How to Use Thrifting to be a Frugal Gift Giver

It’s no secret the economy is really struggling right now. Prices of everything in the stores and online are through the roof. According to the most recent update from Forbes, nearly three-quarters of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. When your wallets and bank accounts are hurting tremendously, it can be hard to get into the giving mood. The good news is that you can use thrifting to be a frugal gift giver while still giving great gifts!

If money is tight, rather than running to a big box store, or Amazon for the next gift, check out your local Thrift stores instead. You might be thinking, “Girl, you are crazy, there is no way I am getting a gift from the thrift!” With the never-ending focus of consumerism on social media, I can’t blame you if this is your first reaction. Try to push past this first thought, because there are many benefits to shopping at the thrift.

How to Use Thrifting to give great, frugal gifts while on a budget

5 Benefits of Thrift Shopping

Financial Benefits

Obviously, there is a financial benefit to shopping at the thrift store compared to brand new. Typically, thrift stores offer gently used items for a fraction of the cost. This allows you to stretch your dollar farther than it would otherwise go buying new. Buying secondhand items allows you to still get a quality, frugal gift, without breaking the bank or your budget!

Truly Unique Gifts

There is a time and place for the big box store items. Still, part of me can’t help but feel a little boring when I take something off the shelf and there are 15 others there just like it. You honestly never know what you are going to find at your local thrift. At the thrift, you are more likely to find something that is unique and full of character.

Thrill of the Hunt

There is something invigorating about finding that perfect item hidden among all the other items in the store. Thrifting is an experience, not just a quick shopping trip. If you are up for it, this can add a bit of fun and adventure to the shopping experience. It also gets you off the couch and out of the house!

Sustainability

Most of the items that make it onto the floors of the thrift store are gently used. You might not even be able to tell it isn’t new. You might even find something that is new! We often write off these items as junk, just because someone else may have not wanted it anymore. But by buying something that you wanted second hand, you save that item from the landfill.  

Supporting a Good Cause

Many thrift stores are run by nonprofits or other charitable organization. This means that when you shop at these stores, your purchases are helping to fund programs and services that benefit your community. Even when money is tight, you can still give back and support various charitable causes through your thrift purchases.


Hopefully, I have successfully gotten you onboard with thrift shopping. But now you might be asking, “Okay, but what do I get someone from the thrift store?” You can never really be sure of what you might find at the thrift. However, there are a few categories that can be found at nearly every thrift store that make great frugal gifts.

5 Gift Ideas from the Thrift Store

Glassware

Glassware is a fantastic thrift find because glass is not porous. This means it can be thoroughly cleaned up to look brand new! It is also something useful that most people have and appreciate within their homes. Thrift stores can have aisles and aisles of glass trays, organizing jars, drinkware, and vases – all of which make great gifts!

Unique Home Décor and Holiday Decorations

This category is really where the thrift stores shine. You never know what kooky, funky item somebody’s grandma may have had that ended up at the thrift. There is also something homey and comforting about some older styles of holiday décor that you can’t find new today. This is the category where you can showcase your own style or the style of the person you are buying for and look for a one-of-a-kind gem!

Picture Frames & Mirrors

Picture frames, art frames and mirrors tend to have their own dedicated section at the Thrift Store. If you go to a big box store or even Amazon, you might be shocked at just how expensive good quality photo frames are. Get that ornate mirror that matches their décor. Elevate a photo frame by printing photos to include in the frames. Even frame some of your own artwork as a gift!  

Vintage or Antique Finds

Thrift stores sometimes have hidden gems – collectible items and antiques. You might find rare books, vintage toys, an ornate china, vintage clothing, books, furniture, and other decorative pieces. These items can be ideal frugal gifts for the collector, eclectic or really anyone who has an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind older objects.

Upcycled Items

Upcycled items, items refurbished or repurposed from existing materials, are on the rise lately. Many thrift stores have these items available for purchase without you having to do the work. But if you are crafty, you can also let your creativity flow by tackling an upcycling project as your next frugal gift.  Find that item with a ton of potential and use your skills to unleash it!

Reminders for a Successful Thrift Haul

At the end of the day, thrift stores do still primarily have secondhand items. With secondhand items, you do have to be extra diligent to make sure you are buying a quality item. When buying something new, we assume it is in perfect condition when you pull it off the shelf. With thrifting, you have to assume the opposite to make sure you have a gem. So, doublecheck for rips, tears, holes, scratches, missing pieces, all the defects you can think of before you take the item to the register.


Thrifting is an awesome way to give an item a new life while stretching your dollar. You can still get someone a beautiful, thoughtful and frugal gift without having to go over budget. When trying to save money, there are many categories that suffer, but your gifting doesn’t have to!

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