Thrifting for secondhand Christmas gifts is not just budget-friendly, it’s also a thoughtful way to give something personal that stands out from generic store-bought presents. While some might think gifting secondhand is tacky, we thrifters know better! A thrifted gift shows you’ve put care into finding something special that suits the person. To make secondhand Christmas gifts more special, I like to turn it into part of a themed collection. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Related: 10 best thrift stores in Winnipeg (that aren’t Value Village)
Home Décor Gift Collections
- Coffee Table Decor: Pair together a large, vintage book, a small tray, and a quirky knick-knack for some ready-to-go coffee table decor.
- Art: Find three coordinating frames (never mind if the original art in them is ugly!) and download digital prints to have them printed locally. Instant gallery wall! The art can be customized based on your loved one’s style and interests.
- Plants: Look for a cute vintage planter or upcycle an item like a mug or tin canister. Add a potted plant for a personal touch. (Note: Best gifted to those who already take care of houseplants otherwise you might be gifting them a new chore!)
Cozy Beverage Gift Collections
- Mugs + Tea/Coffee: Find a cute secondhand mug and pair it with a bag of fancy tea or coffee.
- Vintage Glassware + Drinks: Pair colourful vintage glassware or tumblers with ingredients to make your loved one’s favourite cocktail or mocktail.
- Champagne Set: Gift a pair of secondhand champagne flutes with a bottle of bubbly or fancy sparkling water.
Foodie Gift Collections
- Candy Dish: Find a vintage dish and fill it with their favourite wrapped candies or chocolates.
- Cookbook Combo: Pair a secondhand cookbook with a vintage casserole dish or serving platter. Add fun, thrifted dish towels, tablecloth or napkins for extra charm.
- Snack Set: A chip-and-dip platter with some premium chips and a dip mix makes for an instant elevated snack situation.
Relaxation + Fun Gift Collection
- Games Night Kit: Shop for a secondhand board game or puzzle along with microwave popcorn and candy for at-home fun. Tip: Count the puzzle pieces (or assemble it yourself if you have the time!) to make sure it’s not missing any pieces.
- Blanket + Book: Pair a thrifted blanket with a thrifted book. This is easy to cater to different interests!
- Thrifted Sweater: My favourite thing to shop secondhand also makes a great gift. They’re timeless and often waaaaay better quality per $$ than buying new!
Get inspired!
The best part about thrifting is you just never know what you’ll find! Make a list of people you need gifts for as well as a few notes about what they like. Then hit up your favourite thrift store and see what speaks to you! Consider how it can be paired with a consumable to make it part of a collection.
Thrifted gifts can be meaningful, unique, and more fun to shop for than hitting up Amazon or the mall. With a little creativity, you can put together thoughtful presents that your loved ones will adore. Plus, who doesn’t love a gift with a story behind it? Happy thrifting!
