2026-02-01T11:16:09-05:00

Explore Affordable Thrift Shopping in Westchester County – Part 2

February 1, 2026February 1, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

As promised, here is part 2 of our guide to affordable thrift shopping in Westchester County. In this second installment, we continue exploring the best thrift stores in the area. Whether you’re searching for specific items or just browsing, Westchester is a top spot for sustainable, budget-friendly fashion. Grab your reusable bags—it’s time to discover what’s next on our thrifting journey.

St. Luke’s Thrift Shop

— 327 NY-100, Somers, NY 10589

https://slcsomers.org/saint-luke%E2%80%99s-thrift-shop

I’ve always found myself buying something whenever I visit St. Luke’s Thrift Shop. I enjoy exploring the racks, and their sales are always exciting. The staff is very welcoming, and there’s a wide selection to choose from. I highly recommend stopping by St. Luke’s Thrift Shop. While you’re there, don’t miss visiting Yorktown Love in Action, which is conveniently located nearby in Yorktown.

Women’s Club of White Plains

— 305 Ridgeway, White Plains, NY 10605

https://www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org/thrift

Visit the website to register for their Pop-Up Sales; they consistently deliver a great experience and attract a good crowd. They are also open on Tuesdays but check the website for details. All income from sales at the Thrift Store goes directly to the Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation’s philanthropies, including its Scholarship Program.

That Nothing Be Lost – St Christopher’s at Graymoor

— 16 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524

Browsing here feels almost magical. Situated in one of Graymoor’s oldest buildings, built in 1916, in Garrison, New York, it faces St. Christopher’s Inn, a temporary homeless shelter dedicated to helping men in crisis. The store’s proceeds go toward supporting St. Christopher’s Inn and its residents.

Hilltop Thrift Shop

— 55 Cedar St., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Hilltop Thrift Shop was named Best Under-the-Radar Thrift Shop by Westchester Magazine. Need I say more?

You do have to sign up for an appointment to shop. Here is the link:

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/27003375573136035/false#/invitation

St Gregory’s Thrift & Gift Shoppe

— 1131 North St., White Plains, NY

I truly enjoy visiting the thrift shop at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church, operated by The Women’s Guild. They offer beautiful china and serving pieces, as well as many other delightful items. All are high-quality and reasonably priced.

Rye Presbyterian Thrift Shop

— 882 Boston Post Rd., Rye, Ny 10580

https://ryepc.com/ministries/thrift-shop/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPqEEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRbk1xR2VaTnBZRjJneWtRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnWbFivgRTQVgKCRgODZUQ9DREnbSP_S2_tfaicijOZdtSrSAt8BjSwbS9tr_aem_cQXaGTJT50mAcjpzId8SPg

No clothes, but rooms filled with excellent merchandise – artwork, china, jewelry, housewares, home décor, small furniture, linens, seasonal decorations, and much more. They hold occasional evening sales, so be sure to sign up for their newsletter.

All Saints’ Second Chance Thrift Shop

— 288 Harrison Ave., Harrison, NY 10528

https://www.allsaintsharrison.org/thrift-shop

Operated by parish and community volunteers, this great shop provides gently used items at affordable prices, including kitchenware, home décor, knick-knacks, women’s and children’s clothing, books, CDs, toys, and much more. Additionally, they host the Angel Fair Holiday Market, which I always attend!

Thrifty Me Thrift Shop – Phone: (914) 962-5758.

— 1974 Commerce Street, Room 113, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Thrifty Me is a well-established thrift store run by volunteers, situated in Room 107 of the Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center in Yorktown, NY. It opens on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to noon, serving the local community and often hosting special events such as annual holiday boutiques that raise funds for the local food pantry.

Golden Shoestring

— 149 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538

https://westchesteronthesound.jl.org/gss/

Operating in Larchmont, NY, for over 60 years, this nonprofit resale boutique is the primary fundraiser for the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound. The funds collected fund community grants and scholarships. The shop is well-known for its gently used designer clothing, a broad range of shoes, and housewares.

