Discover budget-friendly gift ideas that won’t break your bank. Unearth a treasure trove of last-minute thrift store gift ideas that will surely inspire you. These unique finds can be completed in just a week, perfect for those still on your gift list. Remember, not all gifts have to be brand new and costly. Embrace the joy of receiving second-hand gifts that will be cherished and used, instead of something forgotten and neglected. Keep reading to unveil delightful possibilities!
Tips for secondhand shopping for gifts
Thrift shoppers know the thrill of finding unique treasures at unbeatable prices. But did you know that secondhand shopping can also be a great way to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones? Whether you’re an experienced thrifter or a first-time gift giver, here are some tips to help you navigate the world of shopping for secondhand gifting.
- Know where to shop for a used gift – Shopping from a well-curated thrift store saves you time. Stores that pull like items together and display each item creatively will help your shopping experience.
- Best places to shop for a second hand gift – Thrift shops and an antique store is a great option and are at the top of my list. You can also search Facebook Marketplace and other online sites like Ebay. I consider local shopping to be the easiest way to find thrifted gifts since everything is right in front of you to shop. Having an item in your hands allows you to make sure it is in good condition before purchasing.
- Be willing to ask for a better price. Most antique, flea, and thrift stores will give a discount if you keep an open mind and just ask. They can always say no and they will not be offended if you ask nicely.
From browsing vintage boutiques to scouring flea markets and online marketplaces, there is no shortage of options for finding a special, thoughtful gift that is both sustainable and stylish. So go ahead, embrace the thrill of the hunt, and discover the joys of secondhand gift-giving!
Thrift Store gift-giving general tips
Thrift stores are great places to look for vintage and one-of-a-kind items that your friends and family will love. Plus, you’re also contributing to a sustainable lifestyle by giving a second life to items that may have been thrown away. Not only are they wallet-friendly, but this type of shopping helps to reduce the carbon footprint. But before you head out to your local thrift store, here are some tips to help guide you in selecting the perfect gift.
- Keep the recipient in mind – Look for a secondhand item that matches the recipient’s interests and style.
- Choose a gift theme – Find similar thrifted items that you can wrap together to create a thoughtful gift
- Wrap in a beautiful way – Get creative by using gift baskets, wooden boxes, serving bowls, or baking dishes.
- Add a personal touch – Consider upcycling thrift items and doing a little DIY as this is a fun way to add that personal touch to your gift idea.
Next time you’re in a gift-giving rut, consider heading to secondhand stores as this is a great place for a fun and meaningful shopping experience.
Thrift store gift-giving ideas
With a little creativity and imagination, you can score some amazing finds that will delight your family member or best friend. From vintage jewelry and accessories to one-of-a-kind home decor items, there’s something for everyone at thrift stores.
Here are some great secondhand gift-giving ideas:
A handwritten recipe image transferred onto a secondhand cutting board from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. This is such a good idea for a great gift and an easy way to make a thrift store item become a personal and meaningful gift. Any image can be added to a used cutting board.
DIY Tier Tray from Michelle J Designs. We all know that you can find so many plates at the thrift store, so why not turn them into a tiered serving tray? Use everyday plates as Michelle did or use some fun seasonal plates for those cookies for Santa.
Cabinet door turned Chalkboard Message Board from Home to Heather. This is a simple makeover that can be of great use for any family. It can be used as a menu board as Heather did as a message board or for some inspirational quotes.
Use old cutting boards or cabinet doors to make a perfect serving tray gift. Easily add some paint and handles to make an easy last-minute gift.
Outdated plaque makeover from Salvage Sister and Mister. If you do any shopping at a thrift store, then I know you all have seen some form of a plaque like this. The options are endless on what you could paint on the front of this plaque.
Mud Painted Vases from the Navage Patch. You might not even need to go to the thrift store to find a vase to paint, you probably have a few in your own cupboard. Add a fresh bouquet of flowers to further personalize the thrift store gift.
Bread Tin turned Teacher gift from 3 Little Greenwoods. Such a cute way to wrap a gift, use an old tin. You can find all shapes and sizes of old tins on the thrift store shelves that are in excellent condition. Again, I know I have a few in my basement stash and I try to use them to give cookies to my neighbors.
