Thrifting for gifting!

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Finding presents for your friends and family can be difficult, and what's more, it can be very expensive. We'd all love to spend big on the ones that mean the most to us but sadly can't because, of course, gifts can be expensive!

They can be. But then, they don't have to be.

Some might be a bit wary of finding gifts for people at the thrift store because things there are pre-owned. I'm not going to lie, it isn't easy finding a pretty present in charity shops so here are some tips on thrifting for gifting...

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  • Look everywhere.


As all thrifters know, hidden treasures can be found in the most unlikely places so make sure you look everywhere. Clothes, jewellery, home items, bags...

  • Stay awaaaay from the shoes.
Unless they are completely brand new and you know the exact measurements of your friends feet. But the chances of this are not very likely. The odds are you probably wouldn't buy your friend a pair of shoes from an ordinary shop anyway.

  • Clothes are difficult.
You might not know their size or what might fit them, so unless you know their style to a T and again, their measurements, it's not easy to gift thrift store clothes. But it is possible! Tops and t-shirts are probably best, trousers and bottoms are risky. You'll just have to look through everything there is, so keep your eyes peeled.

  • Accessories are easy.
Well, quite easy. There can be some lovely jewellery in thrift stores, really stunning rings and cute necklaces. Scarves make a lovely present. A belt can also be cool, but beware, some people who donate think that 'thrift store' translates as 'place to dump tacky belts I used to wear in the 80's'. However, you can find lovely ones. 
What is best about accessories are, they are cheap. Probably the cheapest items in the thrift store and the make the best presents.

  • Take extra care if you want to make a bag or purse a present.
While we as thrifters may not care about a tiny scratch on a bag, no one wants to receive a less than amazing bag as a gift. Bags should really only be gifted if they're in pristine condition. You may be lucky enough to find one so get searching!

  • Sometimes charity shops put a little of their profit aside to make their own items.
Items such as tea-sets, teddies and T-shirts etc. They are new so they cost a little more than everything else in the shop, but surely any friend will appreciate a gift that also donates to charity.

  • You could get very lucky with home items.
Photo frames, jewellery boxes, vases, sets of kitchenware and all sorts of ornaments are regular sights at almost every thrift store. In one charity shop near me, they sell potted flowers for just £1! They all make lovely presents! Sometimes they need a little dust or clean or layer of paint. Get your DIY on! 

  • As always, be creative. 
All I'm going to say is; you can make something special out of sweet nothing.

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So that wraps up my tips on thrifting for gifting! Hopefully you will take and use these tips if the occasion ever arrives where you want to search the thrift store for a present. Good luck!

Have you ever bought a present for someone from a thrift store? What did you buy? What was the gift receivers reaction?




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