Katonah Thrift Shop

— 71 Bedford Rd., Katonah, NY 10536

https://www.facebook.com/katonahthriftshop/

Katonah Thrift Shop is filled with a variety of treasures. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Civic Club, which was founded in 1918 in historic Katonah. The store features a wide range of items, such as clothing, bags, musical instruments, jewelry, kitchenware, housewares, antiques, and more.

St. Thomas Church Thrift Shop

— 168 West Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

https://www.saintthomasmmrk.org/thrift_shop

What began in the early 1990s as an “ongoing rummage sale” organized by dedicated parishioners has grown into a major event that showcases generosity and community spirit in Mamaroneck. St. Thomas offers a wide variety of items for sale, including women’s clothing, china and glassware, small appliances, cutlery, men’s suits, linens, jewelry, and more.

IFCA Thrift Shop

— 95 Croton Ave., Ossining, NY 10562

https://www.ifcany.org/thrift-shop#:~:text=The%20Thrift%20Shop%20has%20moved,sells%20new%20and%20gently%20used

IFCA’s neighborhood thrift shop sells new and gently used items, including clothing, shoes, bedding, dishes, pots and pans, costume jewelry, and handbags, at very affordable prices.

The Community Shop

196 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY

https://www.communitycenternw.org/community-shop

The Community Shop offers a curated selection of gently-used clothing, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices. This collection supports the vital programs of the Community Center of Northern Westchester.

Please check the website or contact each thrift shop directly to check their days and hours of operation.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Explore Affordable Thrift Shopping in Westchester County – Part 1

January 28, 2026January 28, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrifting in Westchester is renowned for its high-quality donated items. Many residents live in affluent neighborhoods, so local thrift stores often stock premium brands, vintage furniture, and luxury accessories at prices generally lower than those in Manhattan. Each store has a unique atmosphere, adding variety to the secondhand shopping experience.

In Westchester’s thrift scene, timing is crucial for success. Because most shops get their largest donations on weekends, the best times to find new inventory are early Monday and Tuesday mornings, before items are heavily picked over.

Practicality significantly influences the Westchester scene. Most prominent shops are run by local religious or nonprofit groups, and usually close earlier than typical thrift stores. Many are staffed by volunteers. Savvy shoppers keep an eye on community calendars, since many of these stores host seasonal “bag sales,” where customers pay a fixed fee to fill a bag.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite thrift stores in Westchester County I’ve visited over the past year. I genuinely appreciate the friendly staff, excellent deals, and how many staff members recognize my enthusiasm for thrifting and sharing it. I enjoy emphasizing how these shops support and uplift their local communities. If your favorite thrift store isn’t included here, feel free to email me at tonionthrifting@gmail.com, and I’ll try to visit soon.

Here are a few thrift shops I visited during the past year:

St Bart’s Thrift Shop

— 82 Prospect St, White Plains, NY

Follow on Facebook for news: https://www.facebook.com/stbartsthrift/

Located in White Plains, NY, this shop offers affordable pre-owned clothing and household items. It features a large, ever-changing selection of women’s clothing, operated from a space behind St. Bart’s Church. The constantly rotating inventory encourages frequent visits to discover unique finds. All proceeds are reinvested in the community. This thrift shop is also one of my personal favorites and one I visit very often.

The L.I.S.A Boutique

— 137 7thh Ave, Verplanck, NY 10591

https://letitshineonline.com/home-%2F-pantry-%2F-thrift

Located in Verplanck and well worth a visit. It is not a large boutique, but it is packed with excellent women’s clothes, gorgeous jewelry and accessories, and beautiful household goods. and it is also part of Cortlandt’s Thrift Store Trail which includes St. Patrick’s, Carriage House Thrift Shop, Little Orphan Animals, and the Mustard Seed, all worth the trip

The Back Door Thrift Shop

— 20 Greenridge Ave, White Plains, NY 10605

https://www.hiwp.org/thrift_shop

This charming, welcoming shop in White Plains, NY, lives up to its name with its entrance at the back of a parking lot behind the Hebrew Institute Synagogue. It features high-quality pre-owned items, such as vintage dresses, coats, and home decor, with all proceeds benefiting synagogue programs and activities.

