How to Shop For Gifts at Goodwill Stores

Whether you're shopping on a tight budget, love scouring thrift stores for great finds, or are just looking for gifts that give back, buying your gifts from Goodwill Stores is an excellent choice. You'll need a good eye for steals 'n deals and a little creativity. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your gift list with names, ages and sizes
• Enough time not to be rushed

1. 

   We're a wasteful people, but fortunately Goodwill Industries has turned our discarded items into jobs for those who truly need them. According to their website, Goodwill places someone in a good job every 56 seconds of every business day. There are over 2,100 Goodwill retail stores nationwide, not to mention their online auction. Finding a store near you should prove to be a breeze. If you cannot locate one in your phone directory, visit the Goodwill website and use their store locator tool. Once you've located a store, prepare your shopping list and clear your calendar for the morning or afternoon.

2. 

   If you love making gift baskets, you're in the right place. The Goodwill stores typically have a variety of beautiful baskets in all shapes, sizes and styles. Some baskets lend themselves beautifully to fruit and food items while others are perfect for toiletries, games, or pets. After selecting your baskets and deciding on their purpose, head off to see what treasures you can find as content.

3. 

   If you have readers in your family, the Goodwill store normally has a huge selection of hardbound and paperback books. Many of these books are in like new condition. For very young children, check out their stuffed animals. It is not unusual to find beautiful stuffed animals with the original retail tags still on them. The same is true of dolls, children's books, and many other toys. Children love toys and could care less if you got them at a high-end toy store or the Goodwill.

4. 

   Check out the video games, game systems and game accessories. These may be kept at the front of the store behind a glass encasement. There, you can often find designer purses and beautiful antique items. Don't forget to look for new holiday decorations for your home while you are there. Candles, greenery, lights, ornaments, wreaths, and more can be found during the holiday season.

5. Saving money, spending a fun day looking for meaningful gifts, and knowing that you've just donated to the good of others is a fantastic win-win situation! Goodwill Industries states that 83% of their profits go directly into their programs. Their stores are extremely well organized and their sales associates are very friendly and helpful. It would be impossible to go wrong with these gifts that truly do give back.

Tips & Warnings

• Most Goodwill stores have color coded reductions on certain items. There are some real bargains to be found if you take your time.
• Have sizes and specific interests already written down for those on your shopping list. It will save you time and help you work through the many items they offer.
• Buyers beware: Bargain Hunting can become addicting--in a good way, of course.

Resources

• Goodwill Industires International, Inc.

[TheStorm]

on 1/18/2008 I think I am a Goodwill junkie! I found my husband at the Goodwill ;)

[kjv4thee]

on 12/14/2007 Good article Carol, I find a lot of great items at Goodwill. It's one of the few places left where you can still get good value for your dollar.