I don’t know about you, but if you’re a blogger you might be obsessed with blog props as much as I am; especially when you realise how pretty they can make your photos look. That being said, if I have learnt anything over the past 2 years it’s that you cannot create a huge selection of blog props overnight. Oh and when you see them you have to buy them! Stupidly I have spent so long putting off buying little bits and pieces, that I’ve never really built up my collection until the past few months. I quickly realised how much better my photos look with them and decided to bite the bullet and start picking out the best pieces.
I find buying blog photography props is just like picking out the best pieces for your wardrobe. You need things that are staple pieces (*cough* marble background), things that are versatile and of course a few bits that are seasonal or applicable to certain posts. Let’s be honest, blogmas isn’t quite the same without all the glitter, reindeer prints and general festiveness! With that in mind, I knew I really needed to start working on my collection of blog props, but I also didn’t want to take out a bank loan to do it. So, with a budget in mind I managed to pick up some bits recently that I absolutely love and haven’t had to spend too much. Today I thought I would share the best places to buy things that cost £10 or less!
Homesense / TK Maxx
Homesense and TK Maxx are one of my favourite places ever, not only for blogging bits, but just for home wear in general. They are perfect for adorable notebooks, flowers, mugs and just all things flatlay worthy! This marble notebook was only £3.99 and the candle was only £6.99. I also found some really nice diffusers that were in the sale for £3 each. My mum even managed to bag herself a Kate Spade diary for £5.99!
Ebay
You might have seen on my Instagram stories recently that I had the biggest package ever delivered; containing what I think is the best blogging purchase ever! I am now the proud owner of a giant marble tile. I have had your standard sticky back plastic before, but this is so much better. It’s a little bit heavier/bulkier, but I plan on having it in my office soon, so this won’t really bother me. To top it off this investment was only £5!
Supermarkets
Tesco, Sainsburys, and Asda usually have fantastic blogging bits from candles, mugs, notebooks, flowers, plants, to magazines and more. You can also pick up some really good books in most supermarkets too. They are normally less than £10 and I find these are a great edition to most blog photos. Failing that, there is always Amazon. I have been stocking up on some great books and here are the ones I’ve been loving lately. (She Means Business / #Girlboss / Girl Code)
Ikea
Ahhh Ikea – the black hole of home wear. Last time I took a trip to Ikea, I gave in and bought the faux sheep skin rug that was only £10 as well as a blanket (this was £15, but I use it at home and not just for blogging bits) and some fake flowers that were only 40p each! It’s always a good place to top up your prop collection no matter what you need.
Home Bargains/B&M
I think I hit the jackpot of blogger props last time I went to Home Bargains. There were so many gorgeous things and they were all so reasonable. I managed to pick up this little rose gold jewellery plate/tray for £1.99 This gorgeous tea cup for £2.99, these little note paper clips and lots more! They also have the infamous prosecco candles at the moment too, not to mention the gin & tonic ones! The only downside is that both Home Bargains and B&M seem to have a fast turn around of stock so you have to snap up the bargains as soon as you see them!
I am loving the prop collection I have built so far! I can’t wait to use it all and add to it as the year goes on. A lot of the things I have bought I would keep around my house or use on a daily basis, so I get the most use for my money, but I would also recommend some sort of storage box to keep the other bits in. I have a big plastic box that sits at the bottom of my wardrobe, so I know where it all is and it keeps it all tidy. I’ve definitely learnt that you do not need to spend a fortune to get lovely props you just need to shop around a little.
Great informative post, will definitely be visiting some of these shops!!x
Thank you, they are brilliant places, definitely recommend them! 🙂
I love the marble background. Awesome idea. I haven’t started making my own photos yet, mainly because I don’t really have anything to showcase lol. Love this really.
Thank you, it was definitely a good little purchase! I love taking photos of everything lol x
I am always looking for cute stuff to brighten up blog photos with, thank you for sharing these tips!
x Annabelle
travelsandtea.com
Thank you, so glad you found it helpful! I love adding to my little blog prop collection! x
I love your photography! Blog props can really make or break a photo. Great tips for where to find them! I never would’ve thought about my local supermarket. I’ll have to stop at Ikea for fake flowers!
Jenn │ Beauty by Jelly Bean
Thank you so much, that is so kind of you! I always hunt down the bits and pieces in the supermarket they are some of the best bits! 🙂
I love going to Home Bargains and B&M, always cute stuff for such a good price, I have that tea set too!
Leah x
http://www.leahmarriott.co.uk
Yaaaay so glad im not the only one! I love B&M too x
I usually go to the supermarket or drugstore to buy my props but I’ll check out the other places you mentioned. Great list!
Thank you – I love the supermarkets too!
This is a great idea post. I know what you mean about all the little trinkets needed for blog pics. I’m obsessed with finding the right items now. I recently raided Michael’s for a few things. And I didn’t even buy a marble board, I have a secret ‘cheat’ for it lol. It’s so good to find great places to find things without breaking the bank.
Thank you! I have heard so many good things about Michael’s I miss living in America as we don’t have it here in the UK. X
I see so many people buying stock photos all the time and even have to buy them myself for clients that I cant hwlp but say that this was a pleasant and surprising read.
Believe it or not I have found beautiful things that could be used at Michaels, garden ridge, old time pottery, dollar tree, dollar general hobby lobby, garage sales, flea markets, goodwill and other thrift stores all on clearance or at deeply discounted prices.
What you buy doesnt have to be expensive. It just needs to fit your brand and vision.
Excellent post.
Again, absolutely great post
Thank you! I completely agree with you, there is no need to spend silly amounts of money on these things! You just have to shop around for them and keep an eye out for all the little bits!
I haven’t looked in Tkmaxx with blog props in mind – Quite excited to go out and have a look around all these places
hayley // hayleyxmartin.com
Its definitely worth checking it out, they have some beautiful pieces! 🙂
Love all these ideas! I managed to get a marble style patterned tile (although it was a cappuccino colour) for 20p in the B&Q sale! It’s the size A3 paper, so that’s by far my biggest blogging bargain ?
Oh my goodness that is absolutely amazing! I feel like I need to hunt down the B&Q sales now!