(We’re doing 50 Days & 50 Ways to have a merry recycled holiday. More about this….)

Now’s the ideal time to scout out the consignment, resale and thrift shops in your area. Not only is the traffic still bearable, and the resale treasures still in good supply (grab those cashmere gloves when you see them or they’ll be gone!) but you can plan ahead for holiday gift-shopping and develop your own “Holiday Treasures Map” for use in the coming weeks.

And keep the junior present-shoppers of your household in mind as you plot out your gift-buying trips. As one young mother wrote:

My children love to shop at this store for gifts for each other and can find more with less money. They really take their time and search out the perfect gifts! –as quoted on Momformation

While you’re scouting, keep in mind that in addition to gifts, your home will probably need:

• Candy dishes and unusual serving pieces, tins, baskets and the like (great when paired with your best culinary efforts to be given as gifts!)
• Candle sticks of all sorts: A collection can look great on your mantel, or even in your hearth as a blazing-fire substitute. Try gathering up faceted glass sticks or brass for that holiday gleam.
• New-with-tags gifts. You’ll be surprised at what gets recycled in these shops, without ever having been used, from family games still in their shrink-wrap boxes to the latest best-sellers to guest towels and gag gifts. (They’re a lot funnier for $4.99 than $39.95!)

Remember to act now when you find the perfect gift. After all, the motto of these one-of-a-kind retail stores is:

Buy It Today, It May Not Be Here Tomorrow!