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Let’s Go Thriftmas Shopping!
It’s green to the rescue! Giving green saves you green without sacrificing great gifts.
There’s a silver lining to our country’s economic downturn and it’s GREEN! With an open mind and some creativity, you don’t have to turn into a Scrooge and give up really great gift giving. This holiday season go green and experience the value and FUN of “Thriftmas Shopping”! Because there’s a little more time and effort involved in Thriftmas Shopping, don’t be surprised if your gifts are even better and more personalized than the kind that come from “a store”. The Grinch had it right when he said that “maybe the holidays perhaps mean a little bit more.”
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Thriftmas Shopping:
noun 1. The act of a person who explores for that perfect holiday gift at a thrift store.
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There are definitely some things to consider when giving recycled gifts or regifting, as these gifts are admittedly not for everyone on your list. Realistically not all of your holiday shopping can be completed without stepping into the mall or shopping online, and that’s okay! Try mixing it up; combine something old with something new to create out-of- this-world gifts at down to earth prices like this thrift store picnic basket, two pewter goblets, vintage tablecloth and Bon Appétit Outdoor Entertaining Cookbook filled with store bought fresh herbs and Pellegrino: All of this was purchased for the price of one new cookbook!
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10 helpful Thriftmas Shopping Tips:
- Create a list of all the people you want to shop for and list out any special hobbies, interests, collections, clothing sizes, favorite colors, requested items, etc.
- Shop “second” first. Venture out to the thrift store first to see if you can find any of the gifts on your list- or score a special treasure.
- So you found a great recycled treasure? Congratulations! Before you buy it and gift it, you need to be certain the gift is something the recipient would enjoy and that he or she would appreciate a green gift. If they’re that sort of guy or gal, you might even want to share the fact that you have taken the time and effort to give the a green gift on a special gift tag. (Click here to print out special GREEN gift tags.)
- Thriftmas gifts must be clean and in excellent condition! Be prepared to use a little elbow grease to wash, polish, iron, fix, etc. your green gifts.
- Mixing old and new is a great way to save some green and add some green to your gifts. Every secondhand purchase counts when it comes to being good to the environment and saving money. Idea: Add a thrifted vintage ornament as part of the wrapping to a new gift, or even better, a bottle of wine that you are regifting. Now that’s one green gift!
- Get crafty or bake! Make a project out of secondhand items like this kitchen canister set or these felted yarn balls. When it comes to gifting home-baked cookies or candy, pretty plates, platters, cookie tins, and bowls, hands down, make better gift containers than paper plates.
- Don’t forget the trimmings! Thriftmas gifts must have pretty wrapping. Fabric bows, nice quality wrapping paper, recycled containers or wrapping such as baskets or vintage linens, as well as clear cellophane wrap really make these special gifts sparkle. Thrift stores are full of items that can help you decorate a pretty package such as silk flowers and ornaments.
- Give the gift of thrift by giving a thrift store gift card. Thrift Town offers gift cards in various amounts. If you’d like to give green and you’re just not sure what to give- no problem! Gift cards are a wonderful way to share the fun and excitement of thrifting with family and friends.
- Find the best thrift stores near you! Search the web for local thrift stores in your area. Many thrift stores have websites with locations, driving directions, hours and even sale day information. To find the right store for you, you can also read reviews on sites like yelp.com.
- Shopping secondhand is a treasure hunt, so be patient and enjoy the hunt. You will feel great when you find that special prize!
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