This year, Rich and I are doing Christmas a little differently. Somewhere along the way, the amount we were spending on gifts started getting a little out of hand, and we’ve decided it’s time to scale things back.
Instead of buying lots of gifts, we’ve planned a family getaway next summer with our kids, grandkids, and my parents. That’s our big Christmas gift this year!
One of the reasons we’re scaling back on Christmas gifts this year is because I really want to focus more on making memories together.
If you love that idea too, I’ve put together a list of experience gift ideas that are perfect for giving something special without adding more stuff to someone’s home.
We’re also trying the five gift rule with our grandkids, and I’m challenging myself to find as many of their gifts as I can at thrift stores.
But here’s the thing. I’m not buying something just because it’s cheap!
I want to find things they’ll actually love, and I think there are some really great treasures waiting to be found if you’re willing to look.
If you’re thinking about shopping secondhand for Christmas this year, here are some things I’m keeping in mind as I shop.
I’m calling it Merry Thriftmas!
We’re intentionally scaling back our Christmas spending this year, but that doesn’t mean I want Christmas to feel any less special.
I still want to give thoughtful gifts that people will actually love. I just don’t want to spend a fortune doing it.
And honestly, I think there’s something really fun about finding a gift that is just right for someone, even if it isn’t brand new.
The trick is knowing what to look for, what to leave behind, and how to keep yourself from buying things just because they’re cheap.
Here are some of the things I’m keeping in mind as I work on our Christmas shopping this year.
I actually shared more about why we’re scaling back Christmas gifts this year in my latest YouTube video, including our plans to thrift as many gifts as possible.
If you’re thinking about spending less this Christmas too, I’d love for you to watch it!
Start With the Person, Not the Bargain
Then ask yourself: Would I choose this for them if it weren’t inexpensive?
Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a bargain. If it’s broken, doesn’t suit the person, or will cost more to fix than it’s worth, leave it behind.
Leave the junk and look for the treasures!
I’d rather come home empty-handed than wrap something no one really wants.
This is probably the biggest thing I’m trying to remember.
Just because something is a great deal doesn’t mean it’s a great gift.
Before heading to the thrift store, think about who you’re shopping for and what they actually like.
Do they love reading? Cooking? Gardening? Crafting?
Maybe they’ve mentioned something they need, or there’s a hobby they’ve been wanting to try.
Having a few ideas in mind makes it much easier to spot something worth buying.
I also think it’s important to decide how much you’re willing to spend before you go.
I’m not setting a specific dollar amount that I have to spend on each person this Christmas. Instead, I’m challenging myself to see how little I can spend while still finding things they’ll enjoy.
If you’re working on your Christmas budget too, my Christmas Savings planner can help you make a plan.
Where to Look for Thrifted Christmas Gifts
Thrift stores are an obvious place to start, but they’re not the only option.
Consignment shops, secondhand bookstores, and charity resale shops can also be great places to look.
One thing I’ve learned about shopping secondhand is that you can’t always expect to find exactly what you’re looking for when you want it.
Some days you might find something wonderful. Other days, you might not find anything at all.
And that’s okay!
I’d much rather leave empty handed than spend money on something nobody really needs just because it was inexpensive.
Also, remember to consider the entire cost of a gift.
If something needs new batteries, replacement pieces, expensive cleaning supplies, or repairs, it might not be the bargain it first appeared to be.
Merry Thriftmas Gift Ideas Worth Looking For
There are so many things you can give secondhand that still make wonderful Christmas gifts.
Here are a few ideas I’m keeping an eye out for.
Books for the Readers on Your List
Books are one of my favorite ideas for secondhand gift shopping.
You can sometimes find beautiful hardcover books, cookbooks, children’s books, or books by someone’s favorite author for much less than buying them new.
Just check the condition and make sure there aren’t missing pages or major damage.
You could even pair a thrifted book with a new bookmark or a favorite snack for a simple little gift.
Books are one of my favorite things to look for when thrifting!
If you have someone on your list who loves to read, I’ve also put together some Gift Ideas for Book Lovers that might give you a little inspiration.
Kitchen and Home Finds
If you know someone who loves cooking or entertaining, keep an eye out for pretty serving dishes, baskets, cookbooks, or other useful kitchen items.
A nice basket filled with a few favorite treats could make a thoughtful gift without costing much.
I would just be careful not to buy decorative things unless I was pretty sure they matched the person’s style.
Nobody needs another thing sitting in a closet!
Games, Puzzles, and Books for Kids
There are some fun things you can find secondhand for kids.
