Everybody is hunting for the perfect gift this time of year, but many people aren’t finding it at the mall, big box store or online. They’re scoring unique items at second-hand stores, vintage markets or community events that help give old things new purpose.

Thrifting has gone mainstream as people look to curb their spending and find sustainable options for gifts, clothing and household items.

Curb waste
Nova Scotians throw out 55 kg of textiles per person each year, with most people only wearing a new piece of clothing seven to 10 times before discarding it. Not only does this clutter landfills, but constantly buying new clothes uses water, energy and other resources. Thrifting helps curb this wasteful cycle and supports local businesses and organizations.

Have fun
When it comes to second-hand clothing and accessories, gone are the days of digging through mountains of clothes in large, dusty bins. Most shops today do the hard work for you, displaying items on hangers arranged by size, making it easier to find suitable pieces. In many vintage shops, staff curate and refresh all of the items, so you know everything is clean and free of rips and tears. (Tip: If you’re buying a sweater or other garment for a loved one, grab the measurements of their most-loved piece so you know what to look for – sometimes the tag size is misleading.)

Support local and build community
Many community thrift stores support local charities and community programs, so the money you spend goes back into your community. Dropping off your own donations on the regular helps keep the cycle going. Keep an eye on your social feeds for info about community events like clothing swaps and curbside giveaways. At community sales, you’ll build connections with other thrifters and learn tips from the pros.

If visiting physical space isn’t your jam, head online. You can land great second-hand buys in your community on websites like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and community Facebook pages (and sometimes – like on Freecycle – things are free).

Top holiday gift ideas
Vintage vases, glassware, ceramics, artwork, pottery, cooking dishes and other home collectables are popular options. (Tip: If you need some last-minute holiday décor, skip the dollar store and head to your local second-hand store instead – they always have lots of seasonal items for cheap). Give items on their own or as the basis for a gift basket where you can mix in some new items.

For example, arrange a mid-century casserole dish with new pot holders and a sachet of dried herbs or combine matching handmade ceramic mugs with cookies and gourmet hot chocolate. If you’re giving a gift to an avid hobbyist, search out vintage crafting tools and to give with a gift card for art supplies, pair a vintage mixing bowl with a wooden spoon and brownie mix or give a vintage book along with a handmade bookmark. The sky is the limit!

Best of all, when you give a second-hand item for a gift, you’re also giving the story about how you found it – so be sure to share any interesting, funny moments about your thrifting adventures.

Be patient
Not matter what you’re after, remember that you may not score something great on your first attempt. Part of what makes thrifting fun is the joy of the chase, taking the time to visit a space and chat with the staff and other customers. It may take a few visits before you get lucky and land a whopper.

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