Tag: secondhand

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Secondhand Clothes Thrift Stores

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO REMOVE FROM YOUR CLOSET

13 Color Coordinated Closet Ideas to Organize Your Clothes Beautifully | InStyle
FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO REMOVE FROM YOUR CLOSET

Trends come and go! Sometimes all those items that you have bought over the years tend to stay in your closet. Those clothes are probably shoved into a box and kept in the back of your closet. 

That box of clothes is only getting bigger and bigger through the passing months and years. Instead of letting those old clothes overtake your closet, donate them! 

There are clothing donation locations where you can drop-off unused clothing. Or there are even donation pick-ups that you have scheduled to come to your home. There is no excuse not to donate!

If you are decluttering your closet, here is how to sort clothes to give away. 

JEANS THAT NO LONGER FIT

From bootleg, straight leg to skinny, the average person can accumulate many pairs of jeans. On the other hand, the average American man owns, on average, six pairs of jeans. All those jeans can accumulate in your closet as the years pass. If you have some pair of jeans that longer fit you, it is time to donate them. 

HEELS THAT YOU CANNOT WALK IN 

We have all been there when you buy a pair of heels that were love at first sight. The joy of finding them might have made you oversee that the shoes were not comfortable.

Instead of the heels taking up room in your closet, donate them to the thrift shop in Lebanon, TN. There is someone out there who will love them just as much as you do and even wear them.

HANDBAGS THAT DO NOT MATCH YOUR WARDROBE 

Is there such a thing as too many handbags? Perhaps, it is true when you no longer have room to store new handbags. Instead of leaving those bags on the floor or somewhere they might get damaged, pick out the ones that no longer fit your style.

You might have only bought that handbag to match an outfit you no longer wear. Either way parting with some bags gives you room for new ones. 

SPECIAL OCCASION CLOTHES THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY WORN 

One way on how to sort clothes to give away is to start with outfits for special occasions. Whether it is a wedding, New Year’s Eve party or graduation, we tend to buy that outfit just for one event.

It is common that we decide not to wear that piece of clothing again. Take those articles of clothing that you know you are longer going to wear and donate them. 

OUT OF SEASON CLOTHING 

The change in weather indicates what you will wear for the next upcoming months. Whether winter or fall is approaching, switching out a wardrobe can save you valuable time. Instead of packing up all your summer clothes for the winter, toss a few items.

Pick out the pieces of clothing that you know you will no longer wear and donate them. This will save lots of room in your storage and help recycle those old clothes.

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thrift shop thrifting Tips & Tricks

THE GUIDE TO THRIFTING PYREX

Op Shop Finds: Vintage Pyrex | This Mum Rocks
THE GUIDE TO THRIFTING PYREX

From your great grandmother to your mother, many generations you know might have owned a piece of Pyrex. This colorful glass kitchenware has been a staple piece in American households for over a century. Many people love it for its durability, while others love it for its colorful designs. 

There are Pyrex collectors who are in search of vintage and collectible Pyrex pieces.

THE HISTORY OF PYREX

Pyrex was first created in Corning, N.Y. in 1908. However, it did not look like the modern pieces look. Pyrex was first created at Corning Glass Works, where thermally resistant glasses were made for single lanterns. One employee named Jesse Littleton brought a sawed-off battery jar home to his wife, who used it to bake a cake.

Corning soon figured out their glass could benefit more than the industrial world but also kitchens. In 1915, the company started to sell Pyrex bakeware to many housewives. What made Pyrex so successful was that it was durable, resisted temperature changes and didn’t discolor. 

WHY SHOULD YOU THRIFT PYREX?

Pyrex gained popularity because of its borosilicate glass that gave it durability and longevity. However, it then switched to using a soda-lime glass. This made the value of vintage Pyrex skyrocket. Now some Pyrex pieces are selling as much as $3,000. 

When looking for Pyrex at the thrift shops in Destin, FL, try to find Pyrex from the 1915s to late 1970s. Look for pieces that are desirable and in great condition. Here is a list of Pyrex patterns that are worth some good money.

FIVE VALUABLE PYREX PATTERNS TO THRIFT 

The Pink Daisy pattern 

The Pink Daisy Pyrex pattern was produced from 1956 to 1963. This Pyrex pattern and the Snowflake was the first to be printed on a solid color. Its clear lids made it one of the best selling patterns. Now it is a favorite collectible piece for Pyrex junkies. 

