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thrifted christmas gift ideas
Gift Guide / eco-friendly / Thrift

Thrifted Gift Ideas for Christmas

thrifted christmas gift ideas

I absolutely love thrifting, which y’all probably know about me by now. So, it’s only natural that I thrift the items that I gift! Nearly every thrift store I’ve visited has yielded some amazing gems. There are things that that you wouldn’t think of as “second hand” or the negative connotation that receives because they are truly wonderful items! If you’re wanting to switch things up this Christmas, and if you’re searching for ways to make Christmas a little more eco-friendly, these thrift store gift ideas are perfect for you!

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Turn your favorite thrift store finds into gifts for those you love. Second hand shopping is a great way to be a conscious shopper and gifter!
Turn your favorite thrift store finds into gifts for those you love. Second hand shopping is a great way to be a conscious shopper and gifter!
Turn your favorite thrift store finds into gifts for those you love. Second hand shopping is a great way to be a conscious shopper and gifter!

Eco-Friendly Gift Guide - Thrift Store Finds


1. A Bundle of books

thrift store christmas gift ideas - childrens books

For kids or other avid readers in your life, you can buy an entire bundle of books for the price you typically pay for one or two brand new books. People often donate books that are in perfect condition! I especially love discovering board books for my son because they are so easy to clean before he ever uses them. Here are some book bundles you can create:

  • cook books
  • board books
  • chapter books for older kids
  • novels

2. Classic Wooden Toys

wooden toys from a thrift store - eco-friendly gift ideas

Wooden toys seem old fashioned because toys these days are so elaborate. However, wooden toys are extremely beneficial for young children. The feeling of the natural material helps with their innate ability to learn through their senses. The lack of overly-characterized detail promotes a healthy growth of their imagination. Wooden toys that are carved from one piece of wood are less dangerous because they don’t have a million tiny parts that could potentially be a choking hazard.


3. Vintage ornaments

vintage christmas ornaments for eco-friendly unique christmas gift ideas

If you have friends who love to exchange ornaments or just obsess over Christmas , a one of a kind vintage ornament is something they’d love! Head in to the thrift stores as soon as Halloween is over to start your vintage ornament search.


4. Home Decor

thrifted home decor christmas gift ideas

Find unique decor that could help amplify the beauty of your loved one’s homes. Baskets are all the rage, and they are very useful. Thrift store are full of them! You can also find unique vintage furniture that could serve a new purpose, different from what it was originally created for, in someone’s home. “Old school” paintings are perfect for DIY makeovers and can be turned into modern works of art with a little paint and tape. One of my favorite finds has been this holiday themed throw blanket – it is heavy, beautiful, and so cozy!


5. A Gift Card or Thrift Experience

Do you know an avid thrift store shopper? Treat them to a gift card or gift certificate from a thrift store near them! If the store doesn’t carry gift cards, why not treat them to an EXPERIENCE? Plan a time to go thrifting together, and buy their finds for them!


I can spend endless hours searching the racks and shelves of my favorite thrift stores. Each time I look over the shelves, I see something new and wonderful. This Christmas, turn your favorite thrift stores into your Christmas shopping stores. Treat your loved ones to the magic of thrift store finds. The earth will thank you, and your people will thank you for such thoughtful gifts, too!

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  • Hanna
    December 3, 2019

    Thank you so much for these inspirations! I think gifts from the thrift shop are still some kind of a “thing”, although there’s no real reason for it. However, even though I love thrift shops and buy a lot there for myself, I am always thinking a bit longer about it before buying presents there…I hope that changes soon 🙂

    Reply
  • Sarah Allen
    December 3, 2019

    Such great ideas, I particularly like the books, toys and vintage ornaments.

    Reply
  • Angela
    December 3, 2019

    Thanks for the inspiration. I think thrifted items, particularly vintage ones can often be more unique than things available on the mass consumer market.

    Reply
  • Gabacccia
    December 3, 2019

    The bundle of books is my all time favorite. I used to do bundles of books and movies back when we all had DVD players 📻

    Reply
  • The Ultimate Guide of Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers - Green Slice of Life
    September 13, 2020

    […] Best Ethical & Sustainable Holiday Gift Guides for 2019. Addie from Old World New shares her thrifted gift ideas while Guffa from The Pure Nordic Home shares her Gift Guide on Nostalgic Wooden […]

    Reply

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