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With many families still having a tight Christmas budget now is the time to think of upcycling.

Many people gratefully donate their new and gently used items to thrift stores everyday and that can be great news for you the holiday shopper on a budget.  With a little creativity and thought you can put together a gift someone will love for a long time.

Thrifting isn’t tacky it is sensible and allows people to use the most of what they have financially.

Every time I hit the thrift store I see tags dangling from brand new clothing items.  I don’t mean that 1970′s coat your mom never fit into either.  For instance Goodwill purchases clearance lots from stores like Target and sells these items at reduced prices.  While some of these items would work great for your special someone take a look at a few ideas I have put together for you as well.

For the book worm…

A complete set of like new (can’t even tell if these have been read) books by a well known author.  I found these Janette Oke books for 50 cents each making the entire set only $2.00.  You may have to hunt a bit for the entire set but it will be a great gift.  Or you don’t need an entire set just get someone started on a new author.

You could find a book light or book marker to stick with the package.  Or maybe even a cup and cocoa or tea packet for a total relaxation evening.

Crafty ideas…

These ideas are totally dependent on how crafty you are to how they will be given.  You have the option of making something yourself or giving someone a crafting gift bag.

Knitting or Crochet

I recently got into loom knitting.  It started because I found a loom at an area mission store.  I vaguely knew what the loom was but didn’t know how to use it at all.  So I bought a couple of them for 50 cents each and took them home with me.  I have always wanted to knit or crochet but seriously my ability with needles and tension don’t mix.  If you want to give knitting a whirl or know someone who would a loom might be a great idea.  But you can always find needles for knitting and hooks for crochet at the Goodwill.

Along with the loom you will need a knit pick but they are usually around $1.00 at Walmart or a craft store.  The 5 skeins of brand new yarn cost me $2.00 at the Goodwill.  I could make all sorts of items like hats, fingerless gloves (great for the teenager who loves to text) or a lap blanket. There are many free tutorials online for looming, knitting or crochet and a fun way to make the gift personal if you weren’t making an item but providing the supplies would be to print out a list of tutorials and free patterns to get the crafting started.

Sewing

I recently bought this outdoor canvas material for a sewing project at the Goodwill.  It cost me $2.00 and I intend to make reusable envelopes for my sister-in-law who follows the ideals in Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey.

You can sew almost anything if you find a pattern.  Or try googling no sew crafts and make something fabulous with material that came from the thrift store.  Throw pillows and no sew curtains are great for beginners.

Maybe your family member is a great seamstress and you just want to add a few material pieces to her collection.  Make sure the pieces are clean, spot free and stylish.  Depending on what he or she sews you may want to do a little research on what types of material to purchase.

You could also do a crafting kit as I suggested with the knitting.  A preteen girl would love the idea of no sew printed patterns and the material to get her started on a new hobby.

Food & Kitchenwares…

Everyone eats and it doesn’t usually take much to figure out what someone enjoys eating or drinking.  Granted you aren’t going to buy food at a thrift store.  Well I guess you could buy a box of Goodwill cookies or candies but thrift stores are not meant for groceries.  However,  you can pick up some great dishes, canisters, utensils and jars.

With a little thought you can put together a great gift.  I absolutely love the jelly jars I recently found for 25 cents with a Christmas themed flat and ring.  Wouldn’t they be darling filled with jelly, flavored mustard or a dip for fruit?  I love the idea of making hot beverages and putting them into handled canning jars.  The person gets to use the mix and eventually has a great mug.  But you could also bag a mix and put it in a nice coffee cup or tea cup.  Adding a ribbon with a candy cane tied to a jar makes for a nice decoration and sweet treat.  The ideas are endless.  Go for a cake pan with a homemade brownie mix or maybe just make a freezer meal and leave them with a special pan for them to reuse.  How about a canister with homemade granola for a healthy way to start the day.

There you have it a list of several ideas that won’t break your budget. 

Keep in mind when you shop a thrift store most times you are supporting work for disabled or needy individuals.  Many small shops also support a cause such as overseas missions or humane societies.  Some shops even help provide job training and many other assistance programs for those who need a helping hand not a hand out.  What a great way to give a hidden gift while doing your Christmas shopping!

Have you done any Christmas upcycling?  If so I would love to hear about it.  Just leave a comment with your story or link.