Budget-Friendly Holiday Cheer: Thoughtful Thrifted Gifts for Kids

Before diving into today’s blog, I want to acknowledge that the holiday season can be stressful and financially taxing for many families. There’s no shame in giving small, handmade, or thrifted gifts. In fact, my most treasured Christmas present as a child was a tiny stuffed duck my sister gave me when I was four years old. I carried it with me everywhere and still have it to this day.

On my latest trip to Once Upon A Child, I was thrilled to find everything I needed for our kids' Christmas gift baskets. It’s just something extra I’m doing this year to build excitement for the holidays. I’m following the 'something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read' theme, and I highly recommend it as a thoughtful alternative to big-ticket items.

For example, my son recently mentioned he wanted a dragon for Christmas. It was a surprising request since he’s never shown interest in dragons before. Rather than splurging on an expensive toy, I decided to test the waters with a thrifted one. To my delight, I found the most recognizable dragon of all for just $8.50 in an assorted toy bag.

I also found the perfect gift for my daughter—a puppy and helicopter set from one of her favorite TV shows. This was exactly what she circled in the toy catalog we received in the mail, and it was only $7.50, a fraction of the retail price.

For the 'something to read,' I scored these vintage books for $2.50 each. They were printed 20 years ago but are in amazing condition—perfect for bedtime stories this season.

As for shoes, my kids are always in need of new pairs. I found brand-new, glittery jelly shoes for my daughter, still with the tags on, for $1.50—practically a steal! They look like little glass slippers next to her new princess book. For my son, I found a pair of black sneakers that look almost brand new and were priced just right.

Whether it’s for a holiday gift basket, stocking stuffers, or even Santa’s big surprise, I highly recommend adding Once Upon A Child to your shopping list this year. Remember, your best is good enough—thoughtful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Warm hugs to all and Happy holidays!

Blog By: Jenny Nguyen | @jenny8carrots