Fantastic Finds

—400 King St, Chappaqua, NY

Located in Chappaqua’s Talbot’s Shopping Center, Fantastic Finds is an upscale resale boutique that operates as a non-profit. All proceeds from the shop directly benefit Support Connection, a non-profit organization that provides free, year-round support services for individuals affected by breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancers.

Hitchcock Church Thrift Shop

— 6 Greenacres Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583

https://www.hitchcockpresby.org/thrift-shop

Located in Scarsdale, NY, this shop is run by Presbyterian Women and raises thousands of dollars each year for various women’s and children’s charities. It sells clothing, household items, and jewelry, and offers a chance for community volunteering and friendship.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

— 470 Nepperhan Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Tel: (332) 777-5060

This large nonprofit home improvement store and donation center is located in Yonkers, NY. It offers new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home accessories at affordable prices. All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester County’s mission to build homes.

Red Door Thrift Store

— 100 Underhill St, Yonkers, NY 10710

http://www.stjohnstuckahoe.com/thrift-shop.html

Situated in Yonkers, NY, this thrift store sells gently used clothes, household items, books, collectibles, and more at affordable prices. All proceeds benefit the ministries of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tuckahoe.

Treasure Thrift Shop

— 50 Bedford Rd, Armonk, NY

Located in Armonk, NY, this volunteer-run, eco-friendly shop offers affordable new and gently used items, with proceeds supporting various local charities. It operates on limited hours, usually Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it a great place to find unique vintage treasures. This is an all-around great thrift shop and one I always enjoy shopping in.

https://www.treasuresthriftshop.org/

Twigs Thriftree

— 449 Lexington Ave, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

https://www.twigsofnwh.org/

This volunteer-operated store in Mount Kisco, NY, raises funds exclusively for Northern Westchester Hospital and has already collected millions of dollars. It features a wide variety of gently used clothing and costume jewelry.

Yorktown Love In Action

— 1736 Front St, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

https://www.yorktownloveinaction.com/

A nonprofit recognized as a 501(c)(3) based in Yorktown Heights, NY, runs a large 10,000-square-foot thrift shop warehouse. Its goal is to assist families facing hardship in Westchester and Putnam counties. The organization provides donated items like furniture, clothing, and toys, known for its affordable prices and neatly organized, wide-ranging selection. Another popular spot where you could easily spend hours.

I hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more. I am currently working on part 2 of “Explore Affordable Thrift Shopping in Westchester County.”

Check out my Facebook page for engaging articles and updates on local thrift shopping.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Thrift Store Secrets: Essential Tips for 2026

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

In 2026, thrift shopping has transformed from a casual hobby into a critical survival strategy for budget-conscious consumers. However, this surge in demand—fueled by social media and sustainability trends—has also pushed thrift store prices higher. Although I’ve mentioned some of these tips before, they deserve reiteration.

To keep your costs down while still finding high-quality “hidden gems,” follow these expert strategies for smart thrifting in 2026.

Master the New Pricing Algorithms

Modern thrift stores use sophisticated, data-driven pricing methods that set prices by brand and condition, moving beyond simple flat-rate pricing.

Avoid “Boutique” Racks: curated sections tend to have higher markups. Instead, browse the general racks for overlooked high-quality brands that the store’s software may have missed.
Understand the Color Tag System: Many stores implement a weekly color-coded discount scheme. Focusing on scanning the “50% off” tag of the week is the best way to outsmart current price increases.

2. Time Your Trips Strategically

Competition for quality inventory is at an all-time high in 2026.

