Nifty thrift gifties

Birthday gifts at the thrift store? Absolutely! Not everyone may appreciate them but if you find items you know the person will love, even used, go for it!

I put together a nifty thrifty gifty for my Mom that she truly loved (I presented it to her yesterday and she was thrilled).

First, she has a collection of teacups that she hasn't added to in recent years. I picked up a gorgeous cup and saucer at Value Village that I knew she'd like for $3.99 - maybe it will inspire her to display her collection as it's hiding away now.

The cup was the perfect vessel for the thrift store pin (again $3.99) - a pretty silver leaf with five leaves, one for every person in our immediate family.

Next I folded up on the saucer a gorgeous silk Diane von Furstenberg scarf that I found at Value Village for under $5, can't remember how much but it may have been as low as $1.99. The scarf is navy and has huge pink flowers and tiny white, yellow and red accents. She LOVED it.

I wrapped it all up in some cello and tied a yellow ribbon 'round the old thrift gift. For around 10 bucks I found a lovely gift for Mom - and if Mom ever reads this she won't be offended over my cheap gift; I think she'd be proud!

TIPS:
1). I do buy clothing for my twin sis as a gift, as she does for me, but I'd say to be careful with this one as it can be tricky. Make sure you can exchange the item with tags on. Most thrift stores don't do refunds.
2). The housewares section of the thrift store is always a good place to start to look for gifts, as you'll find certain collectibles there, anything from china and teapots to silverware, teak bowls and pottery. Unless your loved one is a knic-knac queen I'd stay away from anything that borders on cutesy or kitschy.
3). I always check out the scarves as they make great gifts for stylish gals. I look for quality, usually silk, and anything with a tag that says "London" or "Japan." Anything signed or with a designer name is normally a good bet. Make sure you pick out one with the colours that look amazing on your loved one!
4). If the person loves jewellery take a troll through the jewellery case, and look on top of it and around it too! If you're looking for rings try to get the person's size first, or create your own sizer by measuring a string around one of the person's rings and then take that string with you to the thrift shop. Remember there's a lot of collectible costume jewellery out there so you needn't look for the true gold stuff. A lot of costume rings from the 1970s, I find, have adjustable bands.
5). Guy gifts at the thrift shop? This one may be harder. I'd avoid the electronics aisle at all costs. Clothing may work for some men, but it would definitely help to know if he collects anything. I met a guy who collects old board games at VV the other day.
6). Don't rule out the books aisle. I've found some great - dated - books on decor, Canadiana, and art.