Get in the spirit of Thriftmas in-style and on-budget this holiday season with this affordable & sustainable holiday guide.
From gift ideas to ugly Christmas sweaters — and everything in between — this thrifty 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 Guests over age 65.
Here are our top 5 tips for a Merry Thriftmas.
1. Stock up on affordable & sustainable holiday décor
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 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!
2. Stun with thrifted seasonal tablescapes
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.
3. Get affordable & sustainable holiday gifts for the whole family
There’s no reason that your Christmas shopping at the Thrift Store should stop when it gets 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 helps support your community.
Party gifts and/or hostess gifts
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 selves. Check out the glassware, the party platters, and pitchers and then use these fab finds to bake something like cookies, biscotti, or anything else that fits the container and deliver something special to your hostess.
Books
Another no-fail purchase at the Thrift Store, especially children’s books like series, pop ups, crafty, board books, and coloring books. You will find lots of great books for all ages. Just about anything is available on those shelves.
Candle holders
There are often many options for beautiful candle holders available, and most people on your shopping list would likely love a gorgeous candle scented to their preferences.
Artwork & Picture frames
This is another great gift-giving option. Even if the art itself is not something you think your giftee would like, you can easily upcycle 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 new pictures frames, which can be very expensive, and are perfect gifts for grandparents when filled with grandchildren pictures.
Featured Finds Section
This section 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 fab finds help us support local Salvation Army programs and services that are needed more than ever throughout the winter season.
Gift cards
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 support local Salvation Army programs and services AND fab finds abound.
Plus, get a free card holder when you buy a gift card this holiday season while supplies last! This limited edition card holder lets the recipient know that when they use the card to shop at their local Thrift Store, they’re not the only one getting a gift. Proceeds from Thrift Store purchases help support Salvation Army programs and services, which makes it the perfect way to let someone pick their own present while also making a difference in their community and for the planet.
Gift wrapping
To finish everything off, your local Thrift Store is likely filled with brand-new wrapping paper and other gift-packaging materials so that you can tie that Christmas list shopping up with a bow – literally!
4. Make the most of the season with festive fashion
Stay warm but look cool with layered-up casual outfits. Our content collaborators have the inspiration you need to get ready for your next trip to Thrift Store with these winterwear thrift hauls.
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.
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.
The holidays are often a time of clutter as we accumulate things throughout the gift-giving season. Set yourself up to start the new year fresh by gathering anything you no longer use or want and donating it 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.
We want to see you put the tips in this affordable & sustainable holiday guide in action! Share your thrifted finds, outfits, and DIYs with us all through the holiday season on our socials and you might be featured on our platforms!
Have a very Merry Thriftmas and Happy Holidays!