Shop during Restock Days: Inquire with staff about when they usually release the largest batches of new inventory. Arriving early on these days allows you to select high-value items before resellers arrive.
Go “Off-Season”: Buy winter coats in July and swimsuits in January. While others pay full price for current-season items, you’ll enjoy significant discounts on out-of-season stock.

3. Focus on “Inflation-Proof” Materials

Synthetic fast-fashion products often end up in thrift stores, but they tend to lose value. By 2026, true value will be based on natural, long-lasting fibers.

The Big Four: Be aware of wool, cotton, silk, and linen. Due to rising production costs and tariffs expected by 2026, these materials are increasingly expensive to buy new.
Inspect the hardware by checking zippers, buttons, and seams. If a high-quality item has a small defect, such as a missing button, it is usually priced significantly lower and can often be repaired easily at home.

4. Optimize Your Neighborhood Choices

Where a store is located often dictates the quality of its donations.

Stores located in wealthy neighborhoods often receive donations of luxury designer brands and furniture from individuals who prioritize giving over resale value.
Specialized Shops: Seek out mission-driven stores like Out of the Closet or Value World, which generally provide lower prices compared to bigger national chains.

5. Leverage 2026 Trends to Your Advantage

As certain aesthetics peak, others become more affordable.

The Y2K and Chrome Revival: While early 2000s decor and chrome accents are trendy and often pricey, more budget-friendly choices could include classic mid-century or 1990s “minimalist” items.
Buy for longevity instead of fleeting trends: To address increasing costs, prioritize classic, timeless staples that will last longer and don’t require frequent replacement.

Quick Checklist for 2026 Thrifting:

Establish a firm budget in advance to avoid fatigue from constantly chasing deals.
Maintain a continuous list on your phone of items you genuinely need to avoid impulse purchases.

Please check out my Facebook page, tonionthrifting, for articles and tips I researched from various sources. Also, I post some great information on thrift shops in the NYC, Westchester, and Connecticut area.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Future of Fur: Trends, Ethics, and Vintage Appeal

January 11, 2026January 11, 2026/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Fur coats have remained a strong trend in 2025 and are expected to continue in 2026. Historically, fur has symbolized status, evolving from basic survival clothing to symbols of royalty and Hollywood glamour throughout the 20th century. In the early 1900s, fur shifted from basic linings to luxury items like large collars and full-length fox jackets, gaining cultural significance by the 1950s as a mark of sophistication. However, starting in the late 1980s, the industry experienced a sharp decline due to intense animal-rights protests and evolving societal views that viewed fur as cruel rather than fashionable. By the 2010s, many cities and luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada had banned fur, diminishing its prominence in fashion.

The resurgence in 2025, rejecting “quiet luxury,” is driven by maximalist trends such as the viral “mob wife aesthetic. Mainly fueled by Gen Z and Millennials, this revival is driven by increased interest in fur through vintage and secondhand markets, as consumers view it as a sustainable “slow fashion” alternative that avoids new animal farming and microplastic pollution from synthetic faux-fur materials. Brands such as Fendi and Louis Vuitton, along with celebrities like Ice Spice and Rihanna, have positioned fur as a symbol of power and style. Currently, the trend blends nostalgia for the early 2000s with contemporary values, prioritizing craftsmanship and heirloom quality over fast fashion cycles.

How It’s Worn:
• Pair simple outfits, such as turtlenecks and jeans, for a more elevated look.
• Worn over outerwear, such as trenches, to add extra flair.
• As heirloom pieces, they are proudly worn for warmth and style.
Essentially, the real fur trend is intricate, combining historical luxury with contemporary ethical issues, often thriving in the vintage market and among statement fashion pieces.

