Thrift stores let you decorate for the holidays on a budget

The sights and sounds of the season are everywhere, the stockings hung by the chimney with care. You can never have too much holiday cheer, but decorations don’t have to drain your wallet.

It’s our Season of Savings, and we’re showing you what bargains we found shopping for used items.

Buying new can add up, especially if you’re decorating more than one room in your home or inside and out.

“You never know what you’re going to find,” said Carolyn Johnson, with Goodwill.

Johnson says decorations are flying off their shelves. We went to see what deals are still around.

At their first street boutique in Fort Myers, an artificial tree was $25. A new one at that price would be much smaller.

A bag of ornaments was $8.

If you need Santa hats or stockings, the Goodwill on McGregor Boulevard has them for $2. A Santa hat can run you $5 and a stocking around $11.

If you’re baking for someone and don’t want to worry about getting your plate back, they have those too for $2.

We also found a Christmas tree stand for $15. For a new one, it can be double the price.

Remember: Some thrift stores put the money toward a greater good.

“Ninety cents of every dollar goes back into our programs and services,” Johnson said. “We have our career resource centers where people can come in an upskill, get digital training. We have a resume preparation.”

Goodwill isn’t the only thrift store with decorations in Southwest Florida. The Salvation Army in south Fort Myers says it has small fake trees, lots of ornaments and decorations as well. St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store has things as well.

Reminder: Buying used keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill.