For Immediate Release

10 Tips for Successful Thriftmas Shopping!

Giving green saves you green without sacrificing great gifts.

There’s a silver lining to our country’s economic downturn and it’s GREEN! With an open mind and some creativity, you don’t have to turn into a Scrooge and give up really great gift giving. This holiday season go green and experience the value and FUN of “Thriftmas shopping”. Thriftmas shopping takes a little more time and effort than picking out the latest gadget at the mall, but don’t be surprised if your gifts are even better and more personalized than the kind that come from “a store”. The Grinch had it right when he pondered that “maybe the holidays perhaps mean a little bit more.”

Thriftmas Shopping: noun

  1. the act of a person who explores for that perfect holiday gift at a thrift store.

The greening of America has made giving recycled gifts more popular and acceptable than ever. In fact National Regifting Day is now a national holiday and will be celebrated this year on Thursday, December 17th. Giving recycled gifts is a smart choice. More bang for the buck, positive environmental benefits, and the thrill of the hunt make giving green a way to give like no other.

So you’re thinking of giving Thriftmas shopping a try, but you wonder how someone might feel about receiving a recycled gift? Leslie Cooper a good friend of an avid thrift store shopper says, “My friend gives the best gifts and they all come from thrift stores. I treasure these gifts the most because I know my friend was thinking specifically of me when she found each gift.”

Ashley Tapley, Communications Manager and Art Director for Thrift Town Thrift Stores says, “Since high school I have truly appreciated vintage items and the treasures that can be found or made from thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and grandma’s closet. I’m thrilled that a heightened environmental awareness has made giving secondhand gifts more socially acceptable. It’s an exciting and meaningful way to shop and to give. I look forward to giving some special green gifts this holiday season!”

There are definitely some things to consider when giving recycled gifts or regifting, as these gifts are admittedly not for everyone on your list. Realistically not all of your holiday shopping can be completed without buying new gifts, stepping into the mall or shopping online- and that’s okay! Try mixing it up; combine something old with something new to create out-of-this-world gifts at down to earth prices like this thrift store picnic basket, two pewter goblets, vintage tablecloth and Bon Appétit Outdoor Entertaining Cookbook filled with store bought fresh herbs and Pellegrino: All of this was purchased for the price of one new cookbook!

10 Tips for Successful Thriftmas Shopping:

  1. Create a listof all the people you want to shop for and list out any special hobbies, interests, collections, clothing sizes, favorite colors, requested items, etc.
  2. Shop “second” first.Ventureout to the thrift store first to see if you can find any of the gifts on your list- or score a special treasure.
  3. So you found a great recycled treasure?Congratulations! Before you buy it and gift it, you need to be certain the gift is something the recipient would enjoy and that he or she would appreciate a green gift. If they’re that sort of guy or gal, you might even want to share the fact that you have taken the time and effort to give them a green gift on a special gift tag.
  4. Thriftmas giftsmust be clean and in excellent condition!Be prepared to use a little elbow grease to wash, polish, iron, fix, etc.your green gifts.
  5. Mixing old and new is a great way to save some green and add some green to your gifts.Every secondhand purchase counts when it comes to being good to the environment and saving money.Idea:Add a thrifted ornament as part of the wrapping on a new gift- or even better, a bottle of wine that you areregifting. Now that’s one green gift!
  6. Get crafty or bake! Make a project out of secondhand items like this kitchen canisterset or thesefelted yarn balls.When it comes to gifting home-baked cookies or candy, pretty plates, platters, cookie tins, and bowls, hands down, make better gift containers than paper plates.
  7. Don’t forget the trimmings! Thriftmas gifts must have pretty wrapping. Fabric bows, nice quality wrapping paper, recycled containers or wrapping such as baskets or vintage linens, as well as clear cellophane wrap really make these special gifts sparkle. Thrift stores are full of items that can help you decorate a pretty package such as silk flowers and ornaments.
  8. Give the gift of thrift by giving a thrift store gift card.Many thrift stores such as Thrift Town offer gift cards in various amounts. If you’d like to give green and you’re just not sure what to give-no problem! Gift cards are a wonderful way to share the fun and excitement of thrifting with family and friends.
  9. Find the best thrift stores near you! Search the web for local thrift stores in your area. Many thrift stores have websites with locations, driving directions, hours and even sale day information. To find the right store for you, you can also read reviews on sites like yelp.com.
  10. Shopping secondhand is a treasure hunt, so be patient and enjoy the hunt. You will feel great when you find that special prize!

For additional information on Thriftmas Shopping, or Thrift Town thrift stores, contact Ashley Tapley or visit

Thrift Town | Norquist Salvage Corporation is a family-owned business operating fifteen Thrift Town thrift stores in CA, NM, UT & TX. The company was founded in 1972. The goal was to make Thrift Town a clean, well-lit, and organized place to shop with well-priced merchandise. The founders were committed to making an honest living, as well as helping to raise funds for charity. This same commitment holds true with the next generation currently running the business today. The concept of Thrift Town’s business is extraordinary. Not only is Thrift Town good for the community, it is also good for its charity partners, the environment, and its crew members.

Thrift Town’s Vision Statement:

Committed to Making a Difference Every Day.

Thrift Town’s Mission Statement:

Unifying Crew, Charity and Community to Enrich the World.

Thrift Town’s Values:

Respect, Integrity, Growth, Loyalty & Work-Life Balance

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Contact: Ashley Tapley,

Communications Manager | Art Director

Tel. 831.688.5304

All items in the 12 days of Thriftmas are Thrift Town Thrift Store finds.

On the twelfth day of Thriftmas,
my true love gave to me…

Twelve blocks a tumbling ($4.49 Big set & bag)


Eleven Shirts ALOHA-ing ($5.99 for one)

Ten cookies a-plating (plate.99)

Nine records caroling


Eight tangerines a-bowling (bowl 3.99)


Seven Santas a-Standing


Six canes a-mugging (mug .69)

Five painted tea towels ($2.99 total!)

Four strands of pearls ($15.99)

Three vintage purses ($3.99 each)

Two brass elephants ($15.98)


and a soft blue coat of suede! ($8.99)