'Tis the season to deck the halls, dress the tree—and deplete your savings account.
Despite the constant stream of deals and so-called price slashing, cosplaying Santa is expensive. In a perfect world, we'd be able to spoil our friends and family with the perfect (and probably high-priced) gift of their dreams. But most of us can't afford to wow every single person on our list. So, instead, we opt for the middle-of-the-road, good-enough gift that may or may not be tossed in the donation bin by New Year's Eve.
The result? A basic present that shows zero sign of thought or effort, and a hefty credit card bill.
Thankfully, there is another way. By opting out of the traditional retail experience and choosing to thrift gifts instead, you can avoid breaking the bank while still giving thoughtful presents. Not only will you save some serious money, but you'll also help reduce waste and support local nonprofits. Plus, the evidence of effort is unmistakable.
The key to a well-thrifted gift is to pair it with something new (note that new doesn't have to mean expensive). A fresh frame can elevate a thrifted print to wall-worthy status, and a simple glass vase can turn into a stunning centerpiece with the addition of some fresh flowers. Combining old and new creates a unique, personalized gift that is sure to impress.
Need some inspiration as you hunt for secondhand treasures? Below are 15 great gift ideas—all of which can be thrifted for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Need more crafty seasonal inspo? Look no further than ideas for DIY Christmas cards, DIY ornaments and DIY Christmas wreaths.
A Trinket Dish (With Treats)
Thrift stores are full of gorgeous vintage dishes, plates, and bowls. Find one you think your recipient will like, touch it up, and turn it into a catch-all filled with their favorite things—small candies, hair accessories, and even jewelry work great.
Chef Basket
Have a home chef in your life? Make them a personalized basket (found at a thrift store, of course) with secondhand items they can use to whip up their next culinary masterpiece. Think cookbooks, butter dishes, salt and pepper shakers, or antique kitchen items they can proudly display.
Christmas Mugs & Hot Cocoa
This time of year, there are tons of adorable holiday-themed mugs at thrift stores, perfect for pairing with a pack of yummy hot cocoa mix. You can even add in some festive toppings like marshmallows or candy canes.
Homemade Candles in Vintage Glassware
If you feel like getting a little creative, try your hand at candlemaking. There are some simple kits you can find online (like this one) that you can use to create your own scented candles. Pour them into some thrifted glassware or another kind of container (even teacups and mugs work) for a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
Coffee Mugs & Canister
Similar to the hot cocoa idea, thrifted coffee mugs paired with a secondhand canister (perfect for storing beans or grounds) make for a great gift for the caffeine lover in your life. Add a bag of their favorite blend or some locally roasted coffee beans for an extra special touch.
A Set of Vintage Wine Glasses
There's nothing more elegant than toasting to the holiday season with a beautiful set of vintage wine glasses. Give whatever set of two or four (no odd numbers!) you find a good wash and pair them with the recipient's favorite bottle of wine for a thoughtful and practical gift.
Vintage Vase With a Bouquet
Flowers are a great last-minute gift, but why not take it up a notch by putting them in a unique, thrifted vase? You can find all kinds of beautiful glass and ceramic vases at secondhand stores for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Plus, your recipient will have a one-of-a-kind piece to use for years to come.
Wicker Basket With a Plant
Another great option for a green-thumbed gift recipient is a wicker basket filled with a potted plant or succulent. You can often find cute baskets at thrift stores, and a living plant adds a personal touch that will last long after the holiday season is over.
Picnic Basket (With Goodies)
There are so many cute picnic baskets just waiting to be discovered at thrift stores. Fill one up with your recipient's favorite snacks, cheese, wine, and maybe a cozy blanket for an unexpected gift that can be used year-round.
Used Book Bouquet
You don't have to splurge on a brand-new read to gift someone a book they'll love. Keep an eye out for secondhand books at thrift stores that are in good condition and fit your recipient's interests. Then follow TikToker @newlifestyleabb's tutorial for arranging them in a bouquet with flowers for a thoughtful, literary gift.
Vintage Frame Ornaments
With some small thrifted frames and a little bit of creativity, you can make beautiful vintage-inspired ornaments for your loved ones. Simply add some ribbon the the back of the frame (like @therurallegend suggests) and fill it with a photo of you together, their pet, or a favorite memory.
Used Books & Vintage Bookends
For the avid reader in your life, why not put together a collection of secondhand books and pair them with some unique vintage bookends? You can find all kinds of fun designs at thrift stores, from animals to classic sculptures. Plus, you'll save money on buying brand-new hardcovers or expensive editions.
Entertaining Basket
We all have that one friend or family member who's always throwing a party. Put together a thrifted basket filled with entertaining essentials like cheese knives, serving platters, or cocktail shakers, and pair it with some new bottle of wine or liquor for a thoughtful and practical present.
Vintage Glass Canisters (Filled With Treats)
Thrifted glass canisters make for a beautiful and functional gift, especially when filled with homemade treats. Try making some holiday-themed cookies or cocoa mix, or just buying their favorite candy in bulk and filling the canister for a simple yet thoughtful gift they'll use long after the treats are gone.
Kitchen Ceramics
Beautiful serving trays, platters, and dishes can be expensive when purchased new. But you can find high-quality ceramic pieces at thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Look for unique designs or vintage patterns and pair them with their edible counterpart (like a cheese plate with some yummy cheeses) for a lovely and budget-friendly gift.
