thrifted gifts for the Holidays?

[genuineimitation]

found anything lately you're going to give as a gift? I'm planning a box of clothes that i've found for my teenager (she's been looking for a kilt skirt - just found one) and I just got this really 70's looking "golden book" sewing encyclopedia that she will love.

she will know - and appreciate - that these items came from the thrift store: i'm not trying to hide their provenance. anyone else looking for those special somethings at the thrift store?

[lizardsally]

Yep, my sister in law collects souvenir metal buildings (which I don't usually find in thrifts) but Sunday at Goodwill I found her 2 of them!  I also always look for Spider-Man toys and stuff for my other half, but I haven't found anything lately.  I guess I'm going to have to go to the comic book store and buy retail.  Phooey!

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I thrifted a bunch of things for a friend's birthday last week. She loves the French gilded look, so I found a wonderful vintage jewelery box trimmed in classic pastoral scenes of French bewigged folks, and filled it with largely thrifted goodies-- an antique pale blue and gold transferware plate, a little porcelain box with more courting couples on it, a fancy blue glass perfume bottle, etc. I also added some nice homemade soaps a lady I know makes.

My friend knew the gift was largely thrifted, but it was all stuff she was interested in--plus, she thrifts, too.

I figure as long as the gift means something to a person, what does it matter if the items came from the thrift store or a pricey antique shoppe?

[genuineimitation]

what a fun gift TSR! not only did you thrift it, but it sounds like you created something really special for a friend. i'm sure she loved it. it really is the thought that counts!

[Zed Simon]

I already gave a thrifted present this year. I spotted a cool little book and CD combo I picked up for not even $2. I thought about keeping it, but on further reflection decided a friend of mine would be a better fit for it. My friend was impressed, and still has no idea where it came from. Wait 'til I tell him that it's out of print and virtually impossible to find for under $50!

The book? Orbitones, Spoon Harps and Bellowphones by Bart Hopkin. Exotic, and sometimes bizarre, handmade instruments to read about and listen to.

I also thought about keeping the Intellivision I got a couple weeks ago, but I think I have a holiday home for that, too.

[ChrisMiss]

I finally found the book A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon for my daughter.  It is definitely going to be a present since I've been looking in every thrift store and book store I've been in for over 2 years.  She'll be thrilled with it.  I've bought lady hankies all year long as I've found them for my MIL so she will love that.  My granddaughter went to France with her class back in May.  I found a scarf that has various sites of Paris on it.  I think it would be cute framed as art.  I've also found clothing that I'm giving to various family members as their gift. 

[foutchie]

Some of my gifts are partial thrift store buys - lovely vintage glassware with candles poured into them..........the cuts in the glass will make the light sparkle!

[SecondhandSophisticate]

I've always been afraid of doing that, foutchie. I'm afraid the heat from the candle will make the glass expand and explode.  But I did just find in Walgreens these battery-operated flicker votives which can pass for real if placed in opague glass, for those of us who have "issues" with these things, lol!

Just sent a package to mom and stepdad filled with thrifted goodies as a "Thanksgiving/Abundance" box:  books from the library sale, recycled magazines, a great "Ireland" baseball cap in mint condition (a dime!) a wallhanging from Sicily (a buck!) a vintage Lenox planter, and other assorted thrifted goodies. They loved 'em all. They both love to go to thrift stores/garage sales so they get a kick out of what we find for them. When they are done with the books and magz, they will pass them on to my aunt who lives in Senior housing so all the folks there can enjoy them.   

[Tammy]

I have bought a few things but with certain people - like my mom - I end up feeling guilty because she sets a limit on spending and then I go and find something really neat for several dollars and don't spend as much.  Now I would just love to suggest to my MIL or SIL that this year we put a $15 limit on Christmas and any thift items would be great. Knowing them I'm afraid my suggestion will start off a riot.  Seriously though look how much you can buy with $15 at a thrift store.  Or give me a gift certificate to one and I'll go find my own treasures. 

[superiorgirl]

I have a great quilted placemat with cardinal theme and also a glass cardinal window hanger for my sister that I got at a craft show. In a ts I found a set of coasters with cardinals. They are higher end quality and in perfect condition. I'll put a note with them that they were thrifted.

I implemented a white elephant exchange for the office - hate drawing names and then having to figure out what so and so would like when I don't really know them well and honestly, do really want to. The whole staff is excited about the exchange this year.

I picked up some ice skates and did a holly and ribbon arrangement in them, to hang outside for another gal. I got a bowling ball and am covering it with glass gems for a friend for her garden (think gazing globe with texture). She admired mine this summer, so am making one in her favorite color, cobalt blue.

I come from a family of collectors, so it's always fun to watch for treasures for everyone. The in-laws get new, tho. (they are no fun.)

[foutchie]

Love your creative thirfty craft ideas!   those will be welcomed, I'm sure!

[ChrisMiss]

I have a great quilted placemat with cardinal theme and also a glass cardinal window hanger for my sister that I got at a craft show. In a ts I found a set of coasters with cardinals. They are higher end quality and in perfect condition. I'll put a note with them that they were thrifted.

I implemented a white elephant exchange for the office - hate drawing names and then having to figure out what so and so would like when I don't really know them well and honestly, do really want to. The whole staff is excited about the exchange this year.

I picked up some ice skates and did a holly and ribbon arrangement in them, to hang outside for another gal. I got a bowling ball and am covering it with glass gems for a friend for her garden (think gazing globe with texture). She admired mine this summer, so am making one in her favorite color, cobalt blue.

I come from a family of collectors, so it's always fun to watch for treasures for everyone. The in-laws get new, tho. (they are no fun.)

You have to post pictures!  I'd love to see the bowling ball and the ice skates.

I've seen on TV where someone made use of bowling balls outside.  They lined the walkway with bowling balls.  Another is they had the bowling balls hung from a fence at different heights.  It was pretty.  Bowling balls are colorful.  I like that people are finding creative ways to reuse them.

[Cookie]

I got a bowling ball and am covering it with glass gems for a friend for her garden (think gazing globe with texture). She admired mine this summer, so am making one in her favorite color, cobalt blue.

You are really on the ball with your holiday thrift giving!    Just had to say it.  I really love your creative ideas.

The in-laws get new, tho. (they are no fun.)

Ditto over here.  GB's parents are so hard to buy for because they have everything they could ever want or need, and they don't really care for thrift store gifts.   

We buy my parents bird books all year since they are birdwatchers extraordinaire, and they really appreciate them.  My mom has loved all the thrifted things I've given her so far, bird salt and pepper shakers, etc. 

We have been looking for a child's piano to give our nephew for Christmas (he's almost three), but it's a long shot to find one in a thrift store.  I have found them new online so I'll know a bargain if I see one.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I found a brand new Optimus Prime Transformer-- a large one still in the box-- which looks like it was from Target at the Goodwill. It was $5, and it's going to be a terrific present for one of my friends' little brothers, who LOVES Transformers.

$5! The thing is $30 in ToysRUs!