Tag: secondhand

Better Ways to Spend Black Friday

Posted on by Jordank

#Thanksgiving is upon us! And even before many family #feasts have cooled on the countertop, the malls and the big-box stores will reopen with much fanfare — and promises of rock-bottom low prices — to mark the beginning of the #holiday #shopping season: Black Friday.

Overnight, we’ll see crowds gather in hopes of getting an unreal price on a big-screen TV, gaming system or computer. The doors will open, and crowds of crazed bargain-hunters will rush in, jostling their way to low prices. Is it worthwhile?

We at The Organizing Blog don’t have anything against #shopping. Our hunter-gatherer heritage lives on in the desire to equip ourselves with food to eat, clothes to wear and tools to use to survive comfortably. And we love getting a good #deal.

But the manufactured urgency of limited-time offers and loss leaders is designed to get people to buy before they get a chance to think a purchase through, CNET notes. For another thing, that low, low long-weekend price may not be the best you can do.

To save, consider buying used, certified refurbished or closeout goods. Search the online classifieds for antiques, collectibles and bigger-ticket items. Or find unique — yet inexpensive — gifts at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org.

There are better ways to spend the long weekend than elbowing through the crowds. Consider taking a hike, celebrating Buy Nothing Day and Native American Heritage Month, or visiting the public library, NPR suggests, instead of wasting time and money chasing supposed “deals.”

Take a day to make a few homemade gifts, visit a museum or #declutter a #closet and #donate the things you aren’t using, adds Money Talks News. Or prepare for the holidays by baking a batch of cookies, putting up lights or decorating a tree.

Trust us, the deals will keep coming throughout the holidays, in stores and online. And if you can’t get whatever you want at a price you can afford, maybe it isn’t worth having. Take your Black Friday back from the retailers — you won’t regret it. #BlackFriday

Set Your Thanksgiving Table at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

Hosting a #holiday feast but don’t have the proper table settings? Never fear — #thrift and #secondhand stores are overflowing with previously owned serving dishes, dinnerware and glassware that can lend your #Thanksgiving table a hint of seasonal elegance without a lot of money. Dishes and platters “don’t have to match exactly but should go together,” says Jane’s Distractions. “Here is where you can start to design the table with colors, textures or shapes.” For a great selection, visit a thrift store that’s supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org; the proceeds from #resale will go toward programs that help #veterans during the #holidays! #EasiestThanksgiving

Do Your Last-Minute Halloween Shopping at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

Time is running out if you’re still thinking about a #Halloween #costume for this weekend’s party or decorating for trick-or-treaters. Luckily, the #thrift store is there to help, says Thrift Smart. Easy last-minute ideas include “vintage ghost” with a lacy nightgown and gray makeup; “classic witch,” with a simple black dress and thrifted pointy hat; and “DIY superhero,” with colorful tights and a cape. You can also find #inexpensive DIY supplies such as picture frames, candles and Mason jars — as well as #donated Halloween decorations such as plastic skulls and party lights. Whatever you need, start your last-minute shopping at the thrift! #ThriftStoreHalloween #HalloweenCostumes

Bringing a Halloween Costume Together at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

The easiest #Halloween #costumes involve normal street clothes and borrowed props, says Greenify Me. But to really bring your concept home (and support sustainability while doing it), you may need to #thrift a few items. To be a witch or wizard, all you need is a thrifted cape, wand and broom. Vampires tend to wear lots of black and red — easy to find at the thrift. Anything form-fitting and metallic suggests alien, while you can rip up a thrifted pair of pants and add facial hair to be a werewolf. Or just dress like a character from TV or the movies — Beetlejuice, Eleven and Clark Kent spring immediately to mind. Some thrifted #clothing that contributes to your costume may be wearable long after the season is over. #ThriftStoreHalloween #HalloweenCostumes

Thrift Stores Offer Halloween Inspiration, Supplies

Posted on by Jordank

Knowing that it sources many #Halloween #costumes throughout the country, Goodwill offers a costume generator to help with inspiration for the season. If you have a party coming up or wish to greet neighborhood trick-or-treaters at the door in #holiday guise, consider such inexpensive and creative ideas such as’90s grunge rocker, beatnik or garden gnome. Looking for something more classic? #Thrift stores can quickly set you up with the #clothing and accessories you need to transform into a ghost, vampire, witch or Frankenstein’s monster. Many #thrift and #secondhand stores are supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, so purchasing costume materials supports #veterans nationwide. #ThriftStoreHalloween #HalloweenCostumes