Thrifted & Thoughtful: How to Give Gifts with Heart
Over the years, I’ve grown to truly love gift giving. I know how special it feels to receive a thoughtful gift, and I enjoy being able to offer that same feeling to others. When it comes to events like baby showers or weddings, I usually stick to the registry—but there are times when a thrifted gift is not only appropriate, but incredibly meaningful. I did this recently for a dear friend, and she absolutely loved it. Another friend remarked, “I wish I knew how to do that,” and that’s when I realized a blog post could help others who want to give thoughtful gifts but aren’t sure where to start.
Why Thrift?
There are so many benefits to thrifting gifts:
1. Quality:
You’ve probably heard someone say, “They just don’t make things like they used to.” I’ve found this to be true time and again. Walk through any antique mall and you’ll quickly notice the craftsmanship in older items—whether it's dishes, furniture, or linens. Many are handmade, ornate, and built to last.
2. Uniqueness:
One Christmas, we hosted a mug exchange at our women’s event at church. I can’t tell you how many Target mugs were swapped—many women went home with the same mug they brought, ha! There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but there’s something extra special about giving something that hasn’t been mass-produced, at least not in this era.
3. Affordability:
Thrifting also stretches your dollar. I once found a beautiful speckled bowl for $4.99 at a thrift store—nearly identical to one I’d seen at an antique mall for $65. A similar style at Target might cost $25, and though it may look vintage, it doesn’t carry the same charm or story as the real thing. Thrifting allows you to give more, for less.
A Few Drawbacks
Of course, thrifting isn’t always perfect:
Not everyone is into it. Some people are uncomfortable with used items, so it’s wise to know your recipient before gifting something secondhand.
It can be messy. Thrift stores aren’t always the cleanest places, and if you’re a germaphobe, it might not be your thing. I always clean every item thoroughly before gifting it.
It takes time. Thrifting is often hit-or-miss. One week I walked out with a full cart (I’m convinced someone donated their stylish grandmother’s entire collection), but a few days later I returned to the same store and left empty-handed. If you’re short on time or wait until the last minute, you may not find what you’re looking for. This kind of gifting requires forethought.
You may end up shopping for yourself. This is more of a fun downside. In the search for a gift, you might find treasures you didn’t even know you needed. There have been times Ethan has come home and asked, “Where did you get that?” To which I respond, “Well, I was looking for so-and-so’s gift…”
How to Thrift a Gift
So how do you actually go about putting a thrifted gift together? Here’s the process I follow:
1. Start with a Theme
Think about your friend—what do they love? When I recently went thrifting for a friend, I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d find, but I knew she loved gardening and cooking. I let that guide me as I browsed the store.
2. Pick One Main Item and Build Around It
That day, I found a brass-looking watering can and a vintage, primitive bowl. I was torn between the two, but ultimately chose the bowl since it didn’t require as much cleaning. It looked like something I had seen at an antique mall for $40–50. Unfortunately, after carefully packaging it up at home, my dog knocked it off the counter and shattered it. Back to the thrift store I went. The watering can was gone, but I found something just as useful—a cookbook called Recipe for a Country Inn. The cover alone was stunning. I kept looking and found a couple more: an older Martha Stewart Menus for Entertaining, and From a Colonial Garden. These all had overlapping themes and fit together perfectly—which leads me to the next tip…
3. Stick with a Color Palette, If You Can
All of the cookbooks I picked had a cohesive look—greens and blues that complemented each other beautifully. This helped me choose the rest of the items to round out the gift. You don’t have to find objects that match but it sure ties things together visually when you do. This is more of a preference than a hard rule.
4. Use a Basket Instead of a Gift Bag
Gift bags are often tossed or re-used, but a basket is something that can be kept and repurposed. Thrift stores usually have plenty of options, but that day there weren’t any sturdy enough to hold all the hardcover books. I really didn’t want to stick them in a flimsy gift bag so I chose to buy one new. (Tip: Stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Bealls Outlet, and Burlington often have affordable baskets between $4-$10.)
5. Fill In with Small, Coordinated Items
The thrift store didn’t have much else that fit my theme or color scheme, so I branched out. At World Market, I found a beautiful light blue floral cream and sugar set. I also scored some light blue candlesticks for 75% off in the Easter clearance section (you’d never know they were seasonal!). Then while running errands, I spotted a cute “Welcome to My Garden” sign at the Target Dollar Spot—for just $1.
As you can see, not every single item was thrifted, and that’s okay. Sometimes you find everything you need at one store, and sometimes it takes a few stops. The goal is to create something thoughtful and cohesive with the time and resources you have.
And here is the best part: When I gave this gift to my friend, her face lit up. She was genuinely delighted by each object. That joy—that feeling of being seen and known—is what makes thrifting a gift worth the effort. These kinds of gifts display intentionality, and that goes a long way.