The Snowflake pattern

As stated above, the Snowflake Pyrex pattern is also one of the first Pyrex printed on a solid color. These pieces are turquoise colored and with snowflakes. This pattern is one of the longest-running patterns that ran from 1956 to 1967. 

Rainbow stripes

The Rainbow Stripes Pyrex was manufactured from 1965 to 1967. There were four bowls, but only three were sold together. The set includes pink, sandalwood and blue. The yellow bowl was sold separately. 

Gooseberry pattern

This Pyrex pattern was one of the first four printed patterns to be released on the opal Pyrex. It was manufactured from 1957 to 1966. This pattern came in different colors, including pink on white, white on pink, black on white and black on yellow. 

Butterprint pattern

The Butterprint Pyrex was manufactured from 1957 to 1968. This pattern features an Amish couple, roosters and corn. It is considered one of the earliest prints of Pyrex. The distinctive design makes it one of the most recognizable Pyrex prints. 

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Thrift Stores thrifting

FIVE THRIFT STORE FINDS THAT ARE VALUABLE

Shopping Can Make You Famous - The New York Times
FIVE THRIFT STORE FINDS THAT ARE VALUABLE

Thrifting is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop. What many people do not know is that your thrifting addiction at the thrift stores in Destin, FL may also earn you extra cash. 

Hundreds of items are donated to thrift stores every day. Sometimes these unwanted items turn out to be valuable ones.

THRIFT STORE FINDS WORTH MONEY

Pyrex 

When you are walking down the dishware aisle at your local thrift store, look out for Pyrex. This is a brand of dishware that is prized by many. People love Pyrex because of its durability and longevity. 

The most valuable kind of Pyrex is the vintage ones. The vintage pieces are made of borosilicate glass, not soda-lime glass. Some vintage pieces of Pyrex can sell for as much as $300. For the most valuable pieces, look for Pyrex dishware that was made from 1915 to the late 1970s. 

Trading cards 

Did you know that those trading cards you collected as a kid may be worth thousands of dollars? You heard that right. Some trading cards, like Pokemon and baseball cards, are selling for high prices because of how rare they are. 

Le Creuset 

Another valuable kind of dishware that you can find in thrift stores is Le Creuset. This kind of dishware is considered to be valuable because of its quality. It is made from high-quality enamel, and it does not chip or age over time. 

If you find this kind of dishware in your thrift store, you hit the lottery. The average price of a new 5.5 quart Le Creuset oven costs $370. You can check out your favorite thrift store and find one for half the price. 

First-edition books 

If you are a book collector, you might want to give your retail bookstore a break and head to a thrift store. You will be surprised to know that you can find books that are worth a pretty penny and add value to your book collection.

For example, a first edition Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sold for more than $80,000. When thrifting for valuable books, look for books that are the first edition. Then, check out how many copies were published. 

Film cameras

A picture is worth a thousand words, and some vintage cameras are worth hundreds of dollars. On your next thrifting trip, check out the selection of film cameras. Some film cameras are worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars. 

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thrift shop Thrift Stores

SEVEN THRIFTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: 12 Unique Ideas for Mom's Special Day 2020 - Giving Care by Silvert's
SEVEN THRIFTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

There is really no gift that demonstrates how much you love your mother. However, we will still spend time and money to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift that shows how much she means to us.

Get inspired to find the ideal gift by checking out the history behind Mother’s Day and some thriftable gift ideas.

THE HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day has not always been celebrated. The start of this day began in the early 1900s. The idea of creating a day to honor mothers was brought up by Anna Jarvis. She started a campaign in 1905 to make this an official holiday.

Throughout the years, the news of this holiday spread across the U.S. However, It was not until 1914 that this day was declared an official holiday by President Woodrow Wilson.

He declared the second Sunday in May to be Mother’s Day. Now it is celebrated worldwide and dedicated to showing mother’s some gratitude with flowers, cards and gifts.

THRIFTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

A special frame

All of our pictures and videos are now stored in phones. You probably have thousands of images, but you never really do much with them. Instead of posting a picture of you and your mom on Facebook this year, frame it and gift it. You can head to your favorite thrift shop in Destin, FL and buy a frame that matches your mom’s taste.

Sparkly earrings

Does your mother brighten up your world? Give her a pair of earrings that match her personality. Thrift stores have various vintage earrings in stores and online that are a fraction of the cost.

