Buying new isn’t always better—especially when it comes to gifts. Thrifted items, flea market finds, and other secondhand goods cut waste, and slash the environmental costs of production, shipping, and packaging. That alone can trigger the warm and fuzzies, but a well-chosen secondhand present can also be more meaningful than a fresh-off-the-rack alternative.
Thrifting challenges the idea that newness equals value. Research has shown that people appreciate effort, thoughtfulness, and intention—even when a gift comes at a lower cost. “The secret to having a positive gift experience is through intentionality,” says Tyler Jensen, a licensed therapist with a flair for applying psychological concepts to real-world actions.
The time and attention spent hunting, selecting, and personalizing a gift can up its emotional value compared to something quickly snapped up online. A vintage cookbook or a retro lamp isn’t just an object; it’s a story, a memory, and a connection. “You’re giving something specifically curated for that person,” says Jensen. “The time spent on this process is much more meaningful than clicking away on Amazon.”
But thrifting takes a bit of skill. Hunting down the perfect gift means knowing where to look, what to look for, and how to spot hidden gems. To help, we asked a cadre of thrifting experts to share their tips on the best shops to visit, the items worth seeking out, and how to package them into one-of-a-kind presents.
1. Get to know the terrain
Successful thrifting begins with understanding your local stores and their specialties. Spend time in local shops to understand their particular ‘flavor,’” suggests Alison Bossert, the creator behind Long Island Thrifter. “Some are great for vintage books, others for unique furniture, and each neighborhood has its own vibe.”
In-person shopping is invaluable because it lets you handle items, inspect their quality, and catch details that online photos might miss, adds Shannon Emmer, a thrifting enthusiast who’s been shopping for secondhand gifts for 30 years. Treasures certainly await on Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and other marketplaces, but it’s best to start in-person and then expand to online listings when you feel more comfortable—or have used in-person browsing to refine what you’re looking for.
2. Have a plan
Thrifting is about finding something that feels personal, not just random. Interior designer Wendy Glaister’s No.1 rule: shop with intention. Make a list of people you’d like to buy for and a few areas of interest for each. That’s your roadmap.
Think about the recipient’s whole lifestyle while staying flexible about what you might find, adds Emmer. The most meaningful gifts connect to a hobby, shared memory, or individual taste. “Taking into account the whole person allows me more flexibility in finding an item they will appreciate and enjoy,” she says.
3. Choose the right categories
Thrift shops can be “everything stores,” but some items are thicker on the ground than others. Emmer suggests focusing your search on books, home décor, kitchenware, frames, baskets, glassware, costume jewelry, and table linens. Baby and toddler clothes are often smart buys, too, since kids outgrow them quickly, and many pieces are barely worn or still have tags.
Hilary Murdock, owner of Coastal Estate Sales in San Diego, adds that sports equipment—especially golf clubs—is often a hidden gem.
There are also some items that you should approach with a little extra scrutiny. Be cautious with electronics, items that are hard to clean or repair (like upholstered furniture), puzzles and games that might be missing pieces, pillows, or anything with an expiration date.
4. Know how to spot quality
Thrifting well means training your eye. Inspect every promising item for craftsmanship, damage, and its material makeup. “Don’t get caught in the trap of ‘oh, I can fix it,’ and start amassing a collection of projects instead of real treasures,” warns Glaister.
Stella Morrison, an amateur thrifter, also cautions that it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something because you feel like you can’t come away empty-handed. “Striking out is part of the thrifting process, and it’s important to remember that,” she says. “Otherwise, you’re stuck justifying unnecessary purchases or forcing a mismatched gift to work for a loved one.” Here are some practical ways to spot quality items when thrifting:
- For clothes and textiles, focus on touch and visual appeal. Feel fabrics and look for bright colors, unusual cuts, and details—and check for the telltale signs of well-made clothes
- For glassware, look for brand names etched into the bottom, and give the vessel a tap: A dull thud indicates regular glass, while a clear ring suggests crystal.
- Keep your phone handy to research unfamiliar brands or materials online.
- Inspect clothing, furniture, décor, and collectibles for damage, wear, chips, or missing pieces.
- Flip through books to ensure pages aren’t stained or missing.
- Check the functionality of items like lamps.
- Look for authenticity marks, labels, stamps, or serial numbers on branded or collectible items.
- Sniff for odors and look for stains, fading, or other signs of wear.
5. Make it feel special
Presentation can transform a good find into a memorable gift. Take some time to give it some character. Small touches—like a ribbon, a sprig of greenery, or a handwritten tag—can elevate presentation, says Bossert. And, we hope this goes without saying, but be sure to clean things up before you give them away.
The next level is making a bundle that themes gifts around a hero item. A cast-iron Dutch oven, for instance, could be paired with some wooden spoons and some nice chili spices. A vintage cocktail shaker or set of glasses could pair well with barware, cocktail napkins, a recipe book, and maybe a small bottle of something.
6. Tell a story
One of the unique aspects of a thrifted gift is the story that comes with it. Lean into it. Tell the recipient where the item came from, what it was used for, or when it was fashionable. Even a small piece of history can give a simple object emotional weight.
Tools like Google Lens can help trace an item’s origins, Murdock notes, offering insights into its age, maker, or cultural moment. Snap a photo, and the app will surface visually similar items, which can lead you to historical references and possible brand or era matches.
Even if there is no history, telling someone “This came from a tiny shop in a neighborhood I love, and it immediately reminded me of you” adds a sense of intention and heart. “Sharing that the items in a gift were ‘specially sourced’ just for them is pretty much universally appreciated,” says Emmer.
7. Make it a tradition
Thrifting isn’t just a one-off activity—it can become a meaningful holiday tradition for you or the entire family. To get other folks involved you might, say, take everyone to the thrift store and say they have 20 minutes to find a book for the person on their list, declare a fully secondhand holiday for the whole crew, or host a thrift-only white elephant party.
It could also be worth turning thrift shopping into a habit for yourself throughout the year. Browsing the shelves on the regular can help you refine your eye, discover favorite wares, and build a map of go-to spots for unique gifts. Over time, spotting treasures will get, which means the hunt itself can become part of the joy.