As consumers, we spend a lot of time and energy shopping for gifts. This year, Americans are estimated to spend over $1 trillion on Christmas presents. That’s a lot of shipping and wrapping waste, as well as a big impact on our planet’s resources. This holiday season, consider getting thrifty by gifting secondhand.
Buying new gifts is great, but many of us choose to shop for used items because it allows our dollars to stretch further. It may also help us achieve our financial goals (like paying off debt or saving for a house) faster.
If you’re not already thrifty, it’s important to set a budget before you head out to shop. This will keep you from over-buying or buying things you don’t really need. It’s also important to know the people on your list and what their interests are. This will help you narrow your search for the perfect gift. For example, if your friend loves home decor, browse the furniture and decor sections for a pretty tablecloth, vintage pitcher or a unique coffee mug. You could also find a fun baking set or a pre-loved cast iron pan.
In addition to stretching your dollar further, shopping thrifty is good for the local economy and the environment. Thrift stores are almost always small businesses, and they offer much lower prices than department stores. Plus, they’re mitigating our global impacts on climate change by giving used items a second life before they end up in landfills.
Nadeen and Steven Morrill run Gift and Thrift in downtown Mesa. They started the store to sell their own art and provide space for other local artists to vend. When one of their favorite local art markets closed, they realized they had the space and ability to do more.
The store’s selection varies day to day, but they have some consistent items that are especially popular. They also have a wide variety of holiday and seasonal items.
They also host monthly art markets in the store to connect with community members and bring in more foot traffic. They want to continue to grow the market and see other local artists thrive, but they need a steady stream of income. The shop offers monthly ad sales, as well as a small percentage of sales from debit and credit cards.
Another way they support community is by offering low-cost art classes, which have been popular among the youth and adults. These programs give kids an opportunity to express themselves creatively and create something to take home with them.
The next time you’re browsing the shelves of your local thrift or vintage shop, look for thoughtful gifts that will show your friends and family that you put a little thought into their present. They won’t scoff at a slightly scuffed toy, and you may even be able to score a deal on a set of glasses or an ornament. This holiday season, shop thrifty and make the world a better place.