While looking for gifts this time of year on a budget isn’t a new concept, finding and choosing thrift gifts is becoming more of a trend.
The second-hand market forecast is estimated to grow to $51 billion by 2023, and 80 percent of younger shoppers, Gen Z specifically, plan to give thrifted gifts this holiday season.
Part of the reasoning for choosing secondhand or thrift gifts are sustainability and cost. According to a survey from ThredUp, 145 million unwanted gifts are given each year and over a billion pounds end up in the trash and nearly half of U.S. consumers said they would consider giving used apparel as a present this year.
Looking to get some gifts this year without the expensive price tag? Check out these 10 places in the Valley to find the perfect thrift gifts for everyone on your list.
Buffalo Exchange
One of the most known thrift stores in the Valley, Buffalo Exchange was founded in Tucson in 1974 and has gained a reputation for offering unique items at stellar prices. The company buys, sells and trades new and recycled fashion that range from women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories including jewelry, hats, sunglasses and more.
Poor Little Rich Girl
Opened in 2008, the colorful Phoenix boutique offers upscale resale products that include tops, jeans, bags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, designer jewelry, candles, soaps and gifts. They also regularly post their new outfits to Instagram with prices on each of the pieces, so it’s a great way to scoop up that last minute gift for a great price.
Half Price Books
Find used books, collectibles, pins, tote bags, mugs, socks, t-shirts and more at Half Price Books locations in Mesa, Phoenix and Paradise Valley. Buy books, movies, music and gifts for discounted prices. They also have rare finds, which include rare books, collectibles for a little higher price.
Maggie’s Thrift
Maggie’s Thrift benefits the work of Maggie’s Place, a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization that provides houses of hospitality to pregnant and parenting women in need. Maggie’s Thrift is a social enterprise store that offers higher-quality clothing and household items at their historic storefront in Phoenix. Find clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories, kitchen items and more.
Flo’s on 7th
The thrift store benefits Florence Crittendon, an organization that aims to change the future for girls ages 10 to 25 through safety, hope and opportunity. By shopping at Flo’s on 7th for clothing, shoes and home accessories, you can support their programs for girls to overcome challenges that arise from poverty, neglect and homelessness.
Uptown Cheapskate
The thrift store began with the founders’ ideas of opening a trendy resale clothing store for teens and young adults in 2009. This environmentally friendly concept lead to opening their first store in 2009 in Utah, Uptown Cheapskate has expanded to over 40 locations in the U.S. and has four locations in Arizona: Chandler, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tucson. The thrift store offers secondhand clothing, athleticwear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and accessories from brands including American Eagle, Nordstrom, H&M, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Madewell.
Plato’s Closet
With five Valley locations in Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Glendale, Plato’s Closet has secondhand brand name clothes, accessories, footwear and athleticwear from brands including Adidas, American Eagle, Billabong, Hollister, Levi’s, Vans and more.
Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center
The Salvation Army in Phoenix has Salvation Army Thrift Stores with six Valley locations that offer a variety of items from clothes, shoes and household items. The thrift stores help fun the Salvation Army rehabilitation programs for adults.
Teen Challenge of Arizona
Teen Challenge Arizona is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide youth, adults and families with comprehensive faith-based solutions to addiction. Teen Challenge of Arizona Centers operates thrift stores in Phoenix, Casa Grande, Marana and Tucson to raise money for their programs for adolescent girls, women and men.
Gracie’s Thrift Store
Gracie’s Thrift Store was founded in 1976 as a way to fund the Women’s Ministries programs at Grace Community Church. Since then, Gracie’s, which has clothing, toys, puzzles, books and more and Grace’s Community Church strive to meet the needs of Tempe through outreach, benevolence and promoting an affordable living lifestyle.
