Contributed by: Tijana McAllister of A Plentiful Life, Salvation Army Thrift Store Creative Expert
Have you ever been shopping at your local Salvation Army thrift store and looked up? There is so much to discover in the aisles above the racks. Everything you need for a fun and connected long weekend with the family. Games, puzzles, colouring and more! I was excited to find a floor puzzle and a few games for younger kids. All 3 games and the puzzle only cost $12! A great investment and definitely something that will get good use in our house.
Any plans for the long weekend? Going out of town or staying home, I would definitely suggest a quick stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store to discover all of the wonderful items to keep your family entertained all weekend long.
All the best,
Tijana
Dressing up for those holiday parties to make the celebration even more special? You can find high-end pieces in your local Thrift Store to step out in style this season without paying high-end prices. Planning on hibernating at home through the holidays? We’ve got that covered too.
Celebrate the spirit of Thriftmas in-style and on-budget this holiday season with these tips and tricks for an affordable and eco-friendly holiday season without sacrificing any of that festive fun.
From gift ideas and Christmas sweaters, to décor and tablescapes — and everything in between — this Thriftmas guide will lead you to your most stress-free and feel-good holiday season ever. Plus, take advantage of everyday savings at your local Thrift Store like no tax on most items, 15% off for students with an SPC card, and 10% off for seniors to get even more for less.
Here are our top 5 tips for a Merry Thriftmas.
There are few places better to find holiday décor than your local Thrift Store. Holiday waste from seasonal products and packaging is a serious problem, so purchasing these items secondhand is a great way to add holiday cheer to your space without spending brand-new prices or contributing to seasonal waste.
Christmas trees, decorations and ornaments, wreaths, and general holiday décor items like these are all waiting to be discovered. Check out this epic haul(iday) vlog from our creative expert Nicole, and find more thriftspiration here.
Advent calendars are one the best parts of holiday excitement. Make your own with a thrifted muffin tin to help cut down on costs and unnecessary waste. Go ahead, you earned that treat inside!
One of the most meaningful aspects of the holiday season is the food shared with friends and family. Make your festive feasts stand out with a gorgeous tablescape and servingware.
Great items to look for at your local Thrift Store are tablecloths, silverware sets, chargers, top plates, glassware, and ornamental decorations, including artificial flowers and branches for vase centerpieces.
There’s no reason that your Christmas shopping at the Thrift Store should stop when you get to presents. Here are some great options for gift-giving that will not only delight the receiver, but will make everyone feel good knowing they are an eco-friendly choice that also helps support your community.
These are plentiful in your local Thrift Store, but you may need to set aside enough time to take a good look through all the shelves.
Check out the glassware, party platters, and pitchers, and then use these fab finds to bake cookies, biscotti, or anything else that fits the container to deliver something special to your hostess.
Try this kitchenware DIY bouquet from our creative expert Denise for more thriftspiration.
Another no-fail purchase at the Thrift Store, especially children’s books like series, pop ups, crafty, cardboard books, and coloring books.
You will find lots of great reads for all ages, usually in very good shape. Just about anything is available on the shelves of your local Thrift Store.
Even if the art itself is not something you think your giftee would like, you can easily upcycle it to turn it into something new if the frame is right, or simply add a photo of your own for a sentimental gift. Thrifted picture frames are a great option to help save the cost of expensive new frames. This is a great idea for grandparent gifts with grandchildren pictures.
This section of the store is filled with antiques, collectibles, and other incredible items that will impress your loved ones with their uniqueness — and their impact. Like all items sold in our stores, these Featured Finds help us generate funds to support local Salvation Army programs and services that are needed more than ever throughout the winter season.
Thinking about giving your loved ones a gift that gives back, but also want to give them something to spend on themselves? Do both with a Salvation Army Thrift Store gift card, where all purchases help care for our communities and the planet we share AND where fab finds abound.
Once you have your card, you can put it in one of these adorable DIY gift card holders for the ultimate thrifty gifty.
To finish everything off, your local Thrift Store is likely filled with brand-new wrapping paper and other gift-packaging materials.