The Verdict for 2026

Real fur is unlikely to vanish entirely, but is gradually shifting from mainstream luxury to a niche market. Starting September 2026, New York Fashion Week will ban real animal fur in its runway shows. While Vogue and other major fashion events are reducing the number of new fur collections, interest in vintage and creatively reimagined fur is expected to remain through 2026 as consumers increasingly adopt “circular” fashion. The Manhattan Vintage Show, New York City’s leading large-scale vintage fashion event, is scheduled for January 31st to February 1st for the upcoming NYC Winter show. It will feature vintage fur. The event is expected to sell out, as all their shows do, indicating continued strong interest in vintage fur (and all things vintage). Ultimately, the debate continues as consumers weigh the longevity and sustainability claims of vintage fur against the animal-welfare concerns that have led many brands and consumers to go fur-free.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Why Gen Z Loves Depop for Secondhand Fashion!

December 28, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, Depop is a London-based social e-commerce platform that has become central to Gen Z’s fashion culture. Often compared to a blend of Instagram and eBay, it allows users to buy and sell secondhand clothes through an engaging interface where they can “like” items and follow their favorite sellers. By 2025, Depop has grown to over 43 million registered users and has surpassed $5 billion in sales since its inception. It remains an independent subsidiary of Etsy, which acquired it in 2021 for approximately $1.6 billion to tap into the thriving resale market.

The platform’s success largely stems from its focus on circular fashion and unique styles like “sleaze academia” and “cottagecore,” which have become trendy on TikTok and Instagram. To stay competitive in 2025, Depop has simplified the selling process by removing traditional selling fees for users in the US and UK, while standard payment fees still apply. Sellers are advised to upload high-quality, attractive photos and use detailed tags to boost visibility through the app’s AI-driven curation system. Despite its popularity, the platform emphasizes safety and community support by offering tools like the Depop Safety Centre to protect users and ensure secure transactions. https://news.depop.com/company-news/depop-launches-new-safety-centre.

Now let’s talk to Catherine G., a teenager from Brooklyn, about Depop.

How often do you use Depop?
I visit the website daily to browse new items and check if any of mine have sold. I enjoy scrolling through to see the latest arrivals.

Do you buy and sell items? How do you find the prices?
Yes, for both aspects. I rely on Google Lens to determine fair prices for my items

What do you like most about Depop?
I appreciate that Depop aligns with my interests and features the fashion I find most appealing.

Do you also use Poshmark or other resale platforms?
No, I always discover what I like and need on Depop.

Any tips for new Depop users?
Yes, be cautious of scams, and if you have any doubts, always consult the Depop Safety Centre.

Do you feel that using Depop helps the environment?
Yes, because we can give items new life instead of letting them end up in landfills.

Catherine G. provided valuable insights into Depop. Teenagers like using Depop because it turns traditional thrifting into a social and entrepreneurial activity influenced by social media, fitting their values and style. Often likened to a combination of Instagram and eBay, it presents a visually appealing grid where users can like, comment, and follow their favorite curated shops. For a generation that values sustainability, Depop offers a responsible alternative to fast fashion, encouraging a “circular” economy and the hunt for unique Y2K or vintage pieces that match their style. Besides shopping, the app encourages teens to become small entrepreneurs by selling items from their bedrooms, with some top sellers earning enough for financial independence before college. Overall, Depop is a vibrant community where fashion acts as a means of self-expression and social activism.

Thank you, Catherine G.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

2026 Thrift Store Price Trends: What Shoppers Should Know

December 6, 2025December 6, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/2 Comments

By 2026, thrift shopping is projected to see a notable price increase due to growing demand, inflation, rising operational costs, and the growing popularity of secondhand fashion. The U.S. market is expected to more than double, reaching approximately $82 billion, according to ThredUp. Although tariffs on new clothing and a focus on sustainability encourage more consumers to buy at thrift stores, these factors also contribute to higher prices.

Key factors driving up thrift store prices in 2026

• The popularity of thrifting has grown, driven by social media influencers and a stronger emphasis on sustainability among consumers. This rise in interest attracts more shoppers, intensifying competition for limited items and driving prices higher.

