As a singleton over the last few years, I haven’t given Valentine’s Day much thought. But lately, I’ve been finding myself getting a little gooey over the hearts and reds that have been permeating store displays in January. It’s my Venus in Libra calling to me, I think. I simply adore the cutesy, frilly symbols of love. And, at the end of the day, I love love. It warms my heart to think that there’s a whole holiday that celebrates human affection unabashedly.
Of course, it’s impossible to extract Valentine’s Day from the context of rampant, wasteful capitalism in which it exists. As a seasoned shopping writer, my whole schtick has revolved around encouraging people to do the research and consider quality before adding things to their cart. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day can operate on a more-is-more ethos — the more stuff you give, the better, no matter the quality. There’s also an odd notion that new is superior, even if that’s not necessarily true.
I’m here to nudge you towards finding thoughtful and long-lasting pieces for your Valentine rather than jumping into the pitfalls of grabbing junk by the checkout displays. And where else to find high-quality gifts at affordable prices than the thrift store? So put down that shedding polyester drug store teddy bear plush already starting to come apart at the seams. Here are the best Valentine’s Day gifts to thrift for your beloved.
Thrifted jewelry

You’d be surprised at what you can find behind the glass case at the thrift store. I almost always check at the display cabinets by the counter for designer costume jewelry — you can score vintage statement pieces for yourself or your Valentine. But if you’re looking for fine jewelry, there are also antique shops that specifically deal high-end secondhand jewelry, so check out your local offerings.
Choose pieces in good condition if you’re going to gift them. If there’s a tarnished piece you really love, you can polish it up with a jewelry cleaning solution or a baking soda paste.
I have to plug that I sell vintage costume jewelry on Etsy. For a limited time, you can use the code VALENTINE20 to get 20% off your jewelry or brooch purchase!
Thrifted trinkets, figurines, and ornaments

They’re not for everyone, but I love hand-crafted vintage figurines — think Hallmark Keepsakes, Boyds Bears, and Enesco bric-a-bracs. As a reseller, I always buy seasonal versions of these when I can find them at affordable prices since I know there’s always someone out there who collects them! They’re adorable and your giftee will think of you warmly (hopefully) whenever they see that tchotchke perched on their shelf.
Thrifted trinket jewelry boxes

Place your newly thrifted jewelry in an elegant trinket box! I am fond of German gold-trimmed trinket boxes with floral motifs, but there are certainly less hoity-toity iterations out there. You can find boxes made out of wicker, stoneware, and wood, so it’s possible to find the just-right style for your Valentine. Since porcelain boxes might be delicate, I would wrap jewelry in a piece of cloth or tissue paper before setting it in a box.
Thrifted tableware

Since I sell hard goods, you can almost always catch me looking at kitchenware and tableware at the thrift. Personally, I’m partial to fine china sets from tried-and-true brands like Lenox and Noritake. They’re elegant and perfect for special occasions (like Valentine’s Day).
But if your Valentine is someone extra practical, they might appreciate a beautifully made piece that they can use regularly. Think a studio pottery coffee mug that they can use to drink their tea or coffee — you can also fill a mug up with candy, treats, gift cards, and other small tokens of affection.
Thrifted home decor

Home decor is a broad category, so it helps to think about what your giftee is interested in. For example, a gardener would love a beautiful ceramic planter, while an art enthusiast would appreciate a framed print.
You can pair thrifted home decor with a more traditional romantic gift. If you’re buying or picking flowers for Valentine’s Day, thrift a glass or porcelain vase instead of buying a generic one new. You can find gorgeous pieces from companies like Fenton, Steuben, and Waterford without spending an arm and a leg.
Thrifted books

As a self-anointed bibliophile, I’d be remiss not to mention secondhand books. Have you seen how much books cost lately? Visit a library book sale or used bookstore to get deals on gently loved bestsellers. I also recommend browsing estate sales to find vintage and antique books if your significant other collects limited-edition classics. I found an 1896 copy of Little Women at the last estate sale I hit up!
Thrifted clothes

Frankly, gifting thrifted clothes can be a hit or miss, but if you know your person well, by all means find them pieces from the thrift! An eclectic recipient might love something like a kitschy vintage coat or dress. But if your lover leans towards tried-and-true neutrals, you can also track down more understated pieces made out of luxe materials like linen, cashmere, and wool. It goes without saying, but look for any holes, stains, or tears before purchasing and clean the item before gifting.
Bonus: Valentine’s Day decorations
Whether you’re throwing a Valentine’s Day party for your kids or workplace, I recommend hitting up the thrift store for new old stock of napkins, gift bags, cards, plates, party favors, and decorations. I almost always find these things gathering dust at secondhand shop, so there’s usually no need to grab them at a big-box or department store.
Browse your local thrift store to find one-of-a-kind gifts for Valentine’s Day — you really never know what you’ll find. Even with all of the suggestions above, you know your person best, so keep in mind their needs and interests when you’re sifting through previously loved treasures at the thrift store. Happy hunting, and may the thrift gods be with you.