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Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas

I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.

If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!

Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!

1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.

Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.

2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.

Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!

3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.

This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.

4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.

A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.

5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.

You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.

6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.

Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.

7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.

'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.

8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.

It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.

9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.

You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.

10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.

Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For Her

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

This silky-soft pillowcase keeps her locks in-check, and will help smooth out those pesky flyaways she's always looking out for.

Dearfoams Fireside Sydney Shearling Fur Scuff Slipper

These plush slippers are like a cozier version of this season's "It" shoe (looking at you, UGG). When you give this last-minute Christmas gift to her, she'll appreciate how tuned-in you are to today's trends!

Blossom Rollerball Perfume Oil

When you're lost on the best scent for her, opt for this trio! These fragrance oils are infused with real flowers, so each application smells eau so fresh. She can keep these handy in her bathroom, in her purse, and even in the car.

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

These heat-free satin curlers leave her with some gorgeous waves and curls, without all the damage that traditional curling tools bring. They're suitable for all hair types and lengths, too.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

This #1 best-selling serum has over 49,000 5-star reviews, and your giftee will definitely feel the same about this product when you give it to them for Christmas. This bottle makes an excellent stocking stuffer so that she can up her skincare game!

Telena Belt Bag

Did someone say dupe? This belt bag plays at one of this year's most popular accessories with the same level of quality, except at a fraction of the OG price.

Tatcha The Serum Stick

This serum stick was made for gals who are on-the-go. It can be used under makeup or alone as skincare to combat dryness and signs of aging. Get them ready to glow!

Soft Touch Foot Peel Mask

Foot masks are absolutely amazing, so this pack of two will make for a good stocking stuffer and last-minute Christmas gift for the gal who just wants to unwind!

Foreo Luna 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

This chargeable facial cleansing brush will make her skincare routine oh-so fancy! Thanks to its soft silicone material and powerful pulses, this device is capable of a super deep clean every time. She'll be on her way to youthful, rejuvenated skin in no time. It's also small, so it's easy to transport.

White Silicone & Gold Cooking Utensils Set

This kitchen pick is functional and aesthetically-pleasing, perfect for the gal that's got her home decor together. These sleek gold utensils are lightweight, but still sturdy enough to use every day.

The Silicone Kitchen Reusable Jumbo Silicone Baking Cups

These colorful, reusable baking cups will give their kitchen a sustainable flair. They arrive in a stylish cotton mesh bag, too, so they'll look stunning as a stocking stuffer for her.

Bloom Nutrition Super Greens Powder Smoothie & Juice Mix

Bloom's greens powder is effective in releasing our bloating, so if you've got a hottie with tummy issues to shop for, let your last-minute Christmas gift be this. It comes in a handful of other flavors, too!

Redken Bonding Hair Mask

Same thing goes for her hair – this thick, salon-tested repairing hair mask will combat the dryness that the holiday season typically brings!

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For Him

ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

If your guy can't get enough of his car, gift him a tool like this small vacuum to take care of it! This last-minute Christmas gift will arrive before the big day, and he'll be using it from there on out.

Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Earbuds

Does he hit the gym? Then these wireless earbuds are going to totally change his workout game. They're inconspicuous yet stylish in the ears, plus can play music for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Hanes Men's Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt

It's cozy season, so why not help him settle in comfortably with this sturdy cotton pullover? Basic clothing is always your bet best for last-minute Christmas gifts, and this piece comes in tons of different colors to suit your man's style.

Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release)

The Echo Dot is the perfect companion for handling anything life throws at him. He can verbally command Alexa to ask for the weather, make to-do lists, shop for forgetting grocery items, and control his smart devices.

Flancci Over The Door Hat Rack Organizer

This space-saving door organizer is meant to serve his hat collection! It conveniently holds up to 18 caps, all while keeping them out of the way elsewhere. Our most favorite part is that the organizer is 100% adjustable, so it can fit a variety of different sized doors, if he decides he wants to relocate his hats.

Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

The tech-y dad or boyfriend who also has a knack for design will love this sleek stand. It'll look show-stopping on his nightstand, especially once he leaves his phone, earbuds, and watch to rest on it.

Renpho Active Massage Gun

This massage tool will impress and destress any guy with sore muscles or tense shoulders. It has a convenient charging port for power-ups, operates under 5 different speeds, and has numerous attachments to target specific problems throughout the body.

