I’m looking to do a photo series where I photograph nativities in alleys. I’d like to leave the nativity in the alley for someone to find.
Does anyone know where I can get a bunch of nativity sets in bulk for cheap? Say… for 50 cents or less. I’ve searched at my local dollar store, eBay, Google Shopping, dollartreedirect.com, rhodeislandnovelty.com, akimports.net, orientaltrading.com, ssww.com, studentsupply.com, slambamfun.com, and plumparty.com. But none of these sources have nativities in bulk for cheap.
Where can I buy a bunch of nativities inexpensively?
The issue with most nativity scenes is that there are so many characters which must add to the price. Even the least expensive I was able to find [after a quick search for wholesale nativities”> were over $30 a set. I then had the idea to research cardboard nativity sets if only because I thought that cardboard sets would be less expensive than other materials, including plastic. I found a few, but they still weren’t cheap [way over 50 cents anyway”>. I’ll do some more sluething for you.
thanks tom! I wonder if they still make the nativity in the photo of this post.
What about Moody Bible or is that place still on Michigan around 180 N. called Paula’s? Maybe some of those types of places might have them. By the way, I’ve found Plum Party to be quite pricey more often than not. They are no longer my first go-to because I can find the same things they sell much cheaper elsewhere. I was also thinking of less expensive mail order catalogs like Lillian Vernon and Terry’s Village, but I don’t think you’ll find them at the price point you’re looking for even in those catalogs, but I’ve not lost faith!
Howdy! I’ve emailed a friend of mine who is in the little plastic things business. He said he’ll check some catalogs and see if there is a hot lead. He also said it would be worth it to call Oriental Trading to see if they can do a discount for bulk. B!
@Becky: You know someone in the little plastic things business!? WOW! @Tom: So far the cheapest place has been my local dollar store, the Dollar Tree (formerly Deal$) They are one dollar each. I might just stick with them and just do a lower quantity.
Have you found any bags of little nativity figures in your searches? like the little bags of cowboys & indians, dinosaurs, or army guys that you can get at the grocery store sometimes? I’m collecting those for a project, but I hadn’t thought of nativity figures (thanks for the idea). I think it’s time to visit the downtown novelty store.
try the hob lob (hobby lobby). All their Christmas stuff is “on sale” right now. I put “on sale” in quotes cuz the hob lob does price gouging. For example, they sell liquitex basics acrylic paint for $6. You can get it at Dick Blick for $4.50. Every once in a while the hob lob will discount the paint to 25% off, but you’re really not getting a good deal.
I bought the following set at the hob lob a couple years ago. The price says $3. The hob lob has a ton of stuff 50% off. So they may have this set for $1.50. Not quite the 50 cents you were hoping for, but it’s in the ballpark. http://unlikelymoose.com/transfer/nativity_00909.jpg
Sorry it took me a bit to get back.. the Little Plastic Thing Friend didn’t have any new info for you.. he receommended Oriental Trading Co, too. His own co. doesn’t make what you’re looking for. Wish I could’ve been more helpful!
today at the party supply store i found tiny mary-joseph-baby jesus sets, 3 pieces in a tiny bag for 59 cents. but they looked really awful, mostly due to the sloppy paint job (their skin was hot pink!) i’m not sure if that’s quite what you had in mind for your project. there were also some different, unpainted ones for 39 cents.