The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to spread joy. Say goodbye to the frenzy of mall shopping and embrace the charm of sustainable alternatives. From treasure-hunting at flea markets to uncovering gems at yard sales, there are endless ways to find unique gifts that reduce needless consumption and are just as good as their mint counterparts.

Remember, gifts are never about the price tag – they’re about the thought and care with which they’re selected. So, let’s dive into the world of secondhand treasures and gift exchanges to help you find that perfect gift that will leave both your loved ones and the planet smiling!

1. Thrift Store Treasures

Thrift stores offer a curated selection of intriguing and often vintage items – from clothing to home décor. Even if you don’t necessarily know what to get that tricky loved-one, an amble around a thrift store’s wide selection of eclectic items might just give you the inspiration you need. 

The best part about these thrifty – aside from the low price-tags – are that they contribute to a more sustainable future. Items sold in thrift-stores are pre-owned and reduce the amount of resources going to new consumer goods as well as keeping discarded goods out of landfills.

2. Flea Market Finds

Flea markets are treasure troves of history, offering an array of unique items waiting to find new homes for the holidays. From vintage jewelry to rustic furniture, you’ll discover gifts with character and a story to tell. Plus, supporting local vendors fosters a sense of community spirit during the holiday season. To help you on your unconventional holiday gift-giving journey, here’s a few local flea markets for you to check out:

  • Rose Bowl Flea Market: Held in the Rose Bowl  on the second Sunday of each month, this mega flea market is one of the biggest in the country and a great place to find some real antiques.
  • Silverlake Flea Market: Held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this market hosts a wide variety of independent vendors selling handcrafted furnishings, art, and more!
  • Melrose Trading Post: This flea market is open every Sunday from 10 to 5, boasting an diverse array of handcrafted works, vintage items, artisan food, and even live performances.

3. Yard Sale Surprises

One person’s unwanted item is another’s cherished gift. Yard sales can be full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. You never know what you might stumble upon, from gently-used books to timeless antiques. It’s an eco-friendly way to find meaningful presents while reducing waste. When there’s an open yard-sale in your area, don’t forget to take the opportunity to check it out as soon as you can before all the best  gifts are claimed!

4. Embrace the Exchange

One way to spice up the gift-giving tradition while sparing the environment is establishing a gift exchange! “Wait, isn’t every holiday season a gift exchange?” we hear you asking. Well, definitionally, the answer to that question is yes. However, the types of gift exchange we’re suggesting are a little more formalized in nature. They’re arrangements in advance which set the guidelines for gift-giving – things like budget or theme! 

Not only do white elephants or other pre-arranged gift exchanges take the pressure off finding the “””perfect gift”””, but they also encourage more thoughtful giving. This allows you to more comfortably source gifts from some of the sustainable options above without that nagging, nonsensical worry that a price-tag could match up to thoughtfulness. It’s a win-win for both your conscience and the environment.

5. Join the ‘Buy Nothing Project’

The ‘Buy Nothing Project’ is a brilliant way to embrace the gift of giving without adding new items to the world. It’s a nationwide initiative to reduce waste and reuse items with the power of charitable giving! This hyper-local gift economy where neighbors come together to offload and receive is a great way to source all sorts of everyday items – and maybe some interesting gifts too! By participating, you’re not only reducing waste but also strengthening the bonds within your community.

To find a Buy Nothing community near you, check out their website!
 

Let’s redefine gifting this year by choosing secondhand treasures for our festive exchanges. Together, we can celebrate with intention, helping once-loved items find new homes for the holidays giving the best gift of all to everyone around us: the promise of a brighter, waste-free future. 

We’d love to hear about the greatest unconventional or handed down gift you’ve ever received or given. Curl up by the firelight and share your stories with us via lastormwater@lacity.org. Your story might even get spotlighted on our social media!