They have all types of earrings from dangling earrings, hooped earrings to diamond studs that will complete anyone’s outfits

Thoughtful watches

Sure, smartwatches are very popular right now. But nothing beats the look and feel of a vintage watch. These watches never go out of style, are durable, functional and make a statement on any wrist.

If you want a timeless and vintage watch on a budget, head to a thrift store. These stores carry a wide range of women’s functional watches.

Designer handbags

You may not be able to repay your mother for everything she has done, but a designer handbag is a good place to start. Handbags make exceptional gifts for moms on the go because they are functional, stylish and will last for many years.

Sunglasses

Another great gift for the mom on the go is a pair of sunglasses. It is a gift that will get plenty of use no matter where she might live. Plus, there are vintage styles that will transcend decades.

Got a budget? No worries, thrift stores carry a lot of designer sunglasses in great conditions for less than retail stores.

Cookware

Do you have a mom who’s always trying new recipes? Give her a practical gift for the kitchen that she can use while creating new dishes.

There are a variety of gift ideas to choose from, like Pyrex, cast skillet, bowls, dishes and pots. Head to your favorite thrift store to find all these high-quality kitchen items at a reasonable price.

A statement necklace

There is one gift idea that you can never go wrong with on Mother’s Day – a necklace. You can make that gift even more special by thrifting one.

Thrift stores carry high-quality necklaces that fit any style. Who knows, you might even be able to find a necklace that your mother has always been looking for?

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thrift shop Thrift Stores

FIVE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

17 Beautiful and Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home for Spring | Best Life
FIVE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

Spring has sprung! The warm weather is inspiring people to spring clean their homes and redecorate for the change of the season. Transitioning your home’s decor for spring can be hefty on your wallet. 

The good news is that there are low-cost ways to update your home for the spring. Refresh your home for the spring with these tips. 

BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

Add natural light 

Kick the winter blues to the curb with some natural light. Letting in more natural light into a room can boost your mood and make it look bigger. How do you add more light into a room without having to add a window? 

Let more light in by updating your window treatments and adding mirrors. Swap those dark and thick curtains for lighter ones. Then, add a mirror or two into a room to help reflect more natural light into the dark spaces. 

Splash some color

From the flowers outdoors to colorful baskets at the store, you tend to see lots of color in the spring. This does not mean you need to repaint your entire house. You can splash some color through home decor. 

You can incorporate your favorite spring colors in throw pillows, colorful glassware and even change your artwork. Save some money by buying these items secondhand at one of the best thrift store in Destin, FL.

Upcycle old furniture

Do you have old furniture that is taking up space in your garage or shed? Instead of tossing it to the dumpster, upcycle it. Upcycling is transforming an unused item into something reusable.

Give that old piece of furniture a new purpose by getting creative. You can flip unused dressers into desks or kitchen carts. If you do not have old furniture to flip, visit a thrift store for vintage and low-cost furniture. 

Include greenery

Outdoors, the grass is getting green, and the flowers are blooming. You can bring those spring elements into your home with some house plants. Certain plants can even refresh your home’s air. 

If you are looking to save some money on plants, thrift your pots. Thrift stores carry a wide variety of items that can be repurposed as pots. For example, tea cups and baskets can be reused as pots for your plants. 

Create an outdoor space

As the weather starts to get warmer, you might want to spend more time outdoors. Do not let your outdoor space go unused. Expand your living space by adding outdoor seating. 

Patio furniture can be expensive, but thrift stores carry a wide variety of secondhand patio furniture. One trick to making different pieces of outdoor furniture look more cohesive is by repainting them. 

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thrift shop Thrift Stores

HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET-FRIENDLY WINTER WARDROBE

4 Expensive-Looking Winter Outfits That Are Affordable | POPSUGAR Fashion
HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET-FRIENDLY WINTER WARDROBE

The months where you can make it out the door in a t-shirt and jeans is almost over. The winter months are around the corner bringing colder weather and snow. 

Keeping yourself and family warm this winter is a critical step for their health. Being outdoors without proper winter gear can result in frostbite, hypothermia and heart problems. 

It is important to buy proper winter clothing to avoid getting ill. The problem is that buying a whole new wardrobe for winter can be expensive. That is why one of the thrift stores wants to share a few tips on how to create a budget-friendly winter wardrobe. 

