Thrifted Finds & Handmade Treasures
As I get older, I tend to feel a little overwhelmed during the holiday season. It can be stressful to spend so much time searching for gifts simply because you feel obligated to give something. When others feel the same way, they might end up buying items you don’t use and you may wish they had saved their money instead.
When I shop during the holidays, I try to follow a few simple guidelines:
1. Only buy gifts that genuinely jump out at you – something you know a person would love and appreciate. Don’t purchase something just for the sake of having a gift.
2. Start with handmade or thrifted options. Our world produces so many items that eventually end up as waste. It can be meaningful and valuable to thrift something and turn it into a new, useful item. This approach also saves a ton of money.
I created this gift guide to provide inspiration for thoughtful, intentional gifting this season. Putting a little extra time into a present, instead of having it show up on your doorstep, adds meaning, saves money, and is kinder to the planet.
Gift Ideas
1. Thrifted Gift Basket
This idea covers a lot of possibilities. For Christmas this year, I’m making thrifted gift baskets for my mom and grandmothers. It’s a cute and customizable way to pull several small items together into one meaningful gift.
Here are a few thrifted items that work well for starting your basket:
- Thrifted placemats – Holiday-themed ones are perfect and work well to line the bottom.
- Thrifted baskets – There are usually tons of shapes and sizes to choose from.
The rest of this list includes ideas you can use to fill your baskets.
2. Hand-Sewn Toiletry Bag
I thrifted some floral placemats and used them to sew a toiletry bag. The only money I spent was a couple of dollars on the placemats and a few more on a zipper, since I already had the rest of the sewing supplies. It’s inexpensive, practical, and can be easily customized.
3. Hand-Embroidered Christmas Ornament
My husband and I have a tradition of gifting each other an ornament every year. When we decorate our tree, we’re reminded of so many special moments.
This year, I’m planning to make him a hand-embroidered ornament with space for a photo taken on Christmas Day. Embroider small corner pieces for the photo to slide underneath, then add a bit of hot glue for extra security. I also plan to stitch the year at the bottom. If you enjoy embroidery, this is a quick and thoughtful gift.
4. Customized Photo Frames
Thrift stores are full of picture frames in all sizes and styles. Print a meaningful photo, back it with fabric inside the frame, or even paint the frame itself if the material allows. There is a lot of room for creativity here.
5. Houseplants
I love propagating my houseplants throughout the year. You can thrift a vessel to use as a pot and gift someone a propagated plant. It’s simple, pretty, and perfect for someone who enjoys greenery.
6. Homemade Sourdough with Flavored Butter
If you enjoy baking sourdough, gifting a fresh loaf can be such a cozy gesture. You could thrift a small jar and create a flavored butter to pair with it. Another idea is to sew a bread bag for storing the loaf — there are lots of tutorials out there.
7. Share Your Sourdough Starter
If you know someone who wants to start baking sourdough, gift them some of your starter. Thrift a jar, label it, and see if you can find any baking tools at the thrift store to add in.
8. Beeswax Candle
Beeswax candles are simple to make, and there are plenty of beginner-friendly tutorials. You could thrift a Christmas mug or small vessel to use as the candle container. Beeswax and wicks can add up in price, but if you plan to make several gifts, it becomes more cost-effective.
9. Crochet Crafts
There are countless crochet projects that make great gifts — both functional and decorative. Depending on who you’re making it for, choose something practical or something seasonal. My easy DIY Crochet Christmas Tree is a great place to start.
10. Thrifted Decor, Books, or Pottery
This idea covers a wide range of possibilities. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that jump out at you unexpectedly during a thrift-store browse. For example, my mom collects Santa figures, so I’m on the lookout for one to thrift for her this year.
Extra Idea: Christmas Cookies
Two years ago, I spent hours making 12 different types of Christmas cookies. To keep them fresh, I froze them as I made them. When Christmas arrived, I thawed everything and assembled cookie boxes for several people. Everyone loved trying all the different flavors.
You can even thrift the container for your cookie gift boxes.
Don’t forget to take moments to appreciate the meaning of the holiday season and spend time with your loved ones. Gift-giving can be special, but you don’t want to get so overwhelmed that you miss out on the small, meaningful moments.
Wishing you all the best this holiday season and in the new year.
– Natalie
