Being that I like to keep it green (and thrifty) thrift stores are a huge part of my life. I like the eco-friendly reuse aspect. I love paying $5 for a great skirt or pair of jeans. I really adore 50 cent books. Yup thrift stores rock and roll all over the place. BUT how about during the holidays. Is it tacky or cheap to give a thrift store gift? I personally don’t think it’s tacky or cheap. You can find some amazing holiday gifts at thrift stores.

All that said, I don’t think that all thrift store finds make the best gifts in my opinion.

Goods to avoid for sure include…

• Many toys – be careful about toys. It’s not always safe to give toys because without a warranty card parents won’t know about recalls. Also many thrift store toys are plastic or may contain lead. Although in good news, plenty of thrift stores are now watching out for toxic suspect toys. Before you buy toys used read how to find toxic free toys.
• Baby items. Many baby items are no bargain and can be very dangerious. Before buying used baby items make sure you know what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to reused baby goods.
• Electronics – most newer electronics use less energy and will actually work. I haven’t had great luck with many tech thrift store items. The same goes for appliances.
• Stuffed animals – don’t wash well and are a little too germ ridden for me.

Be very careful when buying…

• DVDs, CDs and records – any you buy should be scratch free and in really great condition.
• Dishes – may contain lead and if cracked can harbor germs. IF you have a pal who collects old dishes or teacups or what have you for visuals not edibles you’re good to go though.

Great thrift store holiday gifts…

• Books! My boyfriend just came home from the thrift store yesterday with the last three Harry Potter books – hardcover, perfect condition, and they look like new. Guess how much he paid for all three? $8. Oh yeah. Books are a super duper gift at the thrift store.
• Puzzles.
• Baskets for holding other gifts.
• Flower vases.
• Picture frames – you can put family photos in these for a great gift.
• Kids costumes (such as dress up clothing, costume jewelry, and so on). See how to make a DIY kid’s dress up kit.
• Wooden toys – which breaks my above toy rule, but wood is much safer. Just make sure toys are smooth, unpainted, and in one piece. Blocks are often a nice thrift store find.
• Kid’s clothing is often very nice because kids outgrow stuff so fast. Holiday dresses are an especially nice find.
• Stocking stuffers like marbles, costume jewelry, and sometimes even art supplies.
• Bikes – IF you look it over.
• Sports equipment.

PS – If you’re having issues about giving used gifts maybe you just need to consider how much happier the planet is when you give a reuse gift OR change your wording – recycled or reclaimed is oh so much nicer and less blunt than used.

Do you give thrift store gifts? What sorts?

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Post from: Blisstree

Best Thrift Store Gifts