Modern Mixology Bartender Kit

For the guy that loves a good cocktail, this all-in-one bar kit will make the perfect last-minute Christmas gift. It'll help him whip up yummy drinks in no time! Plus, you'll probably get to be the #1 taste-tester. So, win-win.

Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For Kids

Hasbro Gaming Connect 4

Connect 4 is a classic, so if they haven't been introduced yet, this is a genius gift idea.

Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball

This "floating" ball will keep those kiddos occupied, indoors or out. It features a soft, durable outer shell that protects the toy itself and the surroundings it's bound to hit. The colorful LED lights inside keep things interesting, especially when the lights go out.

Marvel Legends Series Ultron, Comics Collectible 6-Inch Action Figures

Action figures are *not* out of style! Gift the Marvel lover this sturdy lil' dude for maximum happiness.​

Looikoos Kids' Walkie Talkies

We had walkie talkies as a kid, and they definitely elevated each and every play date. Now, they can communicate playfully among schoolmates, friends, and other family members.

Mini Magical Unicorn Terrarium Kit

For the one with their head in the clouds, this dreamy terrarium kit is gonna knock it out of the park for a last-minute Christmas gift. It's a perfect gift to spark creativity in the duller winter months!

Wearable Blanket Hoodie

The real gift will be watching your little one wobble adorably around the house in this darling oversized hoodie! It comes in an array of different colors and patterns to suit your kiddo.

Lite-Brite Classic

Another classic toy, the Lite Brite has been a monumental part of playtime for years and years. This is another great last-minute Christmas gift that doesn't cost a ton, and doesn't take up too much room at home.​

1. Dresses Over Jeans

Wearing a dress is already enough of an ordeal, particularly when you have to use the restroom. Yet, for some reason, this process was made even more complicated with the infamous dresses-over-jeans look.

The 2000s loved layering, whether it made sense or not, so dresses were just thrown on over jeans, even for the red carpet. The result was a strange combination that wasn't functional or fashion-forward. And if you wanna try it for yourself in 2025, this Urban Outfitters dress seems to work for the trend...

2. Skinny Scarves

These ridiculously thin pieces of fabric served no real purpose other than to add another layer to an outfit. Nonetheless, the skinny scarf was used to spice up all kinds of ensembles, from dresses to basic T-shirts with jeans.

Let's save scarves for, well, when our necks need to be kept warm in the fall or winter. Otherwise, the tiny piece of fabric isn't doing anything for us except adding noise.

3. Big Belts

Do you remember the giant belts that Y2K celebs wore high on their waist or super low on their hips? They typically had flashy buckles or heavy metal details and wouldn't even fit through jean belt loops!

Again, Y2K fashion followed the "go big or go home" mentality and big belts were no exception. They just weren't practical, flattering, or necessary most of the time.

4. Wedge Heels 24/7

We all know that certain trends have the power to last for more than one decade. Wedge heels were one of them, infiltrating the early 2000s and remaining the go-to footwear for literally all occasions.

Nowadays, wedge heels are generally reserved for more casual or even beachy outings. But during this era, they had us in a chokehold and were worn for nights out and even by celebs on the red carpet.

5. Striped Highlights

Given how balayages are all the rage today, it's unimaginable why anyone wanted chunky stripes of highlights in their hair during the early 2000s.

To be clear, there's nothing inherently wrong with experimenting with your hair, but this bold style was both hard to maintain and super patchy, making it just painful to look at. I don't envision this trend making a resurgence anytime soon.

6. Pirate Pants

Thanks to M.C. Hammer, teens and young adults ate up wide, voluminous pants. Then, this garment got its own spin in the 2000s with the rise of Pirate Pants — or baggy joggers.

They tapered around the ankles, puffed around the thighs, and made everyone look pretty pear-shaped. We commend the fashion risk-taking, but the result didn't really complement any silhouettes.

7. Neckties

Arguably, one of the most random accessories to pop up in this decade was the necktie, particularly in punk-inspired fashion.

Avril Lavigne was this trend's trailblazer and added ties to tons of her outfits, even if she was just wearing jeans and a tank top. This look never made sense and, in hindsight, feels a lot more misplaced than edgy.

8. Ultra Mini Skirts

Finally, the ultra mini is perhaps one of Y2K's worst offenders. These barely-there skirts were so tiny that I don't even know how they stayed in place.

The idea was that you'd get to show off your legs, but with one wrong move, you'd end up accidentally revealing much more. Again, kudos to 2000s celebs for trying out something bold, but the constant stress isn't worth it. Thankfully, our more recent ultra minis are skorts, now!