Easy Thrifted, DIY Gift Kits You'll Love to Give (and Receive)

Spread the cheer with thrifted but delightful DIY gift sets.

They say when giving gifts, “it’s the thought that counts”. With thrift gifting, it does involve a lot of thought, decision-making, and going through racks and racks of items at thrift stores just to find the perfect gift for everyone.

But what if we told you there are ways to simplify your treasure hunting at thrift shops and still come up with gifts that make the receiver smile? With this, we don’t mean random quirky items that though your receiver will appreciate, but will likely forget about.

A DIY thrift gift kit/set/basket is a fun way to personalize gift-giving even more. One can choose items that aren't typically part of a gift set, yet somehow related to the item or its use. Instead of racking your brain on what to include in your thrifted gift sets, we’ve compiled foolproof ideas for your gifts.

Why thrift-gift a set instead of one item

Thrift-gifting takes personalizing gifts to a whole new level. By gifting a DIY gift set, it shows how much you think about the receiver’s likes and dislikes, and how it means a lot to you to give them something they might appreciate.

Here’s why giving a thrifted gift kit/set/basket makes for a better experience:

• More gifts=more fun. Although some say less is more, it’s more exciting to receive several small gifts than one big gift. A set allows for an experience. For example, a thrifted gift basket with a mug, a manual coffee grinder, coffee filters and some coffee beans allow the receiver to actually make his own coffee-unlike receiving a thrifted mug alone. A lovely tea set with loose-leaf tea invites them to brew a cup and relax with your gift.
• Makes gift-giving more memorable. A post by Gift A Feeling on Facebook mentions that people remember moments rather than gifts, and unboxing a well-curated thrifted gift kit/set becomes a moment of enjoyment that extends whenever the receiver uses the connected items in the kit.
• Gives value for money. It allows you to choose as many items you’d like to include in your DIY gift set, be it affordable or priced a little higher. Thrift shops often give discounts for bundles or similarly-priced items.
• Versatile. Plus, creating your DIY gift set allows you to choose items that aren't ordinarily sold as a set or a kit, making your gift one of a kind.

The downsides of DIY-ing a thrifted gift set

We have to admit-doing a DIY gift set, much more thrifting it, may not be for anyone. You may choose another shopping route if you:

• Are not sure if the receiver appreciates thrifted items
• Don’t have the time and patience to shop in thrift stores
• Are sensitive to allergens. All the wheezing might not be worth it
• Don’t know much about the receiver's likes and dislikes

It does not have to be all thrifted stuff

Yes, you can combine brand-new items with thrifted ones to create an amazing thrifted gift set. One example is gifting new tea candles for a vintage-inspired candleholder, or a thrifted paint set with a new canvas.

Thrift shops are a treasure trove of sorts, and although it's possible you may find items packaged as gift sets (like bath towels or bedsheets), pairing one item with another lets you be more creative. It’s like leasing a new life to a thrifted item, allowing it to be used once more.

Our Thrifted DIY Gift Set/Kit Ideas

Salt and pepper shakers with artisan salt/gourmet pepper

This pairing won’t probably get stowed in the drawer-there’s no excuse not to use it! As it comes with salt and pepper, it’s going to be a hit for your friends who like to season their food on the table.

Mugs with coasters and coffee/tea

How can you resist a lovely cup of coffee or tea when you have everything in this set? This pairing lets receivers unbox the gift and enjoy a warm mug or cup immediately.

Vintage (or vintage-inspired) spice jars with spices

A great gift for a friend or a family member who likes their spices on display. Not only they’ll see all their spices when they need them, it will also add a touch of whimsy in their kitchen.

Pasta bowls with ingredients

Your aim here is to get your recipient to whip up a pasta recipe courtesy of the ingredients in the set, serve them in the bowls, and be reminded of your thoughtfulness while enjoying good food. Yum!

A vase with fresh flowers

What’s the next thing to do after receiving fresh flowers? Put them in a vase, of course. Save  them the hassle and give both flowers and vase instead for a gift set that’s truly memorable.

A sweater and a scarf

Chilly weather has no edge over this tried-and-tested combo. Get something in the style of your receiver and add a handwritten message. Talk about giving something heart-warming.

Art supplies and a canvas

Barely-used art supplies like paints, palettes, a brush set with a brand-new canvas allows for creativity to flourish. Add a foldable easel and your artist friend or family will thank you even more.

Leather journals and brush calligraphy pens

A set of slightly used calligraphy pens breathe life into a new leather-bound journal, perfect for jotting down schedules or day-to day musings. Add custom stickers and washi tapes for flair.

Garden tools and seed packs

Trust us when we say this will immediately cause your friend to head to the garden and plant the seeds. It has everything they need (or maybe some water and fertilizer, too).

Vintage hair jewelry and hair products

With this set, the products need to be new (we don’t advise thrifting personal products). Make sure products suit the receiver’s hair type.

A “Sun Protection Kit”

For a friend frequenting the outdoors, a pretty hat, sunglasses, a scarf and some sunscreen and heat protecting spray will help them enjoy the sun safely.

Luggage, Packing Cubes and Bag Tags

Give someone who loves to travel a well-loved, thrifted luggage, complete with packing cubes and personalized luggage and bag tags. They’ll appreciate your gift even if you’re not travelling with them.

Vintage canisters with homemade cake mix

A thoughtful way to share a recipe (and eco-friendly, too). Design and print canister labels in Canva to make it personal.

Tips for Making a Thrifted DIY Gift Set or Kit

• Do your research: Always research about your receiver’s likes and dislikes to truly personalize the gift-giving experience. Don’t give gifts based on what you like-the receiver should be the one priority here.
• Have a budget plan ready: Much like regular shopping, sticking to a budget helps manage expenses better. It helps you from wandering and overspending, especially in the thrift store. 
• Shop midweek, never the weekend: New donations come in early in the week (around Monday-Tuesday) and weekends are slim pickings. Choose your thrift shopping day wisely.
• Use thrifted packaging. We recommend wicker baskets and bins. These are easily found in thrift shops, but easily gets an upgrade with wrapping paper and ribbons.
• Clean items before arranging your DIY gift set: We don’t do dirty gifting, and you shouldn’t, either. Wipe away traces of dirt for your ceramic bowls and mugs, or have a coat dry-cleaned before wrapping.

The Bottomline

Thrifted DIY Gift sets and kits puts a whole new spin on the concept of gift-giving. They are impactful not only for the receiver, but also with the environment-who knows how many landfills are filled with still usable stuff! 
These one-of-a kind gift sets truly shows care for the people receiving the gifts.
With these sets, thrift-gifting becomes an activity supporting sustainability and strengthening personal connections.