Discover a practical, thrifty system for snagging holiday and seasonal décor without draining your wallet.
Pepaw loves decorating for the seasons, but he sure doesn’t love paying full price for items that stay on display for only a few weeks each year. With Pepaw’s folksy tricks and perfect timing, you can fill your home with warmth and charm for a fraction of what others pay.
Buy at the End of the Season for the Deepest Discounts
Pepaw’s number-one rule is simple: never buy décor before the season, always buy right after. Retailers slash prices by 50–90% within days of a holiday ending. Pepaw strolls in the morning after Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or the Fourth of July and fills his cart with markdown treasures.
He picks up string lights, wreaths, table décor, candles, wrapping paper, and themed kitchen towels at a fraction of their original cost. These items store well, and by the time the next holiday comes around, it feels like opening a treasure chest of bargains.
He says, “If you can stand to wait, you’ll save a whole heap of money.”
Explore Pepaw’s Guide to Stretching a Dollar at the Dollar Store for low-cost décor basics
Shop Discount Chains, Thrift Stores, and Clearance Corners
Pepaw doesn’t limit himself to big-box stores. He knows thrift stores, dollar stores, and liquidation outlets often carry seasonal goods at unbeatable prices. Many people donate décor after moving or redecorating, which means gently used items end up on shelves for pennies. Pepaw checks these stores regularly, especially after the holiday rush.
He also scouts clearance corners in major retailers, where off-season or slightly imperfect décor gets tucked away. A tiny scratch on a picture frame or a dented box can dramatically lower the price without affecting how it looks on your shelf.
Pepaw reminds shoppers never to underestimate a clearance aisle—it’s where most of his best finds come from.
For tips on clearance finds, don’t miss Pepaw’s Favorite Stores for Hidden Clearance Finds.
DIY and Upcycling: Décor That Costs Nearly Nothing
Pepaw enjoys making décor just as much as buying it. He uses leftover ribbons, mason jars, pinecones, old candles, scrap fabric, and even fallen branches from the backyard to create centerpieces and wreaths that look store-bought.
He’ll repaint last year’s decorations instead of replacing them and refresh old faux greenery with a bit of spray paint or a new bow. Pepaw keeps a small craft bin with hot glue, twine, and seasonal odds and ends. With just a few materials, he builds décor for far less than retail stores charge.
His philosophy is simple: “If you can fix it or dress it up, don’t throw it out.”
See Pepaw’s Guide to Affordable DIY Home Fix-Ups for DIY projects to refresh old décor.
Set a Small Seasonal Budget and Stick to It
Seasonal décor is fun, but Pepaw knows it’s easy to overspend when everything looks festive and inviting. To keep things under control, he sets a clear spending limit for each season, sometimes as low as $10 or $15. That limit sparks creativity and helps him choose items he genuinely loves, rather than making impulse buys. Plus, it helps curb impulse buys.
He also keeps track of what he already has, so he doesn’t duplicate items. A quick check of his décor bins saves money and keeps storage manageable. Buying intentionally, not emotionally, is Pepaw’s secret to staying both festive and frugal.
To add seasonal touches without spending extra, check Pepaw’s Guide to Freebies: Samples, Trials & Zero-Cost Goodies.
Pepaw’s Bottom Line
Pepaw believes decorating your home should bring joy, not financial stress. With precise timing, creative reuse, and a willingness to shop off-season, you can collect beautiful décor that celebrates each season at a fraction of the cost. Buy late, think creatively, and never underestimate the bargains hiding on clearance shelves. When you follow Pepaw’s approach, your home looks warm and welcoming without overspending.
