If you’re trying to keep Christmas affordable this year, the op shop is one of the best places to find thoughtful, unique and budget-friendly gifts. With a bit of time and a willingness to browse, you can pull together beautiful presents for every age and interest — without breaking the bank.
Here are 26 thrifted Christmas gift ideas I found in just one local op shop to spark your own “Thriftmas” inspiration.
Watch: 26 Thriftmas Gift Ideas
Come with me as I find each of these items in a local op shop.👇
Thrifted Christmas Gift Ideas
Thrifted Gifts for Book Lovers & Creatives
Perfect for readers, makers and hobby lovers, these op shop finds are thoughtful, practical and easy to tailor to personal interests.
Books for Every Hobby
Books are always a welcome gift for readers. For anyone who loves to curl up with a good novel, bundle a few paperbacks together. Prices can range from $1 to $6+ each. If you’re lucky, you can still find the ‘Fill a bag for $5’ sales.
For hobbyists, check the non-fiction shelves — think:
- Cookbooks
- Music books
- Biographies
- Craft guides
- Gardening books & magazines
- Health & fitness
- Self-help & improvement
Craft Supplies
Anyone who’s crafty will appreciate more materials to fuel their favourite hobby. Look for:
- Yarn and knitting needles
- Crochet hooks
- Paints and brushes
- Adult colouring books
- Embroidery kits
These often come lightly used or even brand new.
Readymade Craft Kits
I love finding craft kits that are still complete — like the air-dry clay kit I spotted. They’re ready to wrap and gift instantly.
Thrifted Home & Decor Gift Ideas
Second-hand homewares and décor pieces make beautiful, affordable gifts that help loved ones refresh their space sustainably.
Storage Baskets & Organisers
Stylish storage can make an amazing, practical gift. Baskets are perfect for:
- Toys
- Shoes
- Laundry
- Blankets
You can also fill the basket with smaller gifts for a DIY hamper.
Throws & Textiles
A pretty throw blanket or table runner makes a cosy, low-cost gift. I’ve picked up a beautiful Persian-style rug in the past for just $30.
The boho-style floor runner I found above was only $6.50.
Cushions
A clean, good-quality cushion is a simple way for someone to refresh their home decor. Always choose ones in great condition and wash them before gifting.
Vintage Finds
I came across a gorgeous vintage bowling bag complete with four bowls for $16.50. Quirky gifts like this are perfect for nostalgia lovers.
Frames with Family Photos
A thrifted frame + meaningful photos = low-cost, sentimental and personal.
Ceramic Painted Numbers
I found hand-painted ceramic house numbers for only $1.50 each. These make a beautiful customised gift for someone’s home or letterbox.
Decorative Stems
Large stems (I found ones for $3.50 each) can be paired with a thrifted vase for a stunning, affordable decor gift.
Faux Plants
Not everyone wants real plants! Faux greenery can be beautiful and low-maintenance. Bundle a few mini plants into a cute “faux plant collection.”
Jewellery Holders
I picked up a hanging bronze jewellery holder for only $2.50 — perfect for teens and adults.
Dream Catchers & Room Decor
The brand-new dream catcher I found was $4.50. Many op shops have decor still with original tags on.
Thrifted Kitchen & Foodie Gifts
Op shops are full of barely-used kitchen items that can be paired with food or drinks to create practical and charming Christmas gifts.
Novelty Kitchen Appliances
Op shops are a goldmine for barely-used novelty appliances like:
- Donut makers
- Cake pop makers
- Sandwich presses
- Coffee machines
- Food steamers
- Slow cookers
They’re fun, practical, and great for kids, teens or foodies. Just double-check whether they’ve been tested.
Oil Bottle Sets for Food Lovers
The refillable oil bottle caddy I found would be perfect for someone who loves cooking. Pair with herbs, spices or olive oil.
Serving Dishes Filled with Treats
A pretty serving plate or bowl becomes a gift once you fill it with:
- Chocolates
- Lollies
- Homemade biscuits
Fondue Sets
Pair a thrifted fondue set with:
- A block of chocolate
- Tealight candles
…and it’s ready to gift.
Teapots for Tea Drinkers
A beautiful second-hand teapot + loose leaf tea = a cosy, thoughtful present.
Mugs + Coffee or Tea
A cute mug becomes a lovely gift when paired with:
- Coffee sachets
- Speciality tea
- Homemade hot chocolate mix
Bone China Tea Sets
Op shops are full of beautiful china — teacups, saucers, tea bowls — all perfect for tea drinkers.
Thrifted Entertainment, Fashion & Fun Gifts
From music and games to clothing and accessories, these thrifted finds make fun, personal gifts without the brand-new price tag.
Musical Instruments
You’d be surprised how many instruments end up at the op shop barely used. I found a fully tested keyboard for $45.50 — perfect for a music-loving teen.
Puzzles & Games
Most op shops have shelves full of:
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Family games
Just check that the puzzles and games are complete without any pieces missing. I found an Eternity puzzle still sealed for $19.50 — originally nearly $40.
Clothings, Shoes & Handbags
If your giftee loves fashion, look for:
- Name brand clothing
- Formal pieces
- Bags in good condition
- Leather wallets
Huge savings compared to buying new.
Costume Jewellery
From necklaces to bracelets and earrings, there’s something for every style. Ideal for someone who likes to rotate their jewellery.
Thrifted Gifts for Babies & Kids
Kids grow fast and outgrow toys quickly, making op shops the perfect place to find quality gifts at a fraction of the cost.
Nursery Decor
I discovered four sweet Peter Rabbit canvases for $2.50 each. Artwork, frames and prints can be hit or miss, but gems do pop up!
Baby & Kids Gifts
Never buy kids’ gifts new if you can help it — op shops have:
- Activity tables
- Toys still in boxes
- Bubble sets
- Dolls and figurines
- Roller skates
- Storybooks
- Trucks and cars
- Blocks and more
I even found a big Minnie Mouse house! Many of the items were still in great condition.
Bonus Thrifted Gift Idea!
Handmade Soap
Handmade soap is something I often find in my local Op Shops. Paired with a thrifted trinket dish or plate, handmade soap makes a beautiful small gift or stocking stuffer.
Final Thoughts
These 26 thrifted Christmas gift ideas all came from a single op shop visit — so imagine what you could find if you start a little earlier in the season. Op shopping not only saves money, but it also reduces waste and helps you find truly unique presents that your loved ones won’t get anywhere else.
Happy Thriftmas — and happy bargain hunting!
More On Frugal & Eco Gift Giving
Pin It
