Sir Thrift-A-Lot ♥


Monday, July 23, 2012

Sir Thrift-A-Lot: Oh Christmas Tree


For about 2 years I have been searching the thrifts, scouring Kijiji & Craigslist for an aluminum Christmas tree, so my fiance & I can celebrate the holidays in style. The only trees I ever came across were at a vintage shop called Funky Junky & I do believe they were charging $300 for this tree... At the time I saw it, it was 50% off, so actually was only $150. Ahh, nah thanks. It looked like a pile off trash, too.


So, been looking on eBay. Buying on off season you still have some fierce bidding, but pretty much like all auctions, I got the item I wanted. Shipping on this item to Canada was too good - $15! Another seller was selling a vintage Sparkler & was charging $125! Are these people insane? 


Anyways, final selling price? $30.
A total of $45 for my vintage Sparkler aluminum tree. 
Can't wait until it arrives in its new home.  
(pics are from eBay auction)

I'm not looking for some vintage pink & blue Shiny Brites - you think they will go well with this tree?

Joining up with Flea Market Finds.
Also linking up with Christmas in July:



I will also be picking up this beauty this Wednesday, as well as doing a little shopping. Luckily, I found a lid a couple weeks back for this size at Salvation Army for $2.99! LUCKKKKY!! 


14 comments:

  1. That's a great shipping price for the tree - I agree, some of those rates are just too crazy!

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  2. You got the tree for a really good price and you are right about high shipping fees. I never look for just Pyrex lids, but thanks to your blog post I am going to start looking for lids to my Pyrex beauties!

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    1. I stock pile on lids, got a box somewhere. Goodwill has been a god send. Only some Value Village shops seem to sell them separately, same goes for Salvation Army.

      I was at a Value Village shop & production didn't mark the 2 pieces as 2X, so the cashier wouldn't sell it to me. The manager came & said, we don't sell lids separate here & said production made a mistake (so I got it), so guess they stock pile too so they can hike up the price!

      Hope you find some Paulette!

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  3. So funny! I grew up with an aluminum tree! We had all green balls and the color wheel. My mom's sister had the same tree but she had all red balls! Of course they are long gone now. Have fun with your "new" tree this Christmas!
    Linda

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    1. Oooh, they sounded like fun trees!

      Thanks Linda! We will.

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  4. A perfect example of my junking philosophy: If you wait, it will come! Sadly, while I wait to find a vintage one, I've settled for a repro. Can't wait to see your tree all decorated this Christmas!
    Happy Thrifting!
    Carol

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    1. Thanks Linda!

      I have the same one. I think in a shop, even a thrift around here, since this tree is complete & in a box, it would have cost me just about the same.

      Good luck on your hunt for a vintage one!

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  5. My Gosh I know what you mean! I wanted an Aluminum tree since I was 9 and my mom made me throw my great grand mothers away. I ended up paying $80 for my 4 ft "pine" model in 2008 and I don't regret it at all! However I do secretly long for a big 6ft one... someday perhaps!

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    1. Awwe, that sucks! I just visited my grandfather & he is aggressively trying to give away my grandmothers Christmas tree, now that she is in a home & not very there, they will not be using it. He said they used to love to decorate it together & he wants to give it someone in the family... if I hadn't just bought a Christmas tree.. No one in the family wants it, my sister told me.

      I think I'm going to be in the same boat - secretly longing for a 6foot one. This guy is only 4 foot.

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  6. what an awesome tree at a great price. I keep looking for one too and I told my sister to look but if she finds one, she will probably keep it. love how professional the picture looks sitting on the washer with the towel draped behind it. Really? They couldn't find a better spot?

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  7. i love those trees. my friends mom does a whole room in them every year. juset perfect! shiny brites are the only way to go!

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  8. Hey I just won a tree off ebay for $24.99 shipping was $11.17 I was pretty stoked because earlier last week I had bid on a tree for .99 and one day before the auction was to end, the seller cancelled my bid and ended his listing. what a jerk. He now has it at BIN for $125 Mine is only a small 3 foot one :-(

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