And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14, KJV).
In our family we take what the heavenly host said seriously. We use the phrase “good will toward men” as a guide to our gift giving. Each person is given a gift purchased at a Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul or Salvation Army store. While the seraphim in that skybox over Bethlehem weren’t really thinking about thrift stores, the meaning of Jesus’ birth is all about redemption.
By becoming a human being, God bought back our worn-out world because He knew it was worth saving. And if you’ve ever purchased something at a secondhand store that you can’t believe somebody gave away, you know the thrill He had.
Why not discover the joy our family has found? This Christmas why not buy some gifts for your family and friends from the Mercer Island Thrift Store? Consider the benefits: you’ll spend a fraction of what you normally would, and the money you do spend will be used to fund our local Child and Family Services. Here are some gifts you might have fun hunting for in a place you aren’t accustomed to looking:
1. Picture frames. You’d be surprised how many unused (or slightly used) frames you can find complete with matting. A great gift to give along with a photo.
2. Books. They’re bound to impress. You’ll find $30 books in mint condition for a buck or less.
3. Board games. Sorry, computer games still don’t have a Monopoly on Life. These games you play on the kitchen table are making a comeback. (But make sure all the pieces are in the container.)
4. Vintage magazines. Find a Time or Life magazine from the week that corresponds to a family member or friend’s birthday. Your special someone will get a kick out of the way that yellowing periodical chronicles what the world was like when he or she was born.
5. Retro clothes. Flared jeans. Tie-dyed shirts. Funky hats. They are great for a ‘60s party at school, but also just for fun.
6. Coffee mugs. As long as they’re not chipped, you can give these with a tin of hot chocolate mix or chai tea.
7. Photo albums. Some may still be in their cellophane wrappers.
8. A framed poster. This is for a friend who doesn’t have a lot of hang-ups.
9. Christmas ornaments. Start someone you like on his or her very own personal collection.
10. Jewelry. From earrings to pendants to watches, you’ll be surprised what people have never worn (items given to them as gifts) that fit just fine.
Obviously, these suggestions are only intended to get you thinking. There are all kinds of items found in a thrift store that are worth wrapping up and giving to a special someone. Use your imagination as you browse. The popularity of television shows like Antiques Roadshow underscores the fact that valuable and sentimental possessions aren’t always found in cellophane wrappers.
And when the time comes to give that unique present, tie on a gift tag on which you have explained your approach to shopping this year. You could write, “As you will soon discover, this gift is from a place where most Christmas presents aren’t purchased. But given the fact that the Lord instructed us to care for those in need, I have a feeling it’s the kind of place where even Jesus would have shopped.”
Happy Goodwill hunting!