Books, puzzles, and board games are worth looking at, especially if you know what the child enjoys.
Just make sure everything is in good condition and that all the important pieces are there.
For toys and other children’s products, check age recommendations and recalls before buying.
And remember, just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean you need to bring it home.
You really don’t have to spend a fortune to give kids something they’ll love at Christmas.
I’ve shared even more ideas in my Frugal and Free Christmas Gifts for Kids post, including some great ways to save on toys and other gifts.
Gifts for Someone With a Hobby
This is another category where I think you could find some really thoughtful gifts.
Look for things connected to what the person already enjoys.
Maybe it’s a gardening book, an interesting craft book, unopened supplies, or something useful for their favorite hobby.
The key is finding something they’ll actually use.
If you need more inspiration, you can always browse my Gift Ideas for other Christmas gift ideas.
What I Would NOT Buy Secondhand for Christmas
As much as I love saving money, there are some things I would skip.
A low price isn’t worth it if the item isn’t safe or won’t last.
Here are some things I’d be especially careful about:
- Car seats and safety equipment: If I couldn’t verify the item’s history, condition, and safety, I’d leave it behind.
- Damaged electronics: Frayed cords, missing parts, or anything that can’t be properly checked would be a pass for me.
- Recalled toys or children’s products: Always check for recalls and age suitability before buying.
- Anything with stains or odors that can’t be removed: Cleaning something shouldn’t turn into a huge project.
- Games and puzzles with missing pieces: Unless you can replace what’s missing, it’s probably not worth it.
- Things that need expensive repairs: Sometimes fixing a bargain ends up costing more than buying something new.
And there’s one more thing I wouldn’t buy.
Something the person doesn’t actually want.
That might sound obvious, but I think it’s easy to get excited about a really low price and forget who we’re shopping for.
How to Make Thrifted Christmas Gifts Feel Special
I think this is where you can have a little fun!
Just because a gift came from a thrift store doesn’t mean it has to look like you grabbed it off the shelf and wrapped it up.
Here are a few ways to make secondhand gifts feel extra special:
- Clean it up. Take a few minutes to make sure everything looks its best before wrapping it.
- Make it look pretty. Use a cute gift bag, basket, or some festive wrapping paper.
- Put a few things together. Pair a thrifted cookbook with a pretty mixing bowl or some kitchen utensils.
- Add a little treat. Tuck some favorite candy or a small snack alongside a secondhand book.
- Include a handwritten note. Let them know why you picked that particular gift. Sometimes that personal touch means more than the gift itself!
But here’s the thing. Don’t feel like you have to keep adding things just to make the gift look bigger or more expensive.
That’s exactly the kind of spending I’m trying to avoid this Christmas!
Sometimes one thoughtful gift is plenty. And there’s no reason to pretend something is brand new if it isn’t. What matters is that you took the time to find something you knew they’d love.
Don’t Feel Like You Have to Find Everything at a Thrift Store
This is something I’m reminding myself of too.
I’m challenging myself to thrift as many gifts as possible, but that doesn’t mean every single gift needs to be secondhand.
If I can’t find something that feels right for someone, I’ll look at other options.
A homemade gift, something bought on a good sale, or even an experience together might make more sense.
The goal isn’t to prove I can thrift everything.
The goal is to spend less while still giving gifts that feel thoughtful and special.
And sometimes the smartest thing you can do is walk out of a store without buying anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thrifted Christmas Gifts
Is it okay to give thrifted gifts for Christmas?
I think so! The important thing is knowing the person you’re shopping for. Some people love secondhand finds, while others prefer something new. Choose something in good condition that fits the person and their preferences.
What are some good thrift store Christmas gifts for kids?
Books, complete puzzles, and board games can all be good options. Just make sure they’re age appropriate, in good condition, and haven’t been recalled.
How can I make a secondhand gift feel more personal?
Think about the person receiving it. Choose something connected to their interests, wrap it nicely, and consider including a little handwritten note about why you picked it out.
A Merry Thriftmas This Year
I’m actually looking forward to seeing how much I can save by shopping differently this Christmas.
After losing a source of income this year, we’ve been looking at our spending a lot more carefully, including what we spend during the holidays.
But I don’t want our family to remember Christmas for how much money we spent.
I want us to remember the time together, the little traditions, the laughter, and most importantly, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
If I can spend less on presents and still give things that make people smile, I’ll consider that a win.
And if I happen to find some really good thrift store treasures along the way, even better!
Merry Thriftmas!
Have you ever given a thrifted Christmas gift? I’d love to hear what you found!
