, such as an artist’s signature or numbering, and examine the materials to see if they seem to be of good quality for the time period.

Use Google Lens

Use technology to help you identify the item and determine what year it is from. If you have an iPhone or iPad Get the Google app on your iOS Device or if you have an Android device use the Google Lens app. Simply search google by taking a photo of the vintage Christmas Decoration to see what information you can dig up on the internet. With just a photo, you can usually determine the time period and brand of the Christmas decoration.

Trust your gut

If you can’t find any information on the item or have no service to research it on the fly, go with your instincts. If you like it and it feels like the right decision at the right price, go for it! While you may make mistakes, you may also make amazing finds by trusting your intuition.

TIP 3 – Check the condition of the Vintage Christmas item

When shopping for vintage Christmas items, it’s important to consider the condition of the piece, as it can have a significant impact on its market value. While you may choose to purchase an item despite its condition, it’s always good to know what to look for when assessing it. Here are a few things to consider:

• Are there any chips, cracks, or discolorations?
• Is any fabric stained or ripped?
• Are there any missing or broken pieces?

By paying attention to these details, you can make a more informed decision about whether the vintage Christmas item is worth the investment. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, be sure to check out our Vintage Collectable Condition Guide. for more in-depth information. It’s always better to be prepared when it comes to vintage Christmas shopping, and a little bit of knowledge can go a long way!

TIP 4 – Know what the Vintage Christmas item is worth

When it comes to purchasing vintage Christmas decorations, it’s always wise to have a rough idea of their market value beforehand. This can help you set realistic expectations for what you’re willing to pay and can also come in handy if there’s an opportunity to negotiate on price.

One way to research market value is to do some preliminary research before heading out to shop. Alternatively, if you’re on the go and need quick access to information, you can use Google Lens. Simply select the Camera icon in the search bar and take a photo of the Christmas decoration you’re interested in. You’ll typically receive several results showing the item’s price on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or other online stores.

Personally, I always like to do a little research beforehand so I have a rough idea of what to expect in terms of the price range. This way, if there’s spotty or no internet access and I can’t use Google Lens, I still have some knowledge of the market value. By taking a few simple steps to research market value, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed and savvy purchases of vintage Christmas decorations.

7 Best Places to Find Vintage Christmas Decoration

“Grandmas Attic”

When on the hunt for vintage Christmas decor, your family’s storage spaces could be the perfect place to start. Whether it’s your grandma’s attic, Great Aunt Nelly’s hall closet, or your dad’s garage, your family’s storage spaces could be hiding vintage Christmas treasures. Consider asking your relatives if they have any vintage Christmas decorations they would be willing to pass down to you and your family. You never know what gems you might find. Maybe it’s the ceramic tree you remember glowing warmly as it sat on your grandma’s counter top or perhaps it’s the vintage ornaments you can remember seeing for years on your family’s tree. The wonderful thing is, you will be adding to your vintage Christmas collection, and you’ll also have a chance to connect with your family and learn more about the stories and traditions behind these decorations.

Thrift Shops

A fantastic option for anyone in search of vintage Christmas items is Thrift Stores. Not only are they an affordable option, but they’re also a treasure trove of unique finds. One of the best things about shopping at thrift stores is that you never know what you’re going to find. Take your time and look in every corner, you might find a unique vintage Christmas decoration you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Another great benefit of shopping at thrift stores is that you can often negotiate prices, particularly if the item is damaged or out of season. All things considered, if you’re looking to add some vintage flair to your holiday decor collection, visiting your local thrift store should be at the top of your list.

Goodwill and Salvation Army

Goodwill and Salvation Army are fantastic places to find vintage Christmas items. These thrift stores accept donations from the community, and the proceeds from the sales of those donations go towards supporting their cause. Shopping at these thrift stores is a unique experience that sets them apart from other thrift stores.

One advantage of shopping at these thrift stores is that you may find whole collections of vintage Christmas decorations since they rely on donations. For example, you might come across a complete set of Spode plates and serve ware or a whole village worth of Department 56 buildings. However, it can be challenging to predict when these items will be available. Checking back every few days or talking to an employee can help you stay in the loop.

