‘It’s my favorite time to go’

For Melanie Diaz, the magic of Christmas doesn’t come from shiny store shelves or online shopping — it’s found in the bin.

The dumpster diver has saved about $20,000 by taking gifts and decor from trash cans — including wreaths from Michaels and toys from TJ Maxx.

The 22-year-old Tampa, Florida resident has spent the past two years going dumpster diving in December and January — uncovering discarded holiday treasures that would otherwise go to waste.

“It’s my favorite time to go Christmas dumpster diving because they start throwing away a lot of Christmas stuff,” Diaz said.

“I like to save everything so I can put it in my house and decorate it for next year.â€

By frequenting the bins behind popular retailers like TJ Maxx, Burlington, Michaels, Jo-Ann Stores, Pop Shelf and Home Goods, she’s discovered a bounty of holiday items.

Some of her biggest finds happen early in the year when stores start clearing out leftover holiday inventory.

“My biggest finds are in January,” Diaz explained. “I went dumpster diving at the TJ Maxx store and found a lot — the bin was full to the brim.”

From 10 wreaths salvaged from Michael’s Christmas trees valued at about $400 to $500, Diaz has curated a festive collection.

She also picked up puzzles and dog toys from TJ Maxx, saving about $200 each, and countless other holiday items, including ornaments and socks.

The abundance was so overwhelming that Diaz had to ask for help.

“I had to bring my family to help me because it was too much,” she recalls.

“I remember we got everything in the cars and the next day we had a garage sale. We also kept most things. It was unbelievable.â€

Her discoveries also include festive shirts and cookware.

“I’ve found Christmas trees before, Christmas ornaments and Christmas decor in general – creations of all kinds,” said the content creator.

“I find Christmas shirts and table decorations or Christmas things for the kitchen and things like that.”

But while trees and ornaments are “definitely” her favorites, it’s not just about saving money — Diaz also likes to share her finds with others.

“I start saving everything for myself for the next year,” she explained.

“And I also give some things to my friends and my family. I don’t sell anything I find.â€