Shell Trinket Dishes from Pillar Box Blue. How cute would these be to sit near a sink or on the nightstand? Claire actually used real shells and added cute animals to hold rings. So clever.
Thrift Store Tray from Green with Decor. This is a perfect gift for the hostess. I have seen chalkboard trays used to serve cheese or appetizers and they label the food. This is the perfect trendy gift for most people on your list. I have to admit that I have a few of the scalloped trays in my stash as well.
Thrift Store Frame Makeover – This is the perfect gift for any occasion. Easily paint the frame and add a photo or your favorite quote.
Other easy and thoughtful gift ideas
- Stack of used books and attach a gift card to their favorite coffee shop
- Secondhand picnic basket filled with a bottle of wine and thrift store wine glasses
- Unique cookie jar filled with fresh-baked cookies
- Set of funky mugs and add a bag of hot chocolate mix
- Vintage jewelry and costume jewelry turned into a mosaic piece of art
Secondhand Hostess gift ideas
Your thoughtful gesture is greatly appreciated when your host treats you to dinner. So why not return the favor by treating them to a delightful breakfast? You can easily create a charming breakfast basket or use a beautiful decorative bowl. Fill it with a variety of delicious goodies such as muffins, scones, or any other tempting baked goods.
To add an extra touch, cover the basket or bowl with a printed cloth napkin or a charming tea towel. For a more indulgent treat, consider including a bag of aromatic coffee beans, pancake mix, and a bottle of delectable syrup. These thoughtful additions will surely make your breakfast gift even more delightful and memorable for your generous host.
Other great hostess gift ideas from a thrift store:
- Cookbooks
- Wine glasses and wine craft
- Bakeware
- Serving bowls in a variety of sizes
Anyone who hosts family gatherings would really appreciate these thoughtful secondhand gifts.
Creative ways to wrap gifts using secondhand items
There’s something special about receiving a beautifully wrapped gift, but unfortunately, all that gift wrap goes straight to the landfill. Most gift-wrapping paper can not be recycled. Why not put a unique spin on your gift wrapping by incorporating secondhand items? Not only will it add character and charm to your gifts, but it’s also eco-friendly.
Aim to repurpose old fabric, scarves, or even newspaper to create a memorable and eco-friendly wrapping experience. Add some charm with vintage buttons or ribbon and watch as your loved ones admire your creative gift-wrapping skills. Get inspired and make this holiday season one to remember with your beautifully wrapped gifts.
In conclusion, there is so much potential when it comes to last-minute gift giving at thrift stores. Secondhand and thrift shopping is a great way to level up your gifting game in a budget-friendly, sustainable way.
You can find unique gifts for those important people in your life without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for anything from antique furniture to funny mugs or vintage books, complete with a unique story of its own, there are always unique treasures to be found at the last minute in secondhand and thrift stores.
Hostess gifts like old cake stands or vintage barware make your visits even more special. Supporting local businesses as well as the local economy and doing your part towards reducing waste while finding something special for the ones you love are only two of the bonuses of shopping at these second hand stores. Let the last-minute spirit guide you this holiday season and don’t forget to do your part to help reduce waste by using something forgotten and neglected!
What is your favorite thrift store makeover?
Check out these other great thrift store makeovers on a budget.
DeDe Bailey
DeDe Bailey is the artistic mastermind behind Designed Décor and The Puzzle Table. With a rich background in home décor retail, she has transformed her website into a platform driven by a profound passion for helping individuals craft spaces they adore. As a self-taught furniture painting artist and thrift decorator, she loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to beautify their homes through furniture painting and thrifting. When she isn’t sharing her wisdom on the Designed Décor blog, DeDe is occupied with showcasing her ingenious jigsaw puzzle table design and expanding her short-term rental located in NE Ohio.
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Deborah says
What great projects!!! Thanks for sharing our plaque!!
Claire says
Love the chalkboard message board idea. Thanks so much for featuring my shell trinket dish.