There’s a remedy for folks who find shopping for Christmas gifts stressful, especially at this late date. Even if you like hunting for holiday presents, it’s not enjoyable if you’ve waited until the last minute, when selections have run low and nothing you find seems very exciting. In addition, funds may be limited, or what’s out there is poorly made and of a quality, that you know just won’t last. Those are the kinds of gifts you’re better off not giving at all.
If you have a good eye for the desirable, recognize an antique or collectible or simply understand value, making gift purchases in thrift stores and consignment shops might just be the kind of holiday retail therapy that makes choosing gifts for family and friends actually fun. Furthermore, I promise, should you locate a hard-to-find item for someone who has been searching for it for decades, they will love you for the rest of your life. Thrift store prices are beyond good, with most non-profit stores selling tax-free goods that are also tax deductible. Consignment shops are generally a little pricier, understandable since shop owners are only getting a percentage of what they sell, with the rest going to the consignor. Still, consignment stores are immensely affordable, no matter your budget.
In addition, if you wish to purchase something tasty and delectable, you can never go wrong with a gift from a specialty purveyor of fine foods or spirits whose reputation is solidly built on years of service to an ever-growing legion of loyal customers. Premium Royal Riviera Pears and authentic Amaretto Liqueur are recent gifts used in some of today’s recipes. Also, put to venerable use is a gently used No. 113 (4-quart) made-in-Germany Romertopf clay baker and a vintage John Wright Co. cast iron alphabet cookie mold – thrift store/consignment shops finds, both.
If there’s a downside at all to buying gifts from organizations and businesses such as these, it is giving up your finds, so when shopping for others, be reminded: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Sue Ade is a syndicated food writer with broad experience and interest in the culinary arts. She has worked and resided in the Lowcountry of South Carolina since 1985 and may be reached at kitchenade@yahoo.com.
