All my top tips and items to look for can be found in this Thrift Gift Ideas post.
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While I frequently find many items for myself when thrifting, thrifting for someone else can be difficult because you have to understand their style, preferences and comfortability with pre-owned items. One thing about thrifting is that it takes time to find exactly what you are looking for. Thrifted items can be great gifts because they show the thought and attention to detail put into the present.
First things first: Try to find items in the best condition possible. Keep in mind that imperfections that don’t bother you may bother the person you are gifting. In this post, I’ll be sharing items that are great to look for secondhand because you are likely to find them and anyone you are shopping for is likely to love them.
Thrift Gift Ideas:
1. Clothing:
While there is ample clothing available at pretty much any thrift store you go to, clothing can be difficult to thrift for someone unless you know their style and what they already have in their wardrobe. Gift baskets with a few thrifted clothing items are great if you know the person’s style and what is missing in their wardrobe.
Clothing is one of the top thrifted items I have gifted my boyfriend because I know what he likes, what he wants more of, what the holes in his closet are and what size he wears. This year alone, I have been able to find several work shirts, casual waffle knit shirts, sweaters and even work sneakers while thrifting for him.
2. Home Decor:
There are always a ton of great home decor options at the thrift store. My personal go-to home decor items to thrift include vases, glasses and dishware (you will want to check for lead on any items you intend for the person to put food in), holiday decor, book ends – anything you would consider purchasing for them new, know they have been looking for or think would go with their homestyle.
3. Any of the ideas you already have for them
The items you should be looking for when thrifting a gift for someone are the same kinds of items you would look for when shopping firsthand for them. I swear that you can find nearly anything you would purchase firsthand secondhand if you are patient and take the time to search for it.
For example, a few weeks ago, I was IN LINE at a popular home decor chain about to purchase a $20 metal mug rack that I didn’t love because I was so fixated on having it right that moment. While waiting in line, I realized I didn’t love it, and that I could probably find the vintage wooden one I truly wanted at a thrift store. Sure enough, I drove over to one of the thrift stores I don’t go to as often and found a wooden mug rack for only $1.99. Too often I find things that I have just given into buying firsthand at the thrift store days later and regret not being more patient.
4. Books
If you know a book the person you are gifting is looking for or a genre they love, try thrifting a book for them! Coffee table books are also a great thing to find at the thrift.
Tip: You can easily find secondhand books on Amazon by clicking on the book you want, scrolling down on the listing and selecting the secondhand option. If you are not worried about the book’s condition or are looking for an older release, you can often find books for only $1. Check out my tutorial on how to shop secondhand on Amazon here.
5. Picture Frames
If you are planning to gift someone a piece of art or a picture, check your local thrift store for a frame. You will likely find the same selection that you would be able to find at other retailers, and you may even come across a nicer frame or a unique style that will work for your print.
6. Baskets
One popular thrift gift idea is to thrift a basket and fill it with your finds. Even if you are planning on gifting someone new items in a basket, I recommend checking your local thrift store because there is always a variety of options available at an affordable price point.
Tip: When selecting the basket, opt for one the recipient can easily reuse for storage and decor in their home over a basket that will only end up back in the donation pile.
7. Unique Odds and Ends
Sometimes the most exciting things you can find thrifting or receive as a gift are the unexpected miscellaneous items. Some of my favorites that I have collected include a mini stone bunny, an onyx wine holder that defies the odds of gravity and a dessert try that I use to hold jewelry.
8. Handbags
Always check the handbag section when thrifting – you never know what you may find! Sometimes, thrift stores have designer handbags for a great deal or a vintage bag that your recipient may love. Some of the most noteworthy bags I have thrifted and/or purchased secondhand for under $35 include a wicker Coach bag, a vintage carpet bag, a navy leather bucket bag and a Marc Jacobs hobo bag.
Tip: When thrifting for leather bags, check the materials tag to confirm the bag is actually made of leather, not plastic.