How to celebrate the holiday in-style and on budget
The holiday season may be known as the most wonderful time of the year, but it can easily become a time of increased stress and spending. Thankfully, there are many thrifty money-saving tips and eco-friendly festive DIY options that can help you celebrate the spirit of Christmas without any of the hassle.
Plus, take advantage of everyday savings at your local Thrift Store like 15% off for students with an SPC card, 10% off for seniors, and no tax on most items to get even more for less.
Here are our top 5 Thriftmas tips:
1. Stock up on 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 environmental problem, so purchasing these items secondhand is a great way to add holiday cheer to your space.
Christmas trees, decorations and ornaments, wreaths, and holiday décor items like these are all waiting to be discovered.
Thrifty Tip: Advent calendars are one the most fun ways to build of holiday excitement. Make your own with a thrifted muffin tin to help cut down on costs. Go ahead, you earned that treat inside!
2. Stun with seasonal tablescapes
One of the best parts about the holiday season is the food shared with friends and family. Make your Christmas feast 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 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. Learn how to make your own candles and then pick up your own holders at your local Thrift Store.
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.
Buy Now 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 Buy Now 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. Once you have your card, you can put 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 so that you can tie that Christmas list shopping up with a bow – literally!
4. Make the most of the season with festive fashion
Gorgeous holiday outfits
Interested in 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.
Explore even more holiday outfit thriftspiration.
Christmas 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 here.
Cozy PJs
Christmas morning wouldn’t be complete without a festive pair of pajamas to lounge in while opening presents. Find something for all ages and sizes at your local Thrift Store.
5. Donate what you no longer need!
Christmas is the 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. Find your local Thrift Store or Donor Welcome Centre.
Have a very Merry Thriftmas and Happy Holidays!