21 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas Using Thrift Store Finds You Never Thought Of
With the holiday season approaching, finding unique and thoughtful gifts without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Thrift stores offer an endless supply of items that, with a little creativity, can be transformed into amazing holiday gifts.
Upcycling thrift store finds not only saves money but also promotes sustainability and adds a personal touch to your presents.
From repurposing old picture frames to turning vintage scarves into trendy accessories, here are 21 creative ways to upcycle thrift store finds into memorable holiday gifts.
1. Vintage Teacup Candles
Turn charming vintage teacups into beautiful candles. All you need are some thrifted teacups, candle wax, and wicks. Melt the wax, add your favorite scent, and pour it into the teacups with the wick centered. Once cooled, you have a unique, elegant candle perfect for a cozy holiday gift.
2. Upcycled Book Safe
Create a secret book safe by hollowing out an old hardcover book from a thrift store. Glue the pages together, cut out the center, and line it with fabric or decorative paper. This upcycled gift is great for storing small valuables and adds a quirky, literary touch to any bookshelf.
3. Fabric-Covered Journal
Find a vintage or unused journal at a thrift store and cover it with fabric from an old dress, scarf, or tablecloth. Use fabric glue to secure the material, and add embellishments like buttons or lace. This thoughtful, customized journal is perfect for friends who love to write or sketch.
4. Decorative Tray from an Old Frame
Transform an old picture frame into a decorative tray. Remove the glass, paint the frame, and add a piece of decorative paper, fabric, or a collage in the center. Attach handles on the sides, and you’ve got a personalized tray ideal for serving or displaying.
5. Jewelry Organizer from a Wooden Cutlery Tray
Find a wooden cutlery tray at a thrift store and repurpose it into a jewelry organizer. Paint it in a fun color, add hooks or nails to hang necklaces and earrings, and line the compartments with fabric. This upcycled piece is both functional and stylish.
6. Repurposed Sweater Mittens
Turn old sweaters into cozy mittens. Find a thick, woolen sweater at a thrift store, cut out mitten shapes, sew them together, and line them with soft fleece. These repurposed mittens make a warm, thoughtful gift that’s perfect for the winter season.
7. Framed Succulent Garden
Create a living piece of art by upcycling an old picture frame into a succulent garden. Attach a wire mesh to the back of the frame, add some soil, and plant small succulents. This easy-to-care-for garden is a unique, green gift that’s perfect for plant lovers.
8. Personalized Recipe Box
Find a wooden or metal box at a thrift store and transform it into a personalized recipe box. Paint it in the recipient’s favorite color, add dividers, and include some handwritten recipes or blank cards. It’s a meaningful and practical gift for anyone who loves to cook.
9. Customized Wine Glasses from Glassware
Thrift stores often have an abundance of glassware that can be easily customized with glass paint or etching cream. Add the recipient’s initials, favorite quotes, or festive designs for a personalized touch. Pair with a bottle of wine for an elegant holiday gift.
10. Wall Art from Old Vinyl Records
Turn vintage vinyl records into funky wall art. Paint or stencil designs on the records, or use them as a base for a clock by adding clock hands. This upcycled decor piece makes a unique gift for music lovers and adds a retro vibe to any room.
11. Mason Jar Snow Globes
Transform thrifted mason jars into delightful snow globes. Glue a small figurine or miniature scene to the inside of the lid, fill the jar with water and glitter, and screw the lid back on. When shaken, it creates a beautiful snow effect—perfect for holiday decor or gifts.
12. Hand-Painted Plant Pots
Find ceramic plant pots at a thrift store and give them a new life with some paint. Create simple patterns, abstract designs, or personalize them with names or messages. Add a small plant or succulent for a thoughtful, green gift.
13. Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags
Transform vintage t-shirts into stylish tote bags. Cut off the sleeves, stitch the bottom, and create handles from the shoulder straps.
These eco-friendly bags are perfect for grocery shopping, gym use, or as a casual handbag, making them a versatile gift option.
14. Candle Holders from Wine Bottles
Turn thrift store wine bottles into chic candle holders. Cut the bottle’s neck, smooth the edges, and add a tapered candle. Decorate with twine, paint, or glitter for a personalized touch. This gift is ideal for creating a warm and cozy ambiance during the holiday season.
15. Vintage Scarf Necklaces
Convert vintage scarves into trendy necklaces or headbands. Simply twist the scarf into a rope, tie the ends together, and add a decorative brooch or bead. These upcycled accessories are both stylish and sentimental, perfect for fashion-forward friends.
16. Decorative Chalkboard from an Old Mirror
Turn an old mirror or picture frame into a decorative chalkboard. Paint the glass or backing with chalkboard paint and decorate the frame to match the recipient’s style. This is a versatile gift for kitchens, offices, or kids’ rooms.
17. Upcycled Tin Can Lanterns
Repurpose tin cans into beautiful lanterns. Punch decorative holes in the cans, paint them, and add a tea light or LED candle. These lanterns can be used as holiday decorations or as unique gifts that light up any space.
18. Serving Platter from a Vintage Plate
Find a decorative plate or dish at a thrift store and turn it into a unique serving platter. Attach vintage drawer handles or knobs to the sides to create a one-of-a-kind piece that’s perfect for entertaining or gifting.
19. Repurposed Frame Earring Organizer
Convert an old frame into a chic earring organizer by attaching a piece of lace, mesh, or chicken wire to the back. Hang earrings on the mesh, and you have a functional and pretty way to store jewelry. It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves accessories.
20. Vintage Book Clocks
Turn vintage books into unique clocks by adding a clock mechanism to the cover. Choose books with special meanings or beautiful covers, making the clock a stylish, literary gift that stands out on any bookshelf or mantel.
21. Upcycled Wooden Crate Storage
Repurpose old wooden crates into stylish storage solutions. Sand, stain, or paint the crates, stack them, and secure them together to create a rustic bookshelf, side table, or shoe rack. This versatile gift is perfect for anyone who appreciates a farmhouse or vintage aesthetic.
