Buying last-minute gifts can be a chore but it is also a necessity if you want to keep your loved ones happy. So, what can you do? The thrift store could be the right place for you to go to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts. Hold on, did you crinkle your nose just now?
To some, re-gifting and thrift gifts for Christmas may sound like the most abhorrent thing to do, but for others, it’s a reasonable way to gather a few gifts from the heart and be proud to give!
Why Shop Christmas Gifts at the Thrift Store
We’ve got to remind you that there is a wide range of items at a thrift store that is brand new, or rarely or never used! All you have to do is pick the right items and refurbish some creatively to make for a lovely gift in the season.
Here are some tips for buying or repurposing inexpensive thrift store items to help you gift generously without running into debt! If you are really looking for creative ideas to send a token of love to your loved ones, but are on a tight Christmas budget, read on.
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Rules For Thrift Store Shopping
First, let’s clear up a few important rules for purchasing Christmas gifts at the thrift store:
- Do not buy any item that is stained, defective, or broken.
- The item should be in full working condition and, preferably, look good as new.
- Make a list of who you are buying for and what you want to give them.
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How to Buy Thrift Store Christmas Gifts on a Budget
- Look for designer labels on clothing, jewelry, bags/purses, and accessories. Many of these are nearly new but still affordable.
- If you are looking to give home decor items, check out the glassware, party platters, and pitchers. There are usually tons of beautiful candle holders and tea cup candles that are super easy on the pocket and so pretty too!
- For your Christmas party host, you can bake some cookies or candy and pack them nicely with love in inexpensive jars and candy dishes available at the thrift store. You could also buy tablecloths, placemats or any other kitchen decor accessory that looks new or near new.
- Buy books! Thrift stores have impressive collections of books that will delight kids and adults alike! You will find a ton of great reads, from series, pop-ups, and cardboard books, to coloring books, short stories, and all things crafty.
- Children get wowed by cute, small, sparkly, and fun play stuff. You can pack a book, toy or box full of those fancy sparkly things for craft or play. Toys can be a great bargain at thrift stores. If you have a teen, this works perfectly too. But try to be more meticulous in your choices, as teenagers tend to be harder to please!
- Try to think outside the box. Find an item that you can paint, refurbish creatively, or put a fun, inspiring quote on, to make a wall decor or house decor item. You could turn them into posters, photo frames, or showpieces with a dab of personalization.
Time Well Spent
It might take you some time to find the right gift from the thrift store. But know that the time spent will be every bit worth the money you will save. Just remember to ask yourself this before picking anything: ‘Would this gift make me happy if I got it?’
So here you go! Now you will agree that gifting this Christmas season can be done right even without emptying your wallet or hurting your bank balance.
