by A. Y. Ford

Created on: February 01, 2010

Having a thrift story Christmas during tough economic times can be fun and can spark creativity in members who would otherwise just buy gifts from a list and worry about how to pay later. One of the first things to consider when preparing to utilize thrift stores for Christmas shopping is the list of people you need to buy for. Some items just can’t be bought at a thrift store but even if you can buy half of your items this way it will keep some funds in your pocket and will help whatever charity the thrift store is set up to help. Whether it is the “Salvation Army” or the “Good Will” or any other non-profit thrift store every purchase will go toward helping others.

Another step in the process of preparing for a thrift store Christmas is to get other people involved. You can encourage others who shop for you to purchase your gifts this way. You will be surprised and pleased with the treasures others can find for you. If you have children you can encourage them to buy gifts at the thrift store with your help. They may need guidance to make purchases that will be appreciated and not just tolerated.  If you can get your spouse on board maybe you can make a larger family purchase like some furniture to refurbish or bikes for family fun. Each family will come up with unique ways to use the deals they can find at thrift stores.

There are few things that you will need to consider when deciding to use thrift stores for gift shopping. Regular Christmas shopping can take a long time but thrift store shopping can take even longer. If you want to become a serious thrift store Christmas shopper you need to be willing to shop all year. You also need to be willing to go to various stores because if what you want is not at one store might be at another. If you are able, to it would be beneficial to take the people along with you that you are shopping for to see what they are interested in. If you know someone who always looks at the nick knacks or someone who always looks at the purses or someone who always looks at the books it gives you a better idea about what you can purchase that will be the most pleasing.

Near the Christmas holiday you will find lots of Christmas displays and may be able to save money by buying items you would like for decorations or otherwise enjoy the holidays. One way to give inexpensive holiday cheer to teachers or others that you want to show appreciation for is to buy a nice holiday mug or bowl at a thrift store and then fill it with hot chocolate packets or candy. You can’t go wrong with items that spread the holiday cheer and remember most of your purchases also help others in need.

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