Tie that Christmas list shopping up with a bow – literally!
Dressing up for those holiday parties to make the celebration even more special? You can find high-end pieces in your local Thrift Store to step out in style this season without paying high-end prices. Here is some thriftspiration to get you started:
There is no better place to get authentic Christmas sweaters, perfect for your next work holiday event. From classic to silly, there are so many options to choose from! Check out our Christmas Sweater Guide for more styling tips.
Stay warm and look cool with layered-up casual looks. Strut through the season in comfort and style with these classic Thrift Store finds.
The holidays are a time of clutter as we accumulate even more throughout the gift-giving season. Set yourself up to start the new year fresh by beginning to gather anything you no longer use or want so that it’s ready to be donated to your local Thrift Store in the New Year.
Donating your gently used items is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer by helping to care for neighbours in need in your community through Salvation Army programs and services.
The best part of about celebrating Thriftmas, is that you are helping to care for the environmental while supporting neighbours in need in your community by shopping and donating with us.
We partnered with Musemo of @misslionhunter, Halifax influencer and thrifter extraordinaire, for this guest blog collaboration.
…because you never know what you will find!
During my first time visiting the newly opened Salvation Army Bedford Commons Thrift Store, I hoped I’d find some good homewares.
I’m currently hunkering down for my winter hibernation so I’m on the lookout for elements that will make my home as cozy as possible.
Nothing says cozy vibes than lighting a few candles in the home and sitting down to a cup of tea and a good book. I found these sage coloured candle holders tucked away on a shelf and instantly felt that rush one gets to grab something before someone else does! The grooves, the details, and the color are perfect for my aesthetic!
You know in the movies when a character comes home from a long day, and they have a bowl of some sort where they throw their keys and empty their pockets into? I’ve been looking for something like that! Yes, a bowl is easy to find, but I wanted mine to be art piece, something that could also be a conversation starter. The waves and the tone of this structure all come together to create the piece I’ve been looking for!
Back when I started thrifted, I was OBSESSED with clip on earrings! The accessories section would be my first stop and I’d always be in awe of the retro pieces I’d see. As my style has evolved over the years, my earring addiction has subsided but spotting these beauties the other day, really took me back! The gold hardware, the subtle green gem and that 80s nostalgia made this find something I just had to have!
I hope you enjoyed seeing the pieces I found and how I incorporated them into my life.
May you find the best treasures on your next adventure to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store!
Until next time,
Musemo
Contributed by: Augustine Pilon (@lamyrtille), Salvation Army Thrift Store Creative Expert
Even if this holiday season is a bit different than what we are used to, it doesn’t mean we can’t wear our nicest clothes and play dress up. Once again, this year, I’m offering some Salvation Army Thrift Store looks to inspire you for the holidays.
First of all, here is a simple navy-blue shirt dress, which, with bold accessories, a pair of tights and a nice lipstick, can quickly become very chic. Don’t hesitate to elevate the look by adding a beret to give it a “French touch”.
For the second look, I suggest this burnt orange top, embroidered with pretty festive patterns. You can wear it with dark pants, or any other color you like. I opted for an ochre headband to add a chic element to this outfit.
No need to neglect comfort to be elegant!
I have to tell you, I found this dress at The Salvation Army Thrift Store last summer. When you come across such a beautiful clothing, you have to take it! So, I kept it in my wardrobe to share it in my holiday look blog.
A little black dress is such a classic that never goes out of style. And for this dress in particular, it goes so well with the adage: business in the front, party in the back – if this dress doesn’t scream my name, then I don’t know what will.
The key item of my last look started with these vintage high-waisted trousers I found at The Salvation Army Thrift Store. I matched them with a black top I already had in my wardrobe. The belt is also a second hand find made a few years ago. I think out of the four holiday looks, this one is my favorite. For those who are not keen to wearing dresses, don’t hesitate to opt for a nice pair of pants: you’ll be just as chic!
I hope these looks have inspired you and made you want to check out your local Salvation Army Thrift Store for some great finds.
Happy New Years and happy thrifting!
