I love the magic of the festive season & oohing & aahing over anything Christmas related in catalogues or shops but I wont be hitting the shops in a buying frenzy. Instead Im embracing "Thriftmas" where I will be buying my kids secondhand goodies at an op shop instead of new at a shopping centre. I pretty much do this for their birthdays too. Not only is this cheaper (I have found many new items for a fraction of the cost at a shopping centre!), it saves valuable resources being used & by buying at an op shop Im supporting the services that op shop is funding (like councilling & food hampers).
So this Christmas I urge you to embrace Thriftmas too.
Be the change, gift the change.
I have put together some gift guides to suit a variety of people based on things I have bought secondhand for inspiration.
BASED ON THE HEADER PHOTO
FEMALES/SISTERS/TEENAGE GIRLS
*Trendy recipe books, novels, frames, posters/artwork, one of a kind vintage earrings or tops (I get so many comments on that sequin top when I wear it), designer labels- that wooden bag is Oroton & there also always seems to be an abundance of cds & dvds catering to any taste.
FOR THE MUMS
*Basic recipe books (can you believe I bought this whopper of a recipe book for $1), magazines for any downtime we mums get to relax, scarves (this is for me as I always have bad hair days, Im yet to master how to knot them stylishly), boardgames (again Im a sucker for vintage boardgames, I chose this & Twin peaks boardgame for the boys to gift me this year at Christmas, totalling $8 for 2 vintage games ; ET is perfect for family games night), & which mum doesn't want to be organized- notepads (Im always on the lookout for Kikki K notebooks) & an assortment of occasion cards work a treat. Tupperware is also a great find too.
FOR THE CHILDREN
Children are the easiest to buy for with most being grateful for any gift received. Everything purchased in these 2 photos was under $5. Kobe is receiving a magic kit & Dr Suess activity book this year for Christmas. Craft kits, science kits, activity books & superheroes seem to be a favourite with Kobes age group (5-6 year olds). Im putting aside the soap making kit for when Dylan is old enough, it will be a nice activity to do together. If in doubt; books & dvds are usually a safe bet.
FOR TODDLERS
Op shops are a treasure trove of kids favourites like Toystory, Barbie, Dora, Superheroes, Thomas the tank engine, Peppa pig- its hard having to restrain yourself. I have a little collection of Vintage Christmas Golden books (they are the best!) which I bring out every Christmas to read to the boys. That teletubby cost me 50 cents & Im trying to get it to be Dylans comfort toy since he gave up his dummy. I also think boardgames & learning cards & puzzles are great for toddlers motor skills.
FOR THE MEN/DADS/TEENAGE BOYS
I really struggled figuring out a gift guide with things I had previous bought in an op shop which suits a male as Luke tends to prefer new soccer shirts as his gifts. There are always dvds with crass humour, a great novel, gardening books, journals, games, dvds, cds or clothes to fall back on.
Having a look over these giftguides; 90% was under $5 with most costing a couple dollars.
I would love to hear what your gifting for Thriftmas?
Happy Tuesday!
Grace ox