LAYER UP 

A smart way to stay warm this winter is by layering up. Wearing layers daily can help you stay warm when commuting to work, school or shopping. You can wear three kinds of layers to stay cozy – the base, middle and outer layers. 

For the bottom layer, wear long sleeve shirts that can be worn with another layer. The middle layer can consist of sweaters, vests and blazers that help you retain the heat in your body. While on the outer layer, you want to wear a winter coat, scarves and hats that keep the rain and wind off of you.

CHOOSE A VERSATILE SHOE

Cold weather does not occur all year long. Why should you have to buy multiple pairs of shoes for the winter? Save some cash and splurge on one pair of high quality winter boots. Buy a pair of shoes that works for both the snowy and rainy weather. Look for classic pairs of boots that you can wear through the years. Thrift stores offer a great selection of high quality boots at affordable prices. 

BUY A TIMELESS WINTER COAT 

Coats are an expensive part of any winter wardrobe. Many people can spend between $100 to $200 on winter coats at retail stores. To save money, it is important to find a winter coat that will look good no matter the trend. You do not want to splurge on a coat that you will only wear one season. Instead find a classic looking coat that you can wear every single year. 

CHOOSE A WARM WINTER HAT 

If you are one of those people whose ears get cold easily, you need a hat. Hats can protect your ears from the chilly weather and harsh winds. Instead of choosing a cotton hat, opt for ones made out of fleece, wool, shearling and faux fur to stay warm. These kinds of hats will last you longer and can be found at Independence thrift stores for lower prices. 

THRIFT INSTEAD OF PAYING FULL PRICE

A smart way to avoid the expensive winter gear prices is by thrifting. Thrift stores in Santa Rosa Beach, FL have a full stock of winter gear for the whole family at a fraction of the cost at retail stores. You find about everything you need for the oldest and youngest in the house. 

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thrift shop Thrift Stores

The Different Ways Thrifting Helps Your Community

The Different Ways Thrifting Helps Your Community
The Different Ways Thrifting Helps Your Community

No matter where you live or what you do, it’s always a good feeling to have a community’s support behind you. Community is an inherent part of our human nature; we are pack animals, after all. All healthy societies have members who share the same goal: to support each other to improve their respective neighborhoods.

There are so many ways to strengthen your community, but many of them require a significant investment of time or money to really make a difference.

On the other hand, activities such as thrift shopping can help your community in both passive and active ways. Thrifting is a fantastic way to do your part for the people around you while getting something for yourself in the process.

In this article, let’s go through some of the different ways thrifting helps your community to show you how much good you can do while simply shopping for things you already needed to buy.

Good for the Environment

Perhaps the factor that affects everyone in a community equally, thrifting is a very useful way to reuse and recycle old clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Clothing is surprisingly durable, and most doesn’t break down quickly or easily in the earth, meaning that it can harm the soil and contribute to environmental degradation.

By donating to a thrift shop instead of throwing out old clothing, you prevent excessive waste from ruining your community’s environment. We all need to do our part for the environment—for both our local and global communities—if we’d like to combat the effects of climate change.

Reduces Trash

Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful sectors that exist? We generate millions of tons of textile waste every year from perfectly reusable and recyclable clothing and fabric. That doesn’t even include the amount of waste that the industry itself creates when it makes those clothes.

On top of all that, the textile industry also uses an immense amount of water to keep up with the demand for new clothes. If you want to help your community and others all over the world, you can start by decreasing the need for new clothing by thrift shopping. It takes many people to facilitate lasting change in this regard, but every step counts.

Money Goes To Where It’s Needed

Of all the different ways thrifting helps your community, perhaps the most practical benefit is that it puts your money where it can be the most useful. The way this works for some thrift stores is that they purchase clothing and other items from donation charities.

Each of these charities receives their donations from communities just like yours and then sells them to thrift stores. The money we pay to the charities helps them carry out their mission and do their important work. It’s a win-win all around.

Local charities receive money for their cause, we receive great items that we can put on display in our stores, and you get the ability to purchase these items for a much lower price than you would have otherwise.

Gives Options for Lower-Income Families

Keeping the thrifting lifestyle alive is one of the best ways you can help lower-income families in your community. Thrift stores are popular places for those with lower income to frequent because they can more easily find affordable clothing, furniture, and other household items they need.

