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.)

Save by Shopping Thrift Stores

I do a fair amount of shopping at thrift shops. As a matter-of-fact, most of what I bought for the baby shower I threw for my daughter and son-in-law came from thrift stores, and when Little Man is growing out of another size clothing, that is where I head with a list from my daughter.

I buy as much of my own clothing as I can at them as well. And many other things. Picture frames (usually 50 cents), baskets (25 cents to $1.00), tins (50 cents), silverware (5 cents each), this years weekly planner (for only 10 cents!), and many other things. Quite frankly, if I can get most stuff cheaply I will do it.

Pay attention to quality.

• You can outfit your family, at least somewhat, at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost you’d buy stuff new, then only buy what is necessary at other types of stores. Shirts, pants, dresses, coats, shoes, and boots can all be found in thrift stores. Even accessories such as fashionable scarves and costume jewelry.
• Housewarming gifts can be put together at these shops. Pick up a basket, or a large pot or mixing bowl, and fill it with kitchen necessities such as silverware, coffee mugs, cooking utensils, a pot holder or oven mitt, a dish towel and dish cloth, measuring cups and spoons, and whatever else you can find that will fit. Look for ribbon or a bow to decorate the gift with.
• Frame photographs for your living room at thrift stores, and buy puzzles to put together in your spare time. Puzzles can be used as artwork when complete.
• Shop throughout the year for school supplies, and maybe you wont have to buy much new.
• It is possible to grow your home library with books from thrift shops as well.
• And you can pick up gifts to give at the holidays.
• You can even decorate your home for the holidays with thrift store finds.

It really is possible to save a lot of money shopping at thrift stores. And get great stuff! The list above doesn’t touch on even a fraction of what can be done.

Have a great day!

Shannon