Buying Christmas ribbons gets difficult when stores are packed, shelves empty fast, and the best designs are gone before you even start shopping. You end up settling for colors or textures you don’t actually like.
The most popular ribbons always sell out early. Wired ribbons, plaid styles, metallic finishes, and classic holiday colors don’t stay in stock once the holiday rush kicks in.
Shopping with a clear plan helps you grab the good ribbons before they’re gone and avoid the last-minute hassle.
Why Planning Your Ribbon Shopping Matters
Planning ahead makes a big difference during the Christmas season. Ribbons are some of the first items shoppers grab, and once the popular colors and textures sell out, it becomes harder to match your theme or complete your projects. A little preparation helps you avoid settling for whatever’s left on the shelf.
Good planning also saves time and money. You get better choices, you avoid repeat trips to crowded stores, and you’re more likely to catch early discounts before prices go up. Most importantly, you’ll have everything you need on hand, which makes decorating smoother and less stressful.
With a simple plan, buying ribbons becomes easier and your holiday décor looks more put together from the start.
10 Tips on How to Buy Ribbons During the Christmas Season
1. Buy your ribbons early to avoid holiday rush
One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is waiting until mid-December to start buying ribbons. By that time, shelves are empty, popular colors are sold out, and prices tend to rise.
Starting early ideally as soon as stores release their holiday items helps you:
- Get first pick of the best designs
- Secure enough rolls for all your projects
- Avoid last-minute stress
- Take advantage of early-season discounts
Deco mesh ribbons are among the first crafting supplies to run out during the holidays, so early shopping gives you a big advantage. Many crafters also turn to reliable online craft stores such as BBcrafts, especially when local supply runs low.
2. Know the different types of ribbons available
Christmas ribbons come in many varieties, and each type serves a unique purpose. Before buying, familiarize yourself with the main types:
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Satin ribbons
Smooth and shiny, perfect for gift wrapping and elegant décor.
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Grosgrain ribbons
Textured and durable, great for bows, wreaths, and crafting.
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Velvet ribbons
Luxurious and bold, perfect for a classic Christmas theme.
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Wired ribbons
Must-haves for tree toppers, wreaths, and large bows as they hold their shape.
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Ribbon deco mesh
A favorite for wreath makers and DIY lovers. Deco mesh is flexible, lightweight, and great for adding volume and texture to holiday decorations. It’s ideal for Christmas wreaths, Garland, Oversized bows, Accent layers on Christmas trees and Table centerpieces.
Stores like BBcrafts offer a wide selection of ribbons in Christmas colors, making it easier to match your holiday theme.
3. Choose wired ribbons for structure and stability
If you want your bows and décor to look full and stay in shape, wired ribbons are your best friend. The thin wire along the edges makes shaping easier and allows your ribbons to stand firm.
For tree decorating and garlands, wired ribbon deco mesh is especially helpful because:
- It keeps its volume
- It holds twists and curls
- It adds dimension to your design
Without wire, your ribbons may droop or flatten, especially in humid environments.
4. Check the ribbon quality before buying
Not all ribbons are created equal. Some ribbons look good from afar but fray quickly, wrinkle easily, or feel flimsy. Before buying, inspect the ribbon’s:
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Material
High-quality ribbons feel sturdy and smooth. Deco mesh should have consistent weave and minimal loose strands.
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Edge Finish
Wired edges should be properly sealed. For non-wired ribbons, look for heat-sealed or stitched edges.
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Color Quality
Avoid ribbons that look faded or washed out. These may lose color faster under light exposure.
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Thickness
Thicker ribbons and ribbon deco mesh give better structure and appear more premium in holiday decorations.
5. Consider your christmas theme and color palette
Christmas ribbons come in every color imaginable from classic reds and greens to champagne gold, rustic burlap, icy silvers, and whimsical pastels. Before buying, determine your overall decorating theme.
Some ideas include:
- Classic Christmas: Red, green, gold, plaid
- Rustic Christmas: Burlap, cream, forest green
- Glam Christmas: Gold, black, champagne, glitter ribbons
- Winter Wonderland: Silver, white, icy blue
- Candy Cane Theme: Red and white stripes
Once your theme is set, you can shop for ribbons and deco mesh that complement each other instead of accidentally mixing clashing colors. Retailers such as BBCrafts provide options for every color palette and style, making theme-based shopping easier.
6. Know the right ribbon width for your project
The width of the ribbon affects the overall look of your decoration. Here’s a quick guide:
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1/4 to 1 inch (3–25mm)
Perfect for gift wrapping, small crafts, and accent details.
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2 to 2.5 inches (50–63mm)
Great for wreaths, tree ribboning, medium bows, and floral arrangements.
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4 inches and above
Best for large tree toppers, oversized bows, and dramatic garlands. Ribbon deco mesh typically comes in 10-inch and 21-inch widths ideal for wreath bases and fluffing up large décor.
Choosing the right width ensures your ribbons look balanced and intentional.
7. Buy more ribbon than you think you need
Crafting projects, especially Christmas decorating consume more ribbon than most people expect. Running out midway through decorating can be frustrating, especially if the store has already sold out.
A good rule of thumb is:
- For a 7–8 ft Christmas tree: 3–5 rolls of ribbon (depending on width and style)
- For wreaths: 1–2 rolls of ribbon deco mesh + 1–2 rolls of wired ribbon
- For garlands: 2–3 rolls per 9-foot garland
Extra ribbon is always useful for gifts, centerpieces, and last-minute décor.
8. Look for seasonal deals and bulk options
To save money, shop smart:
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Buy bundles or multi-roll packs
These are usually cheaper than buying individual rolls.
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Check online craft stores
They often have bigger selections of holiday ribbons and ribbon deco mesh.
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Visit discount stores early
Budget craft shops offer good-quality ribbons at low prices but they sell out fast.
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Watch for pre-Christmas sales
Many stores release discounts as early as September or October.
Suppliers such as BBCrafts frequently offer bulk pricing and large-quantity options, perfect for decorators, event planners, and DIY lovers.
9. Avoid common mistakes when buying ribbons
- Buying ribbon without checking length: Some rolls look big but only contain a few yards.
- Choosing only glitter ribbons: They’re beautiful but tend to shed. Mix with solid ribbons for balance.
- Not considering texture: Too many textures can make décor look messy.
- Skipping ribbon deco mesh: Deco mesh adds structure, fullness, and texture that regular ribbons can’t achieve.
Being aware of these mistakes helps you shop smarter and decorate more beautifully.
10. Store your ribbons properly after the season
Proper storage maintains quality and saves money for next year. Follow these easy steps:
- Roll them back onto their spools
- Secure edges with pins or tape
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight
Upgrade Your Holiday Decor with Quality Ribbons Today
Buying ribbons during the Christmas season should be exciting not confusing. With so many stunning options available from satin and velvet ribbons to the ever-versatile ribbon deco mesh you can transform any space into a festive masterpiece. Shopping early, understanding your decoration theme, and choosing high-quality supplies will help you achieve beautiful holiday results.
And if you’re looking for a reliable place to shop, BBCrafts is a trusted source for ribbons, deco mesh, and a wide range of crafting materials. Whether you’re decorating your home or working on multiple DIY holiday projects, having access to quality supplies makes all the difference.