Keeping your local thrift stores alive through your own shopping, regardless of your financial situation, can prevent expensive retail stores from coming in and reducing the options available to these families.

Retail fashion chains have a bad habit of pushing thrift stores out of the way as they expand, and as we said above, they can be terrible for the environment and the community.

By choosing to shop at thrift stores instead of these chains, you save money, get a wider selection, and keep the option of thrifting around for those who may need it more than you do.

Keeps People Connected

Thrifting isn’t just a way to get nice and cheap clothing or home goods. Thrifting is a way of life! It has a community of its own that is willing and waiting to welcome new members all the time. There’s nothing like walking into a thrift store that feels like yours because you go there often enough to know the community members that work in and frequent it.

Walking into the thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is a great way to make personal connections you otherwise wouldn’t have. Enjoy talking to your fellow thrift shoppers. Maybe even exchange a few tips for finding the perfect item.

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Uncategorized

Thrifting is Good For The Soul

Thrifting is Good For The Soul

Thrifting is such a fun way to shop. Sure, it takes more time and probably more trips than a mall but there’s nothing more satisfying than spotting that perfect vintage jacket for $12.

But it’s not for everyone.

The thing is, thrifting is not designed for convenience. It is not designed for those who want to find something quick. You’re basically on your own. No styled mannequins. No nothing.

And to me, that’s part of the beauty. No pushy sales associates. No promo posters with 5’11 models on them. Nope, you’re completely free of decisions that have been made before you got into the store. You’re looking with an open mind.

When you shop with no particular destination, it allows more room for creativity. Everything you touch makes you wonder: “Hmm, could I see myself in this?” or “This is extremely tacky, but I think I could pull it off.” It forces you to imagine yourself in every outfit possible, whether it’s from the 1950’s or 80’s.

When it comes to thrifting, it’s all about the hunt. Sometimes you might have to visit a few thrift stores before you even get your hands on something unique. But when you do find it, the piece becomes more rewarding to wear. And what makes it even more special is that you will most likely never see someone else wearing the same thing.

One thing I learned from thrifting is the art of the scan. It’s the only way to avoid wasting time and missing out on potential gems.

You can easily spend a few hours at the thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL, especially if it’s a large one. This is why you should scan the aisles for pieces based on your aesthetics first before trying to rummage through piles and piles of clothes.

You’ll eventually see something that catches your eye based on your preferred colors and textures.

Did I also mention that you should dress for the occasion since some stores do not offer fitting rooms? I personally like to wear a form-fitting tank top with some leggings. This also makes changing quick and efficient for the stores that do.

Overall, thrifting can be time-consuming but it is fun and rewarding. There’s nothing like meandering through somebody else’s junk without knowing what’s around the corner. 

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thrift shop thrifting

Why thrifting is better and how to start

I'm gonna pop some tags: why thrifting is the new trend for students - The Utah Statesman
Why thrifting is better and how to start

At some point in your life you probably shopped at a small consignment shop or a goodwill, probably because of the prices some people are attracting to thrifting to flip stuff for profit, others for the lower prices on clothing, shoes and furniture.

What is thrifting?

Going to a store with discounted or second-hand items to buy products for less than what would be paid in a big box store.

Reasons to buy second hand

  • it’s cheaper
  • prevents waste in landfill
  • most secondhand shops will give back to the community
  • find high quality items for a lower price
  • opportunities to score rare items you’ve been looking for
  • good for the planet
  • less pollution
  • maximizes life of items

How thrifting is better for wallet and planet

when it comes to buying clothes, they can get expensive and if you have a limited budget this can help keep spending low.

by buying secondhand and donating items it keeps items out of the landfill

How thrifting is better than fast fashion

instead of spending money on cheaply made clothes hit up your local thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL for some name brand quality clothes for the same price or less

pre thrifting checklist

  1. check the site for daily deals or coupons
  2. check for the color or item that has an extra discount on it
  3. what could you use around the house
  4. sizes for the clothes or shoes you’re seeking
  5. figure out what days the product is brought in or what time to check out the most recent donations for an ultimate find
  6. check accessories like bags or wallets
  7. give yourself a budget to stay within
  8. bring your donations to keep the circle going
  9. give ample time to really search it takes time to find amazing stuff
  10. don’t be afraid to come back another time
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Secondhand Clothes thrift shop Thrift Stores

8 Things You Should Be Buying at Thrift Stores

Woman shopping at a thrift store
8 Things You Should Be Buying at Thrift Stores

You know those bumper stickers that read, “I break for yard sales”? Well, mine says, “I break for thrift stores.” And I do. Over the past three decades, I’ve thrift-shopped my way across the Midwest, Northeast, and from L.A. to Seattle.

