With the approaching holiday season comes the busy, long filled shopping hours at the mall. Holiday shopping, while fun, can also turn into a stressful race to find a gift that’s just right. The same scene, with the same stores selling the same things, is set up once again every year-and gifts quickly become generic and boring. When shopping gets to this point and a unique gift is nearly impossible to come by, thrift stores like Savers, Blackbirds Consignment Shop, and Karma Couture are the places to go.

Thrift shopping has many advantages. Brand name clothes, accessories and home goods can be found for unbelievably cheap prices. Something that’s normally $80 can be found for $8. Unlike chain stores, where you know what to expect from their selection, you’ll never know what you’ll find at Savers. You can find things with character, personality and uniqueness that make excellent personal gifts for yourself or others. If you have worries about buying something used, you shouldn’t. Most thrift stores, including Blackbirds Consignment Shop, Karma Couture, and Into the Wardrobe carefully select what they carry in their stores, and only choose to carry things that are clean and in good condition. Most importantly, in some stores including Savers, the money they make goes to non-profit organizations and charities. Thrift shopping can feel limiting, so remember to be open. Thrift stores carry everything from kids, men’s, and women’s fashions, to shoes, bed and bath, books, housewares and even furniture. Especially around the holiday season when gift giving is a high priority, Thrifting is the right choice if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, and perhaps want to buy something meaningful, unique, personal, or funny. The best gifts are the ones that were thought out, not necessarily the most expensive. Thrifting requires you to look deeply and search for the right gift, resulting in individuality that can’t be found at the mall.

If you’re looking to give back to the community and find a thoughtful, personal gift without spending a ton, try something new this holiday season and take up thrift shopping.

Blackbirds Consignment Shop

1800 Mineral Spring Avenue

North Providence, RI 02911

(401) 353-2028

Karma Couture

591 Main Street

East Greenwich, RI  02818

(401) 398-0576

Savers

24 Universal Boulevard

Warwick, RI 02886

(401) 821-3923

Into the Wardrobe

117 Brook Street

Providence, RI 02906

(401) 427-1147