2010 Holiday Guide

 

Hipsters may be on to something. In the search for unique gift ideas at a low cost, it should be no secret that secondhand retail stores are a gold mine for the retro junkie in all of us. But secondhand stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army do more than sell uncommon products like vinyl records, random T-shirts and used waffle irons. In fact, there are a wide range of benefits associated with shopping at thrift stores. 

For instance, when customers spend money at local thrift stores, they also put money toward employment rehabilitation programs in their community. Thrift stores have also been known to carry quality brand name products on the cheap. So, for students living on a shoestring budget in these economically challenging times, secondhand stores can be the ideal place to find low-cost, vintage gifts for the holidays. It just requires a little bit of hunting.

 

For giving, not receiving

 

A nice holiday gift can be perceived in two different ways. It can be understood as a token of affection from a friend or family member, but it can also be viewed as a reward for surviving the arduous first semester of the school year. But, as great as receiving gifts can be, the holidays are also about giving. Donating gifts to Goodwill or other secondhand stores is great because it supports the local economy. But donating also has monetary rewards. Just ask for a receipt when donating and the contribution can be used as a tax deduction for the year.

 

For the value

 

The recession continues, tuition is still high and gas prices never stop climbing. Despite all these obstacles, the holidays still demand our attention. What better place is there to shop than at a thrift store where Converse sneakers are priced at less than $11? Need a toaster, a lamp and a bike helmet, but only have $20 to spend? Find it all at the thrift store, with a few extra dollars to spare.

 

For the community 

 

Thrift stores have been known for their capacity to provide employment opportunities to people with special needs. According to Goodwill’s website, 20.1 million workforce development services have been afforded to less fortunate people in communities across the country. Furthermore, Goodwill spends 83 percent of their revenue on these types of employment programs. Just in case people needed another reason to shop at local thrift stores for all their miscellaneous retro needs.

 

For the vintage appeal 

 

Searching for some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, or perhaps a Nintendo video game console? Look no farther than the local neighborhood thrift store. Teeming with awesome castoffs from the ‘90s, ‘80s and beyond, thrift stores are the perfect place for those looking for a throwback to childhood memories.