And while there is certainly that element in any thrift shop, the truth is these places offer much more than forgotten items. They’re eco-friendly (sustainable), easy on the budget (usually affordable) and mentally stimulating (it’s enjoyable to browse and hunt for finds).
As you wander the aisles of your preferred thrift shop — whether it’s Goodwill, Salvation Army or an independent local spot — you might experience a Eureka moment. Could you blend your enthusiasm for thrifting with your holiday gift-giving obligations? Then another thought pops up: Is gifting something secondhand a breach of holiday etiquette?
Before declaring a verdict, some context helps. Organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, along with numerous online resellers, have become beloved destinations for shoppers. The global secondhand sector expanded by 15% in 2024, according to ThredUp’s 2025 resale report. A record 58% of consumers bought preowned clothing in 2024.
We point this out to suggest that it may be outdated to even assume secondhand purchases violate etiquette—those norms themselves feel old-fashioned, but we’ll leave that aside.
Easy Ways to Make Some Extra Cash for Holiday Shopping
Whether you’re shopping at a thrift shop or hoping to find something fresh, here are a few of our favorite approaches to earn a bit of extra spending money before the holidays.
Is It OK to Get Cheap Christmas Gifts From a Thrift Store?
Some people still call it a social misstep. A preowned present can be harder to return — you likely can’t exchange it for a different size or color. Yet it also has a distinct advantage: it’s often unique.
A while back, we asked Savinly Readers what they thought about gifting secondhand. Opinions were mixed.
Certain readers shared positive stories, finding original artwork at thrift stores or presents for spouses and kids. The recurring advice: prioritize quality over bargain. Set a few ground rules before you shop. The Salvation Army suggests picking gifts that look nearly new or centering a gift around something like books or a vintage candle-holder. A dash of creativity can elevate an ordinary preowned object to something special—who wouldn’t love a frame, for instance, that a friend hand-painted?
Austin, Texas–based writer Megan, of Mid-century Millennial, often purchases secondhand gifts for the holiday season. She follows some personal criteria — items should be free of significant damage or heavy wear, the recipient should find the gift practical, and if an alteration is needed, she should already have a plan for how to make it work.
Megan isn’t alone in this ritual hunt. There are more than 3,400 Goodwill locations in North America, at least 1,200 Salvation Army thrift stores and many shops run by churches and charities. Thrift retail is substantial in the U.S.—about 25,000 thrift outlets nationwide. Thrift shoppers save, on average, more than $2,000 annually. Like other retailers, most thrift stores see heavier foot traffic around the holidays.
“We hear that ‘white elephant’ or ‘Secret Santa’ gifts are popular at Goodwill, as people are looking for unusual and fun gifts to find for friends, family and co-workers,” said former Goodwill spokeswoman Lauren Lawson-Zilai.
Know Your Audience
The secret, experienced thrift shoppers say, is to know who you’re buying for. The better you understand someone’s tastes, the more likely you’ll find a fitting present.
That’s always true, but it’s particularly crucial when buying from thrift stores. Returning items to a thrift shop is typically harder than returning them to a department store like Macy’s. Major thrift organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army sometimes permit returns either for a refund or for store credit, so all hope isn’t gone, but an exchange for a similar item is rare. And if your recipient dislikes thrift shopping, store credit might not be helpful.
If you think a vintage piece will land well but you want to avoid risk, lean toward housewares. Clothing tends to be more personal and shows wear more readily, whereas items like retro glasses or dishware are durable and fairly standard. Who wouldn’t enjoy a charming set of plates, even if they’ve been previously used?
Cheap Christmas Gifts to Buy at Thrift Stores
Alright—you’ve absorbed the pointers and now want a straightforward list. Fair enough. Below are items that make solid, inexpensive holiday gifts from thrift stores.
Toys: If it functions, most kids won’t care about original packaging. Clean it with disinfectant wipes, tuck it in a gift bag and you’re set.
Books: Thrift shops have tons of cheap books and a wide variety. If you’re near chains like Half Price Books, you’re especially fortunate, since many of their items are secondhand.
Jewelry: Same idea. And if the recipient doesn’t like it, costume jewelry often retains some resale value.
Clothes: This one’s trickier. You’ll need to know sizes and style preferences. Consider accessories like belts and scarves as safer bets.
Purses and bags: Designer labels can turn up in very good condition.
Frames: Thrift stores universally carry a massive assortment of framed art and posters. Seek out unique frames. If you dislike the image inside, swap it for a family photo or a print from the recipient’s favorite artist.
Coffee table items: Think decorative books, glass trays or candle-holders — perhaps paired with a brand-new candle.
Dishware: Thrift shops often stock lovely vintage sets, from porcelain plates to champagne coupes that will shine at a friend’s next gathering.
Plantware: Is that a thing? Plants are hugely popular, and many Millennials and Gen Zers adore new vessels for their plant “babies.”
Records: Vinyl may not blow up like it once did, but records make great gifts both to play and to display. Thrift stores are full of them, and their aged look can be a plus.
Joke mugs: An old mug might seem tacky, but if it has a witty line or taps into a shared memory, it can spark fond feelings. Just wash it first.
Do’s and Don’ts
Finding thrift stores is easy. Nonprofits like Goodwill, the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society offer store locators. You can also try thethriftshopper.com to locate nearby shops.
Here are some insider hints from thrift-shopping friends and relatives:
- Mornings are prime time; you’ll see the newest items placed out overnight.
- Location matters. Urban thrift shops often have more variety.
- Take your time rifling through racks. Thrift stores aren’t as neatly arranged as standard retailers.
- Avoid used electronics unless you can test them — a cheap new gadget from Walmart or Amazon may be a safer bet.
- If you do buy electronics, test them before you leave the store.
- Inspect items carefully: look for cracks, chips, holes, tears, stains or rust. Test drawers, zippers, buckles and snaps.
- When shopping online — whether on a secondhand site or not — consider using browser extensions like Capital One Shopping. It’s free to add, and it can search for better prices before you check out.
Our Conclusion
So to revisit the central question: is shopping for Christmas gifts at thrift stores acceptable?
We answer with a confident yes. Times have shifted since the days of rigid holiday norms, and a thrifted gift isn’t solely about saving money — it’s an environmentally conscious choice. More crucially, the thrift market is expanding, and shoppers increasingly look for distinctive items to personalize their homes and wardrobes. If you feel hesitant, choose items that clean up well and tailor the gift to the recipient. And if someone you’re shopping for is easily offended, skip the thrift-store present.
Above all, holiday giving should rest on one principle: “It’s the thought that counts.”
Sam Carter is a staff writer at Savinly. Contributor Elise Marino helped with reporting.