It’s worth noting that your local Goodwill or Salvation Army may not accept Christmas decorations as donations when it’s not the holiday season. This means that while a few items may sneak in, there may not be a vast selection of vintage Christmas decor to choose from in the spring and summer. It’s a good idea to check with your local store to see what their policy is on Christmas Decorations.

Nonetheless, shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army is a great way to contribute to a good cause while also rescuing items that might have otherwise been discarded. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to find unique vintage items while also supporting the community.

Garage Sales

One of the best places to find and buy vintage Christmas decorations is Garage Sales. Not only can you stumble upon unique and unexpected pieces, but you also have the opportunity to negotiate prices. Garage sales are hosted by individuals who may not value vintage Christmas decor like a collector does, which means you may be able to snag a great deal. Additionally, since garage sales are more frequently held in the spring and summer months, demand for vintage Christmas decorations may be lower, allowing you to find pieces at more affordable prices. It’s always worth stopping by a few garage sales in your area to see if you can find that perfect vintage piece to add to your holiday collection.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is an online platform where individuals can sell items to others in their community and is a great online resource for vintage Christmas decorations. It’s one of the best places to find unique and hard-to-find vintage items at reasonable prices. One of the best things about Facebook Marketplace is that you can often negotiate with the seller, which can help you save even more money. Plus, you can often pick up the items locally, so you don’t have to worry about shipping costs.

Be sure to check the reviews on the Facebook Marketplace seller to be sure you are dealing with a reputable person.

Don’t pay any money until you are able to see the item in person. When you do see the vintage decor in person, be sure to take your time to inspect it to be sure it’s in the condition you expect.

With a little research on the seller, proper communication with the seller, and a close inspection of the item in person, you can make an informed decision and add some vintage charm to your holiday decor.

Online Marketplaces like Ebay and Etsy

If you’re on the hunt for specific vintage Christmas decorations, then Etsy and eBay are great online platforms to explore. These websites have a broad selection of items, and you can easily search for what you’re looking for. To help you sort through the results quickly, here are some tips:

As a vintage Christmas Etsy Seller and enthusiast, I’ve learned a few things along the way that can help you make a great purchase. First and foremost, focus on products that have clear and detailed photos. Since you can’t physically inspect the item, photos are crucial in conveying the condition of the vintage Christmas decoration. If you need more photos to make a better decision, don’t hesitate to ask the seller. Take your time to carefully examine the photos, and don’t be afraid to ask about any issues you notice.

Secondly, read the description carefully. Often, you’ll find valuable information about the item’s condition that could impact your decision. For example, is the product functional, or does it have any missing pieces? Was it stored in a smoker’s home? My personal technique is to first look at the photos, then read the description, and then review the photos again before reading the description one last time.

Lastly, pay close attention to the seller and shop reviews. You want to buy from a seller who packages items with care, has quality shipping, and is reliable and honest.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few items, compare prices and take into account shipping fees as well. Many times a product will be listed for less than similar products but the shipping will be much higher

By following these tips, you’ll be able to find and purchase the vintage Christmas decoration you’re looking for on Etsy or eBay with confidence.

Estate Sales

My absolute favorite place to search for Vintage Christmas decorations is estate sales. These sales are often home to entire collections of well-preserved vintage decorations, spanning decades and making it easy to build out complete collections. Take your time looking through the whole house and the garage, Christmas decorations can be anywhere.

One of the best parts of estate sales is the potential for negotiation on prices. Similar to garage sales and Facebook Marketplace, searching for Vintage Christmas in the spring and summer can pay off because demand is lower, and prices are often better.

To find estate sales near you, check out www.estatesales.net, which is an excellent resource. Simply enter your zip code, and this website will display all the estate sales in your area, complete with pictures in many cases.

Let the Vintage Christmas Hunt Begin

In conclusion, vintage Christmas decorations add a unique charm to any holiday display. With these seven places to search, you’re sure to find vintage Christmas decorations to create a nostalgic and festive atmosphere. If you have an excellent source for vintage Christmas decorations or helpful tips and tricks you want to share, feel free to drop them in the comments section. We would love to hear from you. Happy vintage Christmas hunting!