I know I’m not alone when I say that I love decorating for Christmas. And while I covet those classic, family heirloom-style pieces that make me nostalgic for my childhood holidays at Grandma’s, I love modern decor mixed in as well. That means that at the top of my tree you might see an angel that’s been passed down through generations, but a funky cactus ornament might also catch your eye that I snagged at a local boutique—just because I like it. (And by “local boutique” I mean Target. Have you seen the Target Christmas decorations?!)

To me, it’s those outside-the-box pieces that really make a statement in holiday design. You know the ones—the colorful wreath on your front door that stop guests in their tracks. Or the whimsical candle set everyone comments on. Or an unexpected centerpiece that makes your friends and family say, “OMG I LOVE THAT! Where’d you get it?” as they sit down for dinner. Well, not surprisingly (because they have everything), there’s a good chance your response will be “Target, of course.”

From retro-inspired ornaments to textured throw pillows that look like they should cost three times as much, there’s a seemingly endless supply of decor that could totally pass for family heirlooms right off the shelf. And unlike family heirlooms, you won’t have to worry when your overly enthusiastic toddler gets within ten feet of them. (Just me?)

I’ve curated a list of my favorites that feel right at home with vintage treasures. And listen, if you want to spin a tale about how your great-grandma trotted them out each holiday alongside her tinsel-laden tree, go right ahead. Your secret is safe with me.

Looking for gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Shop the Target Christmas decorations we're crushing on below!

Wondershop Pre Lit Alberta Spruce Mini Christmas Tree

Wondershop

Pre Lit Alberta Spruce Mini Christmas Tree

$25

At just three feet tall, this pre-lit cutie is perfect for you kid’s room or even as the main event if you’ve got a small space.

Wondershop Retro North Pole Radio

Wondershop

Retro North Pole Radio

$25

Word on the street is that this retro gem is one of this year’s Wondershop must-haves. And given the smiles it’s bound to elicit when your little one flips through the North Pole radio stations and Christmas songs, it’s no surprise why!

Wondershop 9-Piece Wooden Christmas Nativity Set

Wondershop

9-Piece Wooden Christmas Nativity Set

$20

If you’ve ever scoured Ebay for a mid-century Nativity set up (#guilty), this Mary Blair-esque set up could scratch the itch. Complete with eight colorful wooden figures and a simple little manger, we won’t tell it’s not vintage if you don’t.

Wondershop 6-Piece Sisal Christmas Bottle Brush Tree Set

Wondershop

6-Piece Sisal Christmas Bottle Brush Tree Set

$10

Bottle brush trees are one of my favorite enduring holiday decorations. This set of six colorful tress of various sizes look adorable as part of your village or in clusters across the mantle!

Wondershop Galvanized Metal House Christmas Village Kit

Wondershop

Galvanized Metal House Christmas Village Kit

$50

Sure, collecting can be half the fun but sometimes you just want to knock it out in one fell swoop. This industrial metal village comes to life with tea lights tucked inside and is filled out with a family of minimalist snow people and bottle brush trees. Consider your holiday tabletop display done.

Opalhouse Cotton Christmas Tree Pillow

Opalhouse

Cotton Christmas Tree Pillow

$20

Who (besides my partner who gives me couch-related grief on the daily) doesn’t love a good throw pillow? With a variety of colors, sizes and textures they’re like jewelry for your furniture. I am very much in love with this seasonal stunner which brings a cozy dash of cheer to the living room and looks far more expensive than it is.

Wondershop Christmas Tree Coundown Calendar Throw Pillow

Wondershop

Christmas Tree Coundown Calendar Throw Pillow

$10

This one even doubles as a holiday countdown! (Cue the bickering over which kid gets to move the candy cane each day.)

Wondershop 2-Piece Taper Glass Christmas Candle Holder Set

Wondershop

2-Piece Taper Glass Christmas Candle Holder Set

$15

While these don’t scream Christmas! I’m including them because obviously. I mean, just look at them. They’re simple and gorgeous and throughout the holiday season I am happiest when surrounded by enough candles for the dog to look concerned. And because I can’t abide by competing scents, the best option is a small army of taper candles. (Similar to my throw pillow problem, I am a firm believer that you can never have too many candle holders. It’s just who I am as person.)

Wondershop Flocked Standing Deer Figurine

Wondershop

Flocked Standing Deer Figurine

$5

With a vintage, minimalist vibe, this super affordable plastic textured deer figuring looks just as sweet perched on the mantle as it would in your kiddo’s room. And at 12.5 inches tall, it’s a great size for the price!

Wondershop Festive Fabric Christmas Garland

Wondershop

Festive Fabric Christmas Garland

$20

Like Ken, Santa’s job is simple. It’s just “Christmas.” This adorable sign gets right to the point and we’re totally here for it.

Wondershop Retro Deer Ornament

Wondershop

Retro Deer Ornament Pair

$3

Authentic retro ornaments aren’t exactly kid friendly. In part because they’re paper thin enough to break if you look at them wrong. But the bigger concern is the fact they’re often made with unsafe levels of lead, mercury and who knows what else. If you want the look without the worry, opt for this adorable pair of 50s vintage-vibe deer. (They’re still glass though, so put them up high!)

 

Wondershop Fabric Dinosaur Ornament Set

Wondershop

Fabric Dinosaur Ornament Set

$10

Parenting pro-tip: Fabric ornaments can’t be broken. And because there’s nothing your kid is going to want more than to handle, hang and harass anything you put on your tree, non-breakable is where it’s at. These super cute dinos are perfect for a kid-friendly tree but are available in a variety of other shapes–like Christmas lights– as well. (RIP to the ornaments of yore lost to butter-fingered toddlers and overly curious pets.)

Wondershop Gingerbread Playhouse Christmas Tree Ornament Set

Wondershop

Gingerbread Playhouse Christmas Tree Ornament Set

$100

With a mix of styles and lots of color, this kit gives you the whole shebang to decorate a kids’ bedroom tree or to beef up your collection. Each one is made of fabric or shatterproof materials to keep stress levels to a minimum. Well, ornament-related stresses anyway. We can’t solve everything.

A version of this article was published December 1, 2021. It has been updated.