Thrift Store Christmas Shopping for Every Budget

Christmas is going to be a frugal event for everyone this year, but it can still be the best possible if you plan your budget and stick to it. One of the best places to start is a thrift store or second hand store in your neighborhood. Look carefully at each item for damage and content. The choices are so varied you will be surprised you haven't thought of this wonderful market before.

1. If you have a friend into the nostalgia life this is a great place to start. Check the section containing table clothes and dish towels. You can find wonderful buys on old fashioned dish towels with hand embroidery and lace edging for a personal touch you can't find anywhere else. Table clothes are making a comeback and in every color you can think of. These items are from an era when you made due with what you had or you made it yourself.

2. If you like dishes and fine glass ware a thrift shop can be a gold mine. You can purchase complete sets of very nice china for a fraction of the cost it was when new. Always check for matching items in similar numbers and for any damage. Run your fingers around the edge of each plate, saucer and cup to check for chips. Hold up to a light to check for cracks or discoloration. Even if you find slight damage it can add to the beauty of the item.

3. Art plates are available in great numbers. You just have to find one that matches an interest. You'll find many with a travel or location themes from all over the world and different states or landmarks. You'll love the adventure and memories from travels around the globe you can find in each piece. You can give the gift of a memory of a trip once taken or a dream unfulfilled. Also watch for collectible plates with movie themes or perhaps a favorite TV show.

4. For the child on your list you will have endless items and toys. For girls there are dolls of all kinds, shapes and colors. If their hair is a bit of a mess just take them home and clean the dolls with warm water and gentle soap. Use conditioner on her hair and gently combs when soaked. When the hair is combed straight gently rinse out conditioner and tape into position against the body until dry. You can style the hair after and hold in place with hair ties. For your little boy choose a different toy car for every day of the week. Be sure to wash thoroughly before giving any toy to a child to remove any dirt and danger from previous handling.

5. Now for the man of the family. Thrift stores are a great place for classic hard cover books and tools. When you choose a book make sure all pages are secure and the outside is clean. You can wipe certain covers with a damp cloth to remove marks. Always check between pages for writing or unwanted items such as love notes, bugs or perhaps the occasional dollar bill! If you are look at tools make sure they are in good working condition and clean thoroughly .

6. For the collector in the family check out beer steins. There always seems to be a huge amount in any thrift store for the drinker or the collector adding another piece to his own vision of art. Steins will be adorned with anything from beer logos to countries of origin. They are beautiful pieces you can fill with cigars, candy or the endless stream of ties most men will never wear more than once in their life.

7. Jewelry can be found in the front case for the better pieces. Make sure you know what you are buying and it's worth. Do not spend more on a piece that looks good than it would cost to buy new from the local discount store. But if you are purchasing jewelry check carefully for damage. Clean in warm water and dry thoroughly before giving. You can place the piece in a nice glass container for rings also found in thrift stores.

When you find pieces you like or would like to present as gifts be sure you match the correct piece to the person you are giving the gift too. With so many choices you will need to use a cart or basket. When you have your items together in one place you can then go through and choose or discard for the very best in each category. You'll save money and have a wonderful time living the memories of your own past as you are presented with a chance to share it all with a new generation. Merry Christmas.