A cost of living crisis and Christmas are two things that do not go hand in hand.
New Zealanders across the country are strapped for cash, but December demands that we spend.
You're socially obliged to express your love for your mum, dad, grandparents, aunty, uncle, siblings, friends, flatmates, workmates and more through the form of material goods. But no one wants to be the person who picked up a box of chocolates, or something half-price from the pharmacy on the way to Christmas lunch. Don't be that person.
Given this conundrum, how can you get away with being a fantastic gift-giver without making a huge dent in your bank account?
The sweet, simple answer: Op shops. The charity stores dotted around the nation are packed with hidden treasures.
SPCA op shop and retail manager Kym McCarthy summarises the perks of op-shopping pretty well:
"Sustainability... economic reasons. And the amount of love and thought that goes into buying second-hand. Every item is special," she said.
"It's a fun place to be, there's so many options regardless of budget."
Environmentally friendly? Yes.
Cheap? Yes.
Overwhelming? Yes, yes — a 1000 times yes.
Op shops are busy places. There's a lot of stuff, and if you want to be a successful bargain hunter you're going to want to go through it all.
So, here are three top tips for you. Op-shopping isn't for the faint of heart, and ignorance is not bliss:
- Op-shopping takes time — you can't rush it.
- You need a game plan.
- Have an open mind.
Take on these three points and you'll build up your mental armour.
Ideas have been brainstormed, you know who you're buying for, you've had a good think about what they're interested in, and you're ready to explore the second-hand store aisles.
Here are some present ideas to get you started:
1. Cups
If you're planning on buying a bottle of wine or a nice gin for someone, stop right there — op shops are drowning in crystal glasses and retro cups, with most prices ranging from $2 upwards.
Find some funky ones and pair them up with the giftee's drink of choice. This can work for alcohol, coffee, tea, or anything. Put it all in a pretty arrangement with a ribbon and you're away laughing — an easy way to level up a simple gift.
Buy for: Workmates, friends, or extended family — literally anyone. As long as you can get an idea of what they like to gulp.
2. Photo frames
Photo frames come in all shapes and sizes in op shops, and go for around $5-$10. Find one that suits your tastes and then get a photo of you and a loved one printed online or in a store like Warehouse Stationery. Find the frames first, so you know what size photo to print.
Photo idea: Does the person have a special occasion or memory you could capture in a frame?
Buy for: A loved one. Nothing says I treasure you like "Look at this beautiful framed photo of a memory I treasure."
Bonus: You'll get some free random stock image photos that are already in the frames.
3. Books
Another easy present level-up. Keep an eye out for a vintage version of someone's favourite books, or if you spot one that makes you think of them, write a message on the inside of the book expressing why, and what you love about them.
"Dear ex-boyfriend,
"Please enjoy this copy of Relationships for Dummies.
"I couldn't help but be reminded of all the emotional growth you need to experience and how terrible your communication is when I saw this. You're truly a unique person, and I love how you've challenged me. I'm so excited to see what you do with your life.
"Best,
"T x"
Okay, maybe not exactly like that but you get the idea.
Buy for: Not ex-boyfriends.
4. Records
Vinyl is back in fashion so quite a few people are likely to own a record player. Records also make cool decorations to put on a wall or shelf, either in or out of their covers.
Buy for: Music fans or movie buffs (there are plenty of soundtrack records out there).
5. Puzzles and games
You can often find old versions of classic games with cool vintage cases. Or a weird game you've never seen before that will provide hours of entertainment.
New board games and puzzles are shockingly expensive, and you can grab yourself a real bargain if you buy second-hand. Depending on the quality, I would expect to pay anywhere between $5-$35 for a game or puzzle. Just make sure what you're buying has all of its necessary bits and pieces.
Buy for: Wasjig puzzle nerds, beach house dwellers, or anyone with a kid who you quietly think spends far too much time on their iPad.
Conclusion:
Get to your local charity shop and enjoy the experience. Now and then you'll stumble across something special.
If the worst-case scenario happens and your gift is a flop, you can take comfort in the fact it most likely cost you less than $20.
And best of all...
You put some thought into the gift-giving and didn't just opt for a box of chocolates.
Happy shopping.
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