• Inflation and tariffs continue to drive up the cost of new clothing, prompting more consumers to turn to secondhand options. This surge in demand enables thrift stores to boost their Projections for 2025. Projections suggest that new clothing prices could increase by as much as 65%, making secondhand markets even more attractive.

• Rising Operational Costs: Thrift stores face growing expenses for rent, labor, and utilities. To cover these costs, they often increase their prices, a common practice even among non-profit thrift stores to fund community programs.

• The emergence of online resale platforms such as Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp has increased competition in the market. These platforms attract both buyers and sellers, motivating people to sell valuable or vintage items online rather than donate them. As a result, traditional stores receive fewer donations, which tend to be of lower quality. Consequently, these stores raise their prices on remaining inventory to stay competitive.

• Sophisticated Pricing Strategies: Modern thrift stores are moving away from simple, flat-rate pricing. Instead, they use market data to set prices based on an item’s brand, condition, and value. This method, influenced by the broader resale market, leads to higher prices for popular vintage and branded items.

• Vintage market valuation has risen as authentic vintage and trendy retro items become more sought after. Influenced by social media and influencers, these items are now valued higher because of their rarity. Thrift stores recognize this trend and price these items higher, which diminishes their reputation as bargains.

By 2026, thrift shopping is likely to become more of an adventure that requires planning. Discovering hidden gems may become more difficult, as some thrifters are already noticing increased prices and more competition for sought-after items. To succeed in this changing scene, consider visiting stores in affluent neighborhoods, timing your shopping around restock days, and focusing on classic, timeless pieces. As always, patience will be an essential asset!

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Thrift Shopping: A Sustainable Way to Find Unique Holiday Gifts And Creative Ways To Wrap Them

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrift shopping for holiday gifts has clear environmental, economic, and personal benefits, making it a sustainable and thoughtful alternative to traditional retail. It helps reduce waste, saves money, and adds the excitement of discovering unique items.

Economic Advantages:

Thrift shopping is a smart way to save money and reduce holiday expenses. It offers big savings since secondhand items are usually much cheaper than new ones, often including high-quality or designer pieces at great discounts. This helps you stretch your holiday budget further without sacrificing quality. Also, many thrift stores are run by charities or local groups, so your purchases support important community programs like homelessness support and domestic violence shelters. Plus, used items typically come with little or no packaging, which helps cut waste and can lower costs for buyers.

Unique & Thoughtful Gifts:

Beyond the tangible benefits, thrifting allows for a more personal and intentional approach to gift-giving.

Thrift stores offer a continually updated, varied selection of items, including vintage accessories, rare books, and retro decor. This makes it easy to find a distinctive gift that perfectly suits the recipient’s personality.
Meaningful Intentionality: Spending time and effort on a “treasure hunt” to find the ideal item can increase its emotional significance. A carefully selected secondhand gift can convey a special story, making it more meaningful than a quick purchase from an online retailer or a big-box store shelf.

Opting to thrift for holiday gifts benefits the environment, saves money, and shows greater thoughtfulness.

Now, try creative and eco-friendly ways to wrap those gifts. Use repurposed materials such as maps or newspapers, experiment with the Japanese fabric wrapping method (Furoshiki), or incorporate natural elements for decoration.

Repurposed Paper:

Instead of buying new, glossy wrapping paper that often cannot be recycled, you can use materials you likely already have around the house.

Old Maps/Calendars: Out-of-date road maps, topographical charts, or large calendar pictures add a unique, vintage feel. You can even match the map location to the gift or recipient’s interests (e.g., a marine chart for a boat-related gift).
Newspaper or magazine pages—whether black-and-white print, colorful magazine spreads, or even the comic section—can serve as charming and eco-friendly wrapping options.
Brown Paper Bags: Flattened paper grocery bags or kraft paper from shipping boxes serve as a simple canvas. Personalize it with doodles, stamps, or stencils for a unique touch.
Children’s Artwork: Wrapping a gift in your children’s paintings or drawings adds a deeply personal and artistic touch that family members often cherish as a keepsake.

