MINNEAPOLIS — The holidays are a hard time to stay within a budget. With the rising cost of living, it can be extremely difficult, even impossible, to get gifts for your loved ones.
Enter: thrifting. It is not only a much cheaper way to shop, it is also more sustainable, cutting down on packaging and consumption.
Here's how I thrifted — or got for free — this year's gifts.
If you haven't heard of the Buy Nothing Project yet, it is worth checking out. Many metro communities have a Buy Nothing Facebook group you can join, and the project recently launched an app.
The concept is straightforward — you can post something you'd like to give or get. Everything in the group is free of cost, besides the time and transportation it takes to pick up the item.
The selection definitely depends on how active your group is, but mine is a gold mine. I got a Barbie helicopter, a toy fire truck and a baby swing — all for free.
To find your local Buy Nothing group, type in your city or neighborhood + "Buy Nothing" into the Facebook search bar.
2. Facebook Marketplace.
You're probably familiar with the deals you can find in Facebook Marketplace, but try searching the word "free." Some people post items they would like to give away on Marketplace. I found two kids' scooters and a Paw Patrol tower.
3. Discount/thrift stores.
This is probably a no-brainer, but check to see if thrift or resale stores are holding Black Friday sales. Goodwill is offering 50% off one item up to $50 on Black Friday. Once Upon a Child in St. Louis Park is offering discounts throughout the day, as are many Once Upon a Child stores in the metro.
Happy thrifting!
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