By Natalie Murphy
It’s time we acknowledge that while we like to think the holidays are still a time for religious remembrance and getting to see family, it has become much like every other holiday: yet another time for our capitalistic economy to thrive. And with the focus centered around giving the perfect gift, it can become stressful for hearts, minds and of course, wallets.
Now it seems unrealistic to believe that the “true meaning of the season” we hear about in holiday movies will be restored anytime soon, but there are ways to direct the view away from price tags and save money this holiday season while also helping the environment rather than huge corporations.
Gifting second hand items is one of the most overlooked ideas around the holidays. But if we convince ourselves that the season isn’t really about the gifts we receive, then it shouldn’t matter where it was sourced from. It’s the thought that counts after all, right?
It can also be a smart alternative for college students who aren’t financially stable to splurge on expensive gifts and for last minute gift ideas that are more meaningful and thoughtful than the regular old gift card.
If you are looking for places to shop other than a mall or online, thrift stores and vintage stores are a great place to start. For those who enjoy an adventure, estate and garage sales are also an option. If there is something specific you are looking for, you can always try Ebay, Depop or Etsy.
Here are a list of 10 gift ideas you can source second hand this holiday season:
- Designer brands for less than half the price: If you still want to wow your loved one with a designer brand name, resale stores have lots of options. Most stores will even have separate racks full of designer tops, sweaters, pants and dresses. It is also common that thrift stores will have gently used designer bags and accessories behind the counter or in glass that are for purchase by asking a worker. While these items might be a little bit more expensive than regular second hand items, it is still way cheaper than paying the retail price.
- Style bundles: If you are interested in putting in a little bit more effort to curate an outfit for someone’s personal style, a style bundle is a unique gift idea and can also be the most fun and rewarding. All you have to do is shop with someone else’s style in mind. Think about what they like to wear, what colors look good on them, or what you think they would enjoy. A hack for this is to ask them for inspiration photos or look at their Pinterest. Everyone wants a personal shopper and it will show them how much you acknowledge their style and aesthetics.
- Personalize a clothing item: If you enjoy crafting or sewing, upcycling clothes is a truly thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift. There are so many options when it comes to this idea. A few examples are thrifting a scarf and adding an embroidered detail to it, ironing on fun patches to a shirt or jacket or using fabric paints on a plain garment. The ideas are endless.
- Antique accessories: If you are shopping for a jewelry lover, antique shops are a great place to look for vintage jewelry statement pieces. Instead of paying an arm and a leg for a necklace or ring that many people own, go the sustainable route for an assortment of options for a reasonable price. You can also find sunglasses, scarves and hats that are all appreciated gifts.
- Dishware and mugs: A nice idea for homeowners are nice dishes or unique mugs. You would be surprised at how many dishes and kitchen utensils get donated to second hand stores. You can find full tea and plate sets, pots and pans, and so much more in pristine condition. You can also use dishes to DIY other gifts such as jewelry holders, plant holders and so much more.
- Picture frames: A classic gift that is always appreciated are photos, and while you can’t print photos at a thrift store, they do provide plenty of options for frames of all different styles and sizes. Nice frames from retail stores can often be on the more pricey side, so it never hurts to look at a second hand shop for one. If you want to personalize the frame, thrifting them also takes the pressure off ruining a brand new one as well.
- Wall art: Antique and second hand shops are full of knick knacks that make good gifts in general, but one of the easiest to find are prints, photos and other wall art. If the person you are shopping for enjoys vintage decor, this is a thoughtful alternative to spice up a room.
- Paperback and coffee table books: Thrift stores often have surprisingly big book collections in the back of the store. While it might not be the best for finding a specific book, there is a high chance you can find classics, cookbooks and other fun reads. You can also support second hand bookstores in your area for these books. Coffee table books make a nice gift and can be sourced from these stores as well.
- Records: Similar to books, records can regularly be found in antique and second hand shops. If you are shopping for a music lover, especially one who likes older music and has a record player, there are so many choices to choose from. You can also try second hand record shops for these for a broader selection. Supporting a small business is always a better option than buying from Amazon.
- Holiday decorations: If you want to stick with a traditional holiday gift, second hand stores usually put out their decorations before the season just like any other store. If you want to buy a one-of-a-kind ornament, most thrift and antique stores have a variety of options. You can also find figurines, Christmas village sets, and wall decor for the best prices.
Besides these ideas, there are so many more gifts you can find at thrift and antique shops, you just have to get creative and give second hand a chance.