Thankfully, I’m too picky to be a hoarder. I buy only what I need or what I know I can sell for a profit online. And though every secondhand store is unique, there’s a standard set of items I’m always on the lookout for.

Here are some things you, too, should always buy at thrift stores.

  1. Jeans

Hands-down, jeans are the best bargain in any thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL.

Where I live, high-quality used jeans sell for $7.99-$12.99 a pair. And though that may seem high for “pre-loved” denim, consider this: According to Statista, a consumer market research company, the average retail price of women’s jeans was $165 in 2018.

Think all thrift store jeans are junk? Think again. There are loads of high-quality clothes in thrift stores if you know what to look for — which I outline in “11 Secrets to Finding Quality Clothing at Thrift Shops.”

  1. Tools

Tools are go-items at thrift stores and something I always buy at estate sales. I’m not talking about circular saws and welding torches here, just basic tools everyone should have.

Since much of what gets donated is older, it’s easy to find used tools that are well-made and proven by years of dedicated service.

Look for genuine made-in-America stuff, like your parents or grandparents had. And don’t let a little surface rust discourage you. With just the slightest TLC, most old tools can go for another generation or two.

  1. Totes, trays and baskets

Sure, Amazon sells countless products to organize your home. But, again: Why pay retail?

Canvas totes are always on my shopping list. They’re handy for stowing items in the trunk of my car, packing for an overnight trip, and shopping at garage sales and flea markets.

Trays and baskets are my other go-to storage items. Trays are perfect for displaying cologne, organizing TV remotes or storing craft supplies. Use baskets to store pet supplies, winter gear and bath towels.

  1. Holiday decorations

Psst: When you pay less for holiday decorations, you’ll have more money to spend on gifts.

Over the years, I’ve built a handsome collection of handmade Christmas tree ornaments — all purchased at thrift shops for about 50 cents apiece.

And, like clockwork every year, I find a box of brand-new holiday greeting cards for a dollar or two. (Sorry, retailers, but spending $6 to $12 a box just doesn’t work for me.)

But why stop there? Thrift stores sell artificial trees, tree skirts, wreaths and wrapping paper. Best of all, when you buy from charity-related shops, you’re directing your dollars toward worthy causes. And that’s a good idea every season of the year.

  1. Art and craft supplies

Thrift stores offer limitless options for artists and crafters.

Besides old canvases that can be painted over, I look for vintage photographs, wallpaper samples, fabric, yarn, pottery and silverware.

With a little inspiration, nearly everything in a thrift shop can be reimagined and repurposed. And since the raw materials are so inexpensive, you can let your creative spirit run wild.

  1. Dishware

I’ll say it loud and proud: “I buy all my dishes at thrift stores.” Sure, nothing matches in the strictest sense, but that’s part of the fun.

Creative designers make an art form of setting tables with highly curated “mismatched” sets of dinnerware. You can copy this great look for pennies at a thrift store. Here’s how:

I choose a main color family (classic whites and creams) and an accent color (navy blue).
Next, I let my creativity take over, buying interesting pieces that fit within my chosen palette.

Every plate, bowl, cup and saucer is different, yet it all works together.
When a cup breaks, I pick up a used, unique replacement. Stress level? Zero. Cost? Practically zero.

  1. Perfume

Though I’m not a big fan of perfume, many of my friends and family are. It’s a treat to find a bottle of Burberry or Dior mixed in with thrift stores’ standard fare of Avon and Charlie.

And it happens more often than you might think. Most major department stores donate their perfume testers. Look for the telltale missing cap.

The best part? Many thrift shops aren’t familiar with high-end fragrance brands. Some bottles sell for $3 or $4 apiece.

  1. One-of-a-kind items

I’m always on the lookout for the weird and wonderful.

Kids’ pinch pots with wild glazes, threadbare silk rugs, a stack of black and white snapshots — these one-of-a-kind items make our homes unique. And they can all be found in thrift stores.

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a hand-painted image of a sleeping dog. It’s primitive but done with such care that I couldn’t pass it up. Today, that $4 find is one of my most treasured possessions.

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