If you’re anything like me you love a thrift store, garage sale, estate sale, or flea market. There’s just something about the treasure hunt; you never know what you’re going to find! 

There are lots of reasons to thrift Christmas gifts, and, if done right, I find thrifted gifts charming, personal, and thoughtful. I love finding a way to incorporate used items into my presents; the whole gift certainly doesn’t have to be secondhand! Thrifted gifts can help save money, and are a sustainable way to reduce your consumption, resulting in a more environmentally friendly approach to gift giving. 

Here are eight of my favorite items to thrift, along with some ideas of how to give them so they feel extra thoughtful and personal:

1. Picture Frames 

The last time I browsed a picture frame aisle while shopping, I was shocked at the prices. Even the simplest frames can cost anywhere between $10 and $80, and those are usually just the cheap plastic ones. Higher-quality wood or metal frames can be found at almost any thrift store, and are great for giving a photo or custom print. Pair a secondhand frame with a family portrait, kid’s artwork, or even a family photography session (to fill the frame with later), and you’ve got a great gift for the grandparents or your sister-in-law who’s notoriously difficult to buy for!

2. Books

Thrift stores and used bookstores are brimming with used books, many of which have barely been read. I like to look for not only good reads but also cookbooks and coffee table books, as these make good gifts as well. 

3. Glassware 

Glassware is one of the most common items to find in thrift stores. Grab a set of nice wine or cocktail glasses and pair it with a bottle of sparkling cider, wine or spirit of your choice and you have an affordable, simple gift that works for a variety of occasions and relationships. 

I also like looking for unique vases, as these are an easy way to elevate a bouquet for any occasion where flowers are appropriate. 

4. Clothes

Clothing items are definitely not the right purchase for many friends and family, but I do often look through the clothing section for potential gift items. My tips for clothing purchases are to pick larger items that can fit a variety of body shapes and sizes (oversized is better than small) and to look for pieces that are high quality and look and feel expensive. I love finding vintage hoodies, sweatshirts and t-shirts with sports team or band logos, and high-quality items such as wool sweaters. Knowing your audience is critical, but when you find the right item for the right person, thrifted clothing really does make a wonderful gift. 

5. Scarves

Most of the scarves I own have been thrifted, and I find they make wonderful, simple, yet elegant gifts. You can easily find high-quality materials like wool and silk, and usually, secondhand scarves are in excellent condition, as even with consistent use, they don’t receive the wear and tear other clothing items experience. 

6. Bakeware 

Glass or ceramic bakeware dishes are so easy to find second-hand and are the perfect way to give the gift of a nice dish AND a homemade casserole or pie. Cast Iron also falls into this category and is another thing I keep an eye out for, but it can be harder to thrift, as good cast iron is generally snatched up pretty quickly. These are also great items to re-gift, if you’ve got extra baking dishes lying around! 

7. Decor Items/Collectibles 

These gifts are definitely more niche than others on this list, and as with clothing, collectibles and decor should be reserved for people you know well. Once, while visiting a friend, I commented on her collection of Nutcracker figurines. She laughed and told me she never really liked nutcrackers–someone got her one as a gift once, and people have been buying them for her ever since, assuming she loves them. If you can avoid faux pas and make sure you’re getting something they truly love, thrifted decor and collectible items are wonderful gifts.  

8. Vinyl Records

Thrift and secondhand stores are full of old records. There’s probably even a record store near you that sells secondhand vinyl. Chances are, unless you’re really lucky, you won’t find a mint-condition Beatles album, but music is a great way to connect with someone and share your music taste!

Good luck shopping and Happy Holidays! 

If you have favorite items to thrift and gift, I would love to know in the comments!