Heading home after dropping the kids off at school and nursery, there was an unusual traffic jam around the Red Cross charity shop parking.
Curiosity got the better of me and I just “had to” go and check what the fuss was all about.
Turns out it was their Christmas sale. The shop was packed both with people and with pre-loved Christmas decorations from glögg (mulled wine) mugs to 70s style ornaments and Christmas stars for windows to Christmas tree stands.
It was lovely to see all these donated items finding a new home! Buying anything felt good because I was helping a good cause and saving items from landfill.
You can also get more unique decorations for your home, and really tweak your style. For decorating our tiny apartment I much rather buy at a charity shop and donate back any excess to keep our clutter at bay.
I came away with quite a bit:
…and spent only half of what Dadonthebrink guessed when I showed him my haul in the evening. I’m pretty pleased!
My fantastic haul made me think-
Why shop in a Charity Shop for your Christmas present?
Would I do it if money was no object? I feel like saying yes, because it feels like good karma, but I jotted down a little list of what it means to shop in a charity shop. It is definitely a more complex issue than just saving money.
Christmas shopping in a Charity shop is…
… is fun and frustrating at the same time. You definitely have to be in a mood for it.
… a treasure hunt, looking for the unique items donated, that someone obviously felt attached enough to not to want to throw away;
… a bargain hunt, finding some amazing prices, most of the time. (Then laughing at the prices where they obviously got it totally wrong and are charging near enough the new price for a day-to-day item.)
… being a good eco citizen, giving items a new home, a new life and saving them from landfill. Just think of all the energy and resources you are saving, by buying pre-loved!
… giving and supporting the cause with your purchases. The amazing not-for-profit organisations that run these stores provide amazing support at home and around the world to people in need, stepping in where governments fall down.
Have I missed something?
Do you buy at a charity shop? More importantly, would you buy Christmas presents at a charity shop?
I have on a few occasions: Couple of years ago I found the most peculiar clothes horse and trouser press for Dadonthebrink.
Finally,
Hygge Challenge – Find your light
As the shortest days are upon us candles and fairy lights, mood lighting around the house brings so much warmth and comfort. Look at the ways you can create some cosy lighting.
…but in bleakness, light isn’t always physical:
Can you give someone light in their despair through a helping hand, a charitable donation or just shopping at your local charity store?
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