If it feels like everyone and their mother is jumping on the Thriftmas bandwagon this year… well, it’s because they are. And honestly? I love to see it. Whether it’s Pinterest boards overflowing with thrifted finds, TikTok creators flexing their secondhand hauls, or Instagram posts captioned with #Thriftmas, one thing is clear: sustainability is having a serious holiday glow-up.
Let’s talk numbers for a second. Hashtags like #Thriftmas and #SustainableChristmas are booming, racking up millions of views on TikTok. Google searches for “thrifted holiday gifts” have seen a 30% increase this year. And you know what that tells me? People are getting it. They’re looking for ways to give gifts that actually mean something—without drowning the planet in more glitter-covered waste.
The Problem with Christmas Cheer (And Why It’s Time for a Change)
Look, I love the holidays. The lights, the cookies, the Mariah Carey playlist that somehow still hits every single year. But here’s the not-so-fun truth: Christmas is kind of a disaster for the planet.
- Packaging Waste: In the U.S., we generate an extra 1 million tons of trash every single week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Yep, a million. All those bows, wrapping paper rolls, and plastic toys? Straight to the landfill.
- Wrapping Paper: Americans use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper every year. Spoiler alert: Most of it isn’t recyclable (thanks, glitter and foil).
- Food Waste: Between cookie trays and turkey leftovers, food waste spikes 33% during the holidays. That’s a lot of stuffing in the garbage.
So, while Santa’s delivering gifts, we’re delivering a mountain of waste to the planet. Cute, right? Not so much.
Enter Thriftmas: The Guilt-Free Holiday Glow-Up
Thriftmas isn’t just about skipping the mall (though, let’s be honest, avoiding that chaos is a gift in itself). It’s about finding thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents while keeping your environmental impact low and your creativity high. Plus, thrifted and upcycled gifts often have stories behind them—and who doesn’t love a good origin story?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Thrifted Treasures That Spark Joy
Hit up your local thrift store or flea market and embrace the hunt:
- Vintage Finds: A retro jacket, antique jewelry, or a mid-century lamp for the home décor lover in your life.
- Books with Personality: Grab some pre-loved classics or quirky coffee table books. Pair with a thrifted mug and some tea for an extra cozy vibe.
- Retro Games: Vintage board games or records are a total win for nostalgic gifting.
2. Upcycled Creations: Gifts That Say, “Yeah, I Made This”
If you’re feeling crafty, upcycling is where it’s at:
- Turn old vinyl records into purses or wall art. (Yes, you’ll look cooler by association.)
- Repurpose cassette tapes into mini purses for a throwback gift with serious Gen Z appeal.
- Transform thrifted frames into personalized art or photo collages.
3. Experience Gifts: No Wrapping Required
Let’s face it—sometimes, the best gift isn’t something you can hold. Give the gift of memories:
- Concert Tickets: Nothing says “best present ever” like live music and overpriced nachos.
- Cooking or Art Classes: Perfect for friends who love learning something new.
- A DIY Gift Certificate: Offer babysitting, pet-sitting, or even a homemade dinner night.
Sustainable Wrapping & Decorating (Because the Details Matter)
Even the best thrifted gift deserves a thoughtful wrap-up. Here’s how to keep it festive and sustainable:
- Fabric Wraps: Use scarves, bandanas, or cloth napkins for a reusable (and chic) gift wrap.
- Newspaper Chic: Old newspapers + a little twine = the artsy, minimalist look you didn’t know you needed.
- DIY Decorations: String popcorn and cranberries for a garland or make ornaments out of dried citrus slices.
The Bottom Line: Thriftmas is the Gift That Keeps on Giving
This holiday season, let’s trade mindless spending for mindful gifting. Thriftmas isn’t about being perfect (I still love a good peppermint mocha in a festive cup—don’t @ me). It’s about making small, intentional changes that add up to a better future.
So grab a tote bag, hit your local thrift store, and start creating gifts that’ll make your friends and family say, “Wait, this is thrifted?!” Yep, it is—and it’s fabulous.
Got a Thriftmas idea you’re proud of? DM me on TikTok or Instagram @lexysilverstein, tag me, or email me—I’d love to see what you come up with!
📧 Email me: Lexy@elexyfy.com
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