As we head into the Christmas season I want to help you be more focused on Jesus than spending too much money! I hope these 16 Ways to Buy Thrift Store Christmas Gifts on a Budget will help you not to stress and will save a ton of money!
You may also like this DIY post about The Best DIY Christmas Gifts Ever! Since there’s no such thing as a Christmas Thrift Store I’ll show you some of my Best Tips for scoring some great gifts for the holiday season! They are awesome and I think you’ll love them.
I mean have you ever wondered if it’s ok to buy cheap Christmas gifts at your local thrift store? To some, this may be the most horrifying thing imaginable, but for others, it’s a reasonable and wonderful way to gather the perfect gift from the heart.
I’ll show you just how to buy a second-hand gift for Christmas that you can buy brand new or repurpose and still be proud to give!!
We spent many years on an extremely tight budget and it was hard to find a great gift while shopping for Christmas gifts that were nice and we felt good about giving to a family member or friend.
If you’ve read my Ultimate Thrift Store Guide to Successful Clothes Shopping ~ 15 Tried and True Tricks from a Pro then you’ll know that I know what I’m talking about here for buying and giving thrifted Christmas gifts!
16 Ways to Buy Thrift Store Christmas Gifts on a Budget
Not everyone can afford to go out and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a Christmas present. There have been years when we have been so financially broke that we have HAD to purchase at least a few Christmas gifts at the Thrift Store.
Yes, we had a little extra money, but not enough for a ton of department store gifts, so I’ve learned how to be a wise shopper but still give super nice second hand gift from the Thrift Store.
If re-gifting and thrift stores turn your stomach, this post may not be for you. Or if you have a fantastic income that allows for many extra purchases at this time of year, then this post may not be for you either. BUT… just in case you are curious, read on!
There are rules to purchasing Christmas Gifts at the Thrift Store. Of course, I made them up BUT I think you will agree, that these rules need to be adhered to!
What NOT to buy for gifts at the thrift store!
- DO NOT buy anything that is stained, torn, faded, etc. Clothing items must be as good as new.
- DO NOT purchase kitchen appliances that are rusty, stained, or outdated. They can be dangerous. Think electrical.
- DO NOT purchase items that are cracked, chipped, or just plain broken!
I knew you would agree!
The How and What You CAN Buy for Christmas Gifts
- Many items at a thrift store are brand new, never worn, and never used. Keep an eye out for these things. They may cost a tad more, but not much! I’d say $4.99 for a new fashionable clothing item is a great deal!
- Have a list of who you are buying for and what you are looking for.
- Look for designer labels on clothing, jewelry, bags/purses, and accessories. Many of these are like new because the “previous owner” took great care of something quite expensive.
- If you are looking for party gifts/hostess gifts, this is the perfect place! Check out the glassware, the party platters, and the pitchers. Bake some homemade Cookies or Candy and deliver something special to your hostess.
- Buy books! The books that Thrift Stores has are amazing! Especially children’s books. You will find a TON of great ones! Series, pop ups, crafty, cardboard books, coloring books… just about anything!
- There are usually tons of beautiful candle holders (teens love candles)
- Think outside of the box…what can you paint, mod podge with fun photos. Buy a serving tray like this one or old globe and paint with chalk board paint. Write a beautiful scripture on it or a fun quirky quote!
- If you have little girls, one of the things I loved to do was buy a super fancy pretty little pocket book/purse, you know those fancy sparkly ones and put fun stuff in it. Chapstick, a comb, brush (not from the Thrift Store) So fun and only a couple dollars compared to a department store. Or if you have a teen, this works perfect too…they are pickier though.
- You can also buy pretty art, or ugly art. Make sure the frame is pretty then… If you buy some ugly art, paint over it with chalkboard paint or mod podge a cute quote onto it.
- Buy picture frames and use for Grandma and Grandpa for Grandchildren pictures.
- You know that wall with all of the little bags hanging on it full of this and that. Go look at them! There is some pretty cool stuff in those plastic bags. Think stocking stuffers, homeschool learning.
- Those plastic bags full of this and that also contain lots of kitchen items. Cookie Cutters, unique utensils and many are brand new!
- I’m pretty picky when it comes to small kitchen appliances, Probably because I cook so much, but these need to be new or near new or I won’t buy it.
- Make sure anything electronic works before you purchase it and again new or near new.
- Toys can be a great bargain at Thrift Stores and actually I’m thinking of doing a whole other guide on that since I’m a bit picky on this one.
- I also love to purchase table clothes, place mats, aprons…anything new or near new. The place mats make great Homemade Heating Pads!
- Ok I know the post says 16 but I remembered another fun gift I’ve made…Tea Cup Candles! These are super easy and oh so pretty!
How to turn thrift store finds into Christmas gifts
The whole key to successfully buying Thrift Store Christmas Gifts is this…ask yourself “Would I like a gift like this?”
It’s going to take time to find just the right gift, just as with a regular department store, but it’s worth it for the money you will save.
Think outside of the box too! Look for jars and candy dishes that you can fill with your love! If you simply can’t find something, you can always get very inexpensive pretty jars on amazon and you don’t even have to leave your house! LOL
Thrift Stores often sell Yarn too, so if you knit or crochet you are in luck! Or once again…if you can’t find the color or texture you’d like for your project… you can find great yarn deals online!
I hope that you found some ideas here that will ease the burden of overspending at Christmas time. Remember what the season is truly about and just because you have a heart for giving and a limited income, doesn’t mean you can’t give something beautiful.
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If you’ve decided that Making homemade thrift store gifts isn’t for you…then maybe this gift guide is for you!
More Money Saving Ideas:
Saving Money by Buying What’s on Sale When ~ Free 4 Page Printable for Yearly Sales
Save Money Furniture Shopping
7 Ways to Save Money When Purchasing Meat
