What is Thriftmas?

What is Thriftmas? Thriftmas is the practice of planning for the holidays by buying all things - or most - entirely at thrift stores and secondhand shops. It's a growing trend that's transforming how people approach holiday gift-giving, with hashtags like #Thriftmas and #SustainableChristmas racking up millions of views on TikTok and Google searches for "thrifted holiday gifts" up 30% this year. Our AstoriaHarvest version of Thriftmas includes free, no-cost, and no-barrier items for community members in need, so that everyone can experience the magic of holidays and community support without financial barriers.

Why Thriftmas Matters: The holidays generate an extra 1 million tons of trash every week between Thanksgiving and New Year's in the U.S. Americans use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper annually (most non-recyclable), and food waste spikes 33% during the holidays. Thriftmas is about finding thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents while keeping environmental impact low and creativity high—giving gifts that actually mean something without drowning the planet in waste.

How do we participate? Fill out the form on our website at AstoriaHarvest.Org to get involved! You can volunteer, donate items, or simply attend the event on December 20-21 at the Brugh Building (11am-4pm) to select gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

What does "giftable" mean? Giftable items are things you'd be delighted to give or receive as gifts - items in good condition that bring joy, are useful, or have special charm. These are thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents that often have stories behind them.

What kinds of items are you looking for?

IDEAL THRIFTMAS ITEMS:

  • Garments and accessories in excellent condition

  • Home décor (vintage finds, mid-century pieces, decorative items)

  • Books (classics, coffee table books, children's books)

  • Toys and games in good condition

  • Holiday decorations

  • Jewelry and accessories

  • Small furniture pieces

  • Art and craft supplies

  • New-in-the-box or unopened items

  • Retro games, records, and nostalgic finds

  • Gift wrap, bags, and ribbon (reusable preferred!)

  • Fat quarters for quilting/fabric squares, silk scarves, linen tea towels (perfect for furoshiki wrapping!)

ITEMS TO LEAVE OUT:

  • Electronics (unless new-in-box or confirmed working)

  • Beauty/personal care items (unless new and unopened)

  • Certain kitchenware (we're selective about condition and safety)

  • Items that are damaged, stained, or missing pieces

The Golden Rule: Would you be excited to receive this as a gift? If yes, it's probably perfect for Thriftmas!

Who collects the items? Stephanie is coordinating item collection! Items will be presorted and vetted for quality before the event.

How do I get involved? Fill out the volunteer/donation form on our website at AstoriaHarvest.Org. Whether you want to donate items, volunteer time, or help spread the word, there's a place for you!

What does Buy Nothing have to do with Thriftmas? Buy Nothing groups and Thriftmas share the same core philosophy: building community through sharing resources, reducing waste, and ensuring everyone has access to what they need. Buy Nothing operates year-round in neighborhoods, while Thriftmas is our seasonal community celebration of that same gift economy spirit!

Is this political? No, this is mutual aid. Mutual aid is community members supporting each other directly, neighbor to neighbor, without judgment or barriers. It's about care, dignity, and making sure everyone in our community can celebrate the holidays. It's not affiliated with any political party or agenda - it's simply people helping people.

What is gleaning? Gleaning is the practice of collecting excess food from farms, gardens, and other sources that would otherwise go to waste. At AstoriaHarvest, we coordinate heritage harvest gleaning throughout the year, rescuing produce and goods that might not make it to market but are perfectly good for eating and sharing. It's an ancient practice of ensuring nothing goes to waste and everyone has enough.

Do you have homemade gifts available? Y es! We welcome and celebrate homemade gifts - they often carry the most meaning and care. Upcycled creations like repurposed vinyl records, cassette tape purses, thrifted frames turned into personalized art, and handcrafted items are all part of the Thriftmas spirit.

Do you accept homemade gifts as donations? Absolutely! Homemade items like baked goods, preserves, crafts, knitted items, woodwork, and upcycled art are wonderful additions to Thriftmas. Please make sure food items are clearly labeled with ingredients and date made.

What about sustainable wrapping? We love creative, sustainable wrapping! Consider:

  • Fabric wraps in the spirit of Japanese furoshiki: Fat quarters for quilting/fabric squares, silk scarves, and linen tea towels all make beautiful, functional gift wrap that becomes part of the gift itself

  • Reusable gift bags

  • Newspaper with twine for an artsy look

  • Baskets or containers that become part of the gift

  • Vintage fabric remnants or handkerchiefs

Furoshiki (Japanese fabric wrapping) is perfect for Thriftmas - the wrapping cloth is reusable, elegant, and teaches the art of mindful gifting. Plus, who doesn't love receiving a beautiful silk scarf or linen tea towel along with their gift?

What if I have things to donate that you don't want for Thriftmas? We appreciate your generosity! If items aren't suitable for Thriftmas (such as clothing, coats, or essential winter gear), we'll be accepting those items for our December 21st event at the Astoria Armory. You can also donate to local thrift stores, or post them in Buy Nothing groups. We're happy to help you find the right home for your donations - just reach out!

Questions? Contact us through AstoriaHarvest.Org or reach out directly to emily@tinebristlecoastal.com.

We're here to help make this the most meaningful, sustainable, and joyful holiday season yet!