Holidays are hands down my favourite time of the year – so much so that you could call me a fanatic. Every year on November 1, I become in full holiday mode. Yeah, I’m one of those people. And it may be the turkey, the thought of christmas carols playing by a fireplace, or the laughs that are sure to arise from family feasts… but mostly it’s just the spirit that’s in the air. 

Some people say the commercialism of it all kills the spirit, but I feel like it’s additive. It’s the one time of the year we’re focussed on giving, encouraged to spend at least a full week dedicated to the ones we love, and it’s when you truly feel bad for doing anything… well, bad. 

For my family, the holidays have always been super special. My grandmother passed away around Christmas time and it’s always been that time of year that’s bittersweet, but really full of love. We made a point of making traditions like spending a full night putting up a Christmas tree together and setting up the timer for CHUM FM’s holiday channel to play everyday as soon as we wake up.

Tradition is being a little tweaked this year because it’s Dave and my very first Christmas in our new house. It’s a bit different than the normal year, but we’re excited about it! Our house may not be full renovated yet, but we’re committed to getting our living room and first floor done, just so that I can have a little Christmas decor set up (I’d be heartbroken if I didn’t have a tree).

Since the #MortgageLife is real, I’ve rounded up some of 17 of the best holiday decor items on a budget I could find…

Add That Affordable Sparkle

Alphabet DIY LED ($9.33)

Nothing like adding a little monogram/custom cheer to your home. I love that these glowing letters are perfect for the holidays but could be used long after the new year has been rung in. And for less than $10? You can’t go wrong.

Starry String Lights With Remote ($16.99)

Literally the cutest decor on a budget you could find. You know those Instagram images with the cute fairy lights in the background – these are it. And they’re $16.99. For all you photographers and vloggers out there, this is what you’ve been looking for… and it’s remote controlled!

LED Clip String Lights ($16.99)

I love the idea of polaroids and stringing them up as decor. String these up, capture all your holiday memories, and clip them up as you go. Putting love up on a beautiful display!

Classic LED Christmas Light Set ($27.29)

For my timeless lovers out there, these perfectly warm LED lights add the cutest touch of glow and sparkle to any room or patio for the holidays.

Adorn Your Tree For Less

Pencil Tree With Lights ($69.99)

This is the first year Dave and I actually had to buy our own tree! And I know my city-slicking friends in condos know this struggle. It’s about finding something that fits and is easy to put up and this under $100 baby has the lights already installed. Win!

Silver Tree Top Star ($28.99)

Tree-tops hold a really special meaning to me and my family. We put up my grandmother’s every year and it always brings my dad to tears. Dave and I are starting our own heirloom with this modernized baby that sparkles like no other (especially under $30).

24 pc Ornament Set ($5.99)

This is probably one of the best deals on this list. Before having our own tree, we didn’t realize how expensive ornaments could be. For $6, we’ve basically decorated the entire front half of our tree. Huge score (and even better price than the dollar store haha)!

74 pc Ornament Set ($29.65)

I like a lot of ornaments on my tree and this 74 piece set adds just the right amount of filler sparkle around my bigger and more statement making ornaments. For less than $30, I still haven’t found a retailer that beats it.

Sprinkle Some Holiday Spirit

Artificial Wreath With Bow ($20.26)

You can’t do the holidays without a wreath! And I’m loving how warm and artisan this one looks. The gold and twine bow fits perfectly with our aesthetic and adds the perfect subtle holiday charm to any door.

54 pc Wooden Pine Cones ($15.69)

Use them as ornaments, centre pieces, or hang them from your ceiling… this 54 piece set will help you sprinkle frosted holiday warmth all over your house. And for less than $0.30 per piece… you could even use them to add a bit of luxe to your holiday wrapping.

MAKO Christmas Santa Sacks ($18.99)

These are literally the cutest things on this list. Use them to decorate the floor near your tree, or perhaps add some gifts inside to add some unique flare to your gift giving. I love the versatility of these burlaps.

White Christmas Chalkboard Throw Pillow ($14.88)

I couldn’t not put throw pillows on this list. Amazon is the best for seasonal throw pillows… especially if you switch them up as often as I do haha for less than $15, I feel like it’s fully justified

Let It Snow Throw Pillow ($24)

I’ve been looking for a burlap throw pillow for a while and this one adds the perfect holiday touch to our modern industrial home aesthetic.

Nest Fragrances – Holiday Candle ($46.66)

Cheaper than buying it in the retailers, this candle is THE single best thing that will add holiday flare to your home. The scent isn’t plastic-y, nor is it too sweet that it gives you a headache. It also burns for 60 hours, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

Sequin Holiday Runner ($21.99)

We’re getting a wooden dining table, so this sparkly centre piece adds just the right amount of sparkle to our modern rustic home. I love that it can be used for so many holidays (not just Christmas). Versatility is key to living on a budget!

4 pack Burlap Stockings ($24.41)

Can you tell I love Burlap? These are the perfect minimalist stockings to add some modern rustic flare to your home. I love that you can also customize them or use them as gift giving packages.

White Cable Knit Faux Fur Stocking ($15.75)

This one’s for me. I love cable knit for the holidays and this is the cutest stocking ever. I think I actually saw this exact one around the mall for $40+ dollars. Here’s to adding luxe gems to our decor… without spending a luxe price!

I love that these items put up a sophisticated holiday spirit without breaking the bank. As much as I love the holidays, it does only happen once a year and I love changing up my themes every year (which would really rack up a bill). But whatever your holiday decor looks like, I hope that most of all, your home is filled with love, cheer, joy, and lots and lots of laughter (the best decor on the market).

Happy start to the holiday friends!