Have you started decorating for the holiday season? Goodwill of Orange County is here to help you get inspired! This year, the big trends are thrifting and DIY holiday decor—bringing creativity, sustainability, and festive charm to your home.
💙 Why Goodwill OC?
When you shop and thrift with Goodwill of Orange County, you’re doing more than finding affordable treasures:
- You’re discovering unique items that make your home stand out and feel magical.
- You’re giving items a second life, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability.
- You’re building community impact because every purchase helps fund services that empower individuals to achieve independence.
So while you’re crafting unique holiday pieces, you’re also making a difference right here in Orange County.
✨ DIY Decor Ideas
1. Bow Garlands
Steps:
- Thrift vintage fabric or ribbon.
- Tie the bows tightly and hot-glue the sides together.
- Repeat until you reach your desired length.
2. Holiday Chains
Holiday chains are trending all over social media, and you can make yours stand out with thrifted materials.
Steps:
- Thrift linen, fabric, or even old book pages.
- Cut strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
- Glue or staple circles together to form a chain.
📚 Our favorite twist: use book pages! They add unexpected texture and charm to your holiday decor.
3. Painted Candles
- Thrift plain candles and paint festive designs, such as candy canes, stripes, or stars.
- Display them in thrifted glass bottles or vintage glassware for a high-end look.
4. Thrifted Art Makeover
Take a thrifted painting and transform it into a winter wonderland or gingerbread town. It’s interactive, fun, and adds a personal touch to your holiday decor.
5. Book Tree
Stack books to create a festive “tree.” If you don’t have enough similar-sized books, visit your nearest Goodwill OC to thrift some.
📚 Don’t miss our Marketplace books—just $0.99 each! This could be your most affordable DIY project yet.
🎁 Wrapping Presents with a Twist
The linen section at Goodwill OC is underrated, and it’s a perfect aisle for DIY projects. Try these eco-friendly wrapping ideas:
Fabric Wrapping
- Wrap gifts in fabric or add a fabric bow to traditional wrapping paper.
- Use thrifted t-shirts as wrapping—bonus: the shirt becomes part of the gift!
Methods:
- Direct Wrap: Lay the shirt flat, place the gift in the center, and tie the sleeves.
- Gift Bag: Sew the bottom hem closed, place the gift inside, and tie the top.
- Fold & Roll: Roll the shirt tightly like a burrito and tie with ribbon.
Jar Gifts
Small gifts shine when presented in jars. Here are some creative ideas:
Food Gifts
- Baking mixes layered with dry ingredients.
- Hot cocoa or chai tea kits.
- Candied nuts or homemade sauces.
Spa & Wellness Gifts
- Bath salts with essential oils.
- DIY sugar scrubs.
Decor & Personal Gifts
- LED fairy lights (“fireflies”).
- Potpourri blends.
- Party game prompts.
🌟
DIY holiday decor is about more than saving money—it’s about creativity, sustainability, and making memories. By thrifting with Goodwill of Orange County, you’re not only crafting unique holiday pieces but also supporting your community and giving items a second life.