Is it Okay to Pick up Gifts at Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, Etc.?

I love yard sales, thrift shops, clearance sales, and flea markets. I always find gems when I visit, and save so much over the price of new-bought items. I am a frugalista at heart. How about you?

When buying from places such thrift shops and flea markets, you’re reusing other people’s stuff. This means that it is not going into a landfill, and someone local is earning money. Both are worthy reasons to buy items from these places.

But, should you buy gifts for other people at these places?

There are some that would say this is cheap. Maybe even tacky. They don’t want to receive something that was acquired this way, not even during a clearance sale.

I disagree. Especially when money is very tight. And no one has ever held it against me that their gift at least partly came from a yard sale.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling anyone to go out and buy just any gifts at these venues. Make sure the stuff is of good value, and well-kept. No one wants a ‘new’ comforter with holes or a huge stain. That would be wrong.

What I’m saying is that you check an item out real well and, if it is a quality item, get it. The stuff I get looks new, for the most part. Unless I’m specifically looking for items that are slightly worn because I’m doing theme gifts.

When my daughters were young we made a lot of food gifts for people, so certain things were bought at these venues each year including:

• Baskets of various sizes.
• Tins of various sizes.
• Tissue paper, ribbons, bows.
• Coffee mugs.
• Assorted gift tags, and cards with envelopes.

One year, when Skye and Zowie were not very old, I bought most of their Christmas gifts at the local church thrift store. I was able to get them the most adorable clothes, and they loved each item. They didn’t care where the clothes came from, or how much was spent on them. The clothing looked almost new.

I bought so many books for them over the years from yard sales and flea markets; they hardly cost a thing. Games and puzzles, as well as stuffed animals and dolls.

So I’m going to say yes, it is okay to buy gifts at these venues if you need to. Or even if you don’t actually need to.

And clearance sales? Yup. Great buys right in the store. Far better than regular sale prices.

What do you think? Have you ever bought a gift for someone from one of these places? Tell us about it in the comments, or email me at shannonlbuck@gmail.com. I always reply!

Happy Shopping!

Shannon

(Originally published to frugalisfabulous.wordpress.com on 2/27/16. Still applies today.)

8 Ways to Spend Less

Are you looking for ways to spend less? Who isn’t, right? I’m doing this constantly. I wanted to share with you a few ways to spend less so can add these moves to what you are currently doing.

Compare prices on items you need

Know the routes you usually take when running errands or going back and forth to work, and figure out which business on those routes has the best deal on what you are looking for. I don’t buy a lot of things regularly, but I know which place has the best deal for each item I need.

I know to stock up on incense while shopping with my daughter Skye because one of the places we visit has the best deal and scent options. Is incense a necessity? Ordinarily no. However, I rent a room in a house where most of the tenants smoke cigarettes and other things in the house even though they are not supposed to. This makes my room and my stuff smell bad 😦 Until I can find a better, affordable living situation, incense is often my best friend.

Coupons and/or sale prices are not always the best deals

Often a store or other brand will be the better deal, even after you factor in the sale + coupon price. Be sure to check for the best price in all scenarios for the ultimate in savings.

While milk A might seem like a good deal with the coupon, milk B or C may actually cost less even without benefit of a coupon. Be a smart shopper.

Find out when the matinees are

I know. There are just some movies that you have to see in the theater. I’m waiting for the second half of It. I went to see the first half with my sister and friends from work, so now we are all anxiously awaiting the next part. Movies are expensive. Food and drinks are expensive. When I went the last time, I noticed a small popcorn is no longer even an option.

Go online or call around to each of the movie theaters in the area and find out 1) how much regular tickets are, and 2) when matinees take place and how much they are.

I have a Roku and, if I’m too excited to wait until it presents itself as a freebie on one of the Roku channels, I will rent it for just a few dollars. I save this for movies I am excited about, but not so much that I need to go to the theater.

Where can find the best deals on used DVD’s?

Currently, for me, this is Bull Moose. There isn’t the biggest selection ever, but I can get a used DVD for $0.97. They are sealed in an envelope and are sold as-is, but I have never had a problem. Recently I’ve picked up two of the Bourne movies, and As Good as it Gets. Both play beautifully.

Yard sales and thrift shops are also good options.

Find free things to do in your community

Movies or concerts in the park. Parades or car shows. Book signings by your favorite author. You might be surprised by what you find.

Can’t afford to go see your favorite band in concert? Pack a picnic lunch and meet your friends in the vicinity if the concert is taking place outside. You can still listen, and socialize better than you could inside the gates. And, if you are lucky, you may be able to watch the concert on a screen. If not, that’s fine. At least you got out to do something.

Take advantage of the local park

Some things you can do in the park include picnicking with friends and family, reading, play a board game with the children, yoga, meditation, and picture-taking. You could study there, or take work with you. You can walk or jog, or even sit and reflect. These activities will provide you with (mostly) free entertainment for hours every week.

Take advantage of off-season rates

Hotels and other places often have discounted rates before a season begins or once it has ended. Even some places that close during the winter will likely have an off-season period where you can get a discount. This could save your family a good deal of money over the years, plus the areas shouldn’t be as crowded.

Hotels may offer other discounts, or know of some

At the inn where I work, we have key-cards that give guests 10% their meals at Applebee’s, coupons for the same amount off at Texas Roadhouse, and coupons for a free drink and chips with purchase of a sandwich at Harvest Moon Deli. Sometimes we have coupons for other restaurants and even some stores. It never hurts to ask when checking in.

Also, if the front desk agent knows the area well she may be able to tell you where the nicest places to eat while on a budget are, where the diners with the best prices are, and what there is to do at no cost. They really can be a wealth of information.

Shannon