‘Tis the season to be sustainable!
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.
DIY party gifts & 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 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.
Books
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.
Artwork and Picture Frames
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.
Featured Finds
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.
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 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.
Gift wrapping
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!
Gorgeous holiday outfits
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:
Seasonal Sweaters
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.
Casual winterwear
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.
Have a very Merry Thriftmas and Happy Holidays!
