By Julieta Hernandez Photos by Rachel Benavides
Yeah, nobody expects Christmas to come as fast as it does. Not even your budget book.
Not just for those on a tight budget, thrift gifting for any occasion is a surefire way to get someone a unique, one-of-a-kind gift – all while being kind to the planet, your wallet, and your time management. Items that are true vintage, no longer made, and fully diverse are as thoughtful a gift as the thought you put into it. There are no limits here! But, here are some ideas to get you started.
A Vintage Baking Set
Vintage baking sets are a sweet surprise for the kitchen-lover in your life. If you can find an already-made set, snag it! But depending on the recipient, you can always curate a set of your own with different items you find on the shelves. Try to find the cool antiques: ceramics, silver cake servers, unique cookie cutters, or silver serving platters. The shelves of Goodwill are usually organized with different types of bakeware, which will give you a variety. You can also check out local vintage shop, Shell & Pine, online or at Red Crow Antique Mall.
Vases or baskets
A great opportunity to fill with more surprises, a tasteful tall vase or a homey basket can stand out. There’s a more classic feel to second-hand baskets, and definitely a lot of renovation paths; adding something as simple as a ribbon of choice can add a load of charm. What you decide to tuck inside will make it special. Family Thrift has got a basketload of these, as well as some obscurities to fill them with. Check out General Goods Vintage on Instagram as well for wicker baskets and fun vases.
Cashmere Sweaters / Knitted Items
Even if it doesn’t get as chilly as we want, we can always just pretend it will. But really: who doesn’t love a sweater & scarf set during the winter months? Usually, second hand clothing shops carry an array of knit fashions that don’t cost a fortune. Upcycling a fluffy sweater for a friend could mean the world to them.
Check into Threads on Everheart for some cozy options.
Novels, records, CD’s
Giving the gift of a good book or a good album a friend may recognize (or be new to!) can be done with plenty of thought. Usually, second-hand stores have a wide selection of new or gently used hard-covers; you can buy one (or a collection!) for the book or music lover in your life. Hybrid Records and Renaissance Antiques both have a huge selection of gently used media.
Outfit/Style Sets
The best part about clothes shopping in the thrift world is finding a variety of pieces you’d never even dreamed up before — which opens a door to combinations that have never before been attempted (which makes them all the more groundbreaking). For the daring wearer in your life, an outfit set (folded in a tote or purse) could be a cheap but golden find. Olive Blue resale on Ayers has all the underground fashions that can be mixed and matched for your gift.