Fabric Wrapping (Furoshiki):

The traditional Japanese art of Furoshiki uses fabric to wrap or transport goods, offering an elegant, reusable, and zero-waste option.

Scarves or Tea Towels: The fabric itself can be part of the gift. Use a vintage scarf, a festive tea towel, or a cloth napkin to wrap the item.
Fabric Scraps: Repurpose old t-shirts, worn-out bedding, or fabric remnants found at a thrift store.
Technique: No tape or scissors are needed; the fabric is secured using strategic folding and knotting techniques. This creates a beautiful, soft presentation that can be reused year after year.

Natural Embellishments & Containers:

Elevate the look of your gifts with natural, compostable additions and unique, reusable “containers”.

Natural Accents: Avoid plastic ribbons and bows. Instead, opt for natural materials like jute, twine, or raffia to secure the package. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, pinecones, dried citrus slices, or cinnamon sticks for a festive aroma and rustic charm.
Reusable Containers: For small or oddly shaped items, opt for a decorative tin from cookies or tea, a clean glass jar ideal for homemade treats, a small kit, or a durable thrifted basket. These containers can be part of the gift or serve as useful storage afterward.
Handmade Tags: Repurpose last year’s holiday cards by cutting them into new gift tags.

By utilizing these creative approaches, you can make your thrifted gifts look unique and intentional while significantly reducing holiday waste.

Environmental Sustainability:

Buying secondhand items helps reduce environmental damage caused by manufacturing new products, especially in sectors like fast fashion. Waste Reduction: Each thrifted item cuts down the need for new production. This lowers the millions of tons of textile and general waste that fill landfills each year. Resource Conservation: Making new products uses a lot of resources. For instance, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires over 700 gallons of water. This resource is saved when buying pre-owned items. Thrifting saves water, energy, and raw materials. Lower Carbon Footprint: The processes of creating and transporting new products are significant sources of global carbon emissions. Choosing secondhand can cut a product’s carbon footprint by up to 90%, since most energy-consuming steps are already done.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Let’s continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How Thrift Stores Support Families Facing Food Crisis

November 2, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Food insecurity in the U.S. is on the rise, now impacting 36% of households and leading to more instances of severe food insecurity. Major contributors include increasing inflation, stagnant wages, reductions or loss of SNAP benefits, and federal budget cuts affecting workers. Consequently, more families resort to buying cheaper food or skipping meals. Thrift stores play a vital role by supporting community food programs and offering affordable essentials to families in need.

Here are some of the many reasons to support your local thrift shop:

• Many non-profit thrift stores depend on income from selling donated items to fund local efforts such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal delivery programs. Every purchase or donation helps maintain these vital services.
• Thrift stores offer various affordable essentials such as clothing, furniture, and household items. This makes it easier for families on tight budgets to obtain necessary items they might otherwise miss, enabling them to use more resources for food.
• Numerous organizations supported by thrift stores offer emergency aid, such as food vouchers, to families in immediate need, ensuring they get assistance promptly.
• These shops act as community hubs providing volunteer opportunities and job training, particularly for those facing employment difficulties. They seek to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity by strengthening community ties and opening pathways to stability.
• Supporting sustainability by shopping or donating to thrift stores decreases textile and other waste in landfills, contributing to a healthier environment. This emphasis on a circular economy advantages the whole community by combining social benefits with environmental responsibility.
• Thrift stores provide an affordable shopping alternative, enabling individuals and families to purchase items with dignity and choice instead of depending solely on handouts. Supporting local thrift shops addresses immediate needs and fosters lasting solutions, generating a ripple effect of positive change for families facing food insecurity and associated difficulties.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting, and let’s help others in our communities!

Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes: Thrift Store Tips

October 16, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Buying Halloween costumes from a thrift store provides a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to buying new, single-use outfits. Many packaged Halloween costumes are made from cheap synthetic materials, mainly plastics like polyester and nylon. Usually worn once and then thrown away, over 83% of these costumes are made from plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Their short usage period adds to the larger waste problem caused by fast fashion.

Here are some advantages of thrifting for your Halloween costume. You can save money because thrift stores sell clothing at much lower prices, letting you craft a great costume without overspending. Instead of paying $50 for a flimsy, packaged costume, you can find durable, high-quality items for a fraction of the cost. This is especially a smart choice for families with kids who quickly outgrow their costumes.

Unleash your creativity! While packaged costumes offer limited choices, a thrift store is a treasure trove of inspiration for creating unique and personalized outfits. Treasure hunting in thrift stores can be fun; you never know what might spark your next idea. Think creatively and combine unexpected items—like turning a vintage dress into a zombie prom queen or using a flannel shirt as part of a lumberjack or scarecrow costume.

Here are some ideas on thrifting a Halloween costume

Have a costume idea, but be open to unexpected finds that could lead to something even better.
Check the accessories, props, and toy sections for key finishing touches like hats, scarves, jewelry, and wigs.
Build a base with solid-colored shirts or pants and then add details.
Go with easy-to-create thrifted costumes like a scarecrow, a ‘70s disco star, a vampire, or a ghost.
Go thrifting with friends or family to make the experience more fun and creative.

Go green and cut waste. Buying secondhand gives a used item a second life and prevents it from ending up in a landfill. You also reduce your carbon footprint by lowering the demand for new production, which consumes a lot of energy and water. Thrifting supports the “circular economy” by keeping clothing in use longer. A thrifted costume is a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday. It’s a chance to celebrate with a unique, budget-friendly, and earth-conscious outfit, making Halloween less scary for your wallet and the planet.

Let’s reduce, reuse, and recycle. Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Why Rummage Sales Are Great For Affordable And Sustainable Shopping

September 26, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I love rummage sales. One of my favorite bags was bought at a local rummage sale—a vintage Coach crossbody I found for only $20. It quickly became one of my top favorites, especially since it was perfect for days when I didn’t need to carry much. The bag had just enough character without being too worn. This demonstrates why rummage sales are excellent sources for rare, vintage, and collectible items that are hard to find in regular stores.

Rummage sales are great for a variety of reasons. If you’re creative, you can find furniture, clothing, and other items that need repair or a creative update. With some imagination, you can turn these pieces into stylish additions for your home or wardrobe. One benefit of a rummage sale is that prices are often lower than in typical thrift stores because organizers aim to sell as much as possible. This also means you might find even better deals later in the day, and some sales offer a fill-a-bag deal for a small fee at the end of the event.

Rummage sales are becoming more critical in communities facing clothing insecurity. They offer affordable clothing, usually at much lower prices than department stores. Many of these events also serve as fundraisers for local charities, community programs, or schools, with the proceeds going directly to benefit the community. Attending these sales provides an opportunity to meet neighbors and build stronger community connections. Visiting rummage sales can be an enjoyable way to spend a weekend.

Rummage sales offer an eco-friendly and practical alternative to fast fashion shopping. The fast fashion industry causes problems like waste accumulation, resource depletion, unfair labor practices, and pollution. Buying from rummage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, or garage sales decreases landfill waste by giving clothing a second purpose. These types of secondhand shopping extend the life of garments, save resources, and support sustainability. By reusing and recycling items, you take part in a system that conserves natural resources and minimizes environmental impact.

Look for local rummage sales in newspapers, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and similar platforms. My top tip: arrive early to access the best selection of quality items. Though they might cost more, these items sell quickly and are often priced below market value.

For valuable insights from top resources on thrift shopping and sustainability, visit my Facebook page, ToniOnThrifting. Let’s prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

ToniOnThrifting