The Gift Bin: A More Thoughtful Way to Gift

I’ve shared before that I keep a bin filled with gifts, ready to give. Most of the time, I’m curating and shopping with specific people in mind, but I also love having a few gifts on hand for those unexpected moments when someone deserves a little something.

My rule is that about 90% of what goes in my gift bin comes from thrifting or small businesses. I honestly can’t remember the last time I ran into a big-box store for a last-minute gift.

If you want gifting to feel easier, more thoughtful, and more fun, I highly recommend creating your own gift bin. Give With Joy can help you get started, but the idea is really simple:

1. Make a list.

Write down the people who have birthdays coming up in the next few months, along with occasions you know you’ll need gifts for—back-to-school teacher gifts, hostess gifts, holidays, or celebrations.

2. Create a home for your gifts.

Find a spot where you can easily store gifts, gift wrap, bags, and cards all together. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Mine is simply a bin that I can grab when I need it.

3. Start curating.

Begin at a thrift store or your favorite small businesses. Look for things that are pretty, practical, and a little unexpected. I’ve found that when something checks those three boxes, it’s hard to go wrong—even when you don’t have one specific person in mind.

Over time, your gift bin becomes a little collection of thoughtful things, ready whenever you need them. And suddenly, gifting doesn’t feel like one more thing to scramble to figure out.

A Few of My Favorite Things to Thrift for Gifting

Activity books + crafts for kids
You can find so many brand-new or barely used activity books and craft supplies still in the package. These are especially great to tuck away for birthdays, sick days, or a little surprise just because.

Frames
I love finding unique, vintage, or interesting frames. Add a photo, a little print, or even pair one with another small gift and you have something that feels personal.

Fun + unique household items
Candlesticks, little dishes, vases, trays, and other beautiful household finds are some of my favorites. They’re useful, but often much more interesting than something you’d find at a big-box store.

Brand-new games
Seriously, there are so many unopened games donated to thrift stores. I always look through the game section because you never know what you’ll find.

Zipper pouches + bags
These are practical, easy to gift, and even better when you fill them with a few little goodies.

Baskets + containers
Perfect for creating a themed gift—and the container becomes part of the gift itself. A basket filled with a few thoughtful things can feel much more special than a pre-made gift set.

Books
Beautiful coffee-table books, children’s books, cookbooks, or a book that immediately makes you think of someone. Books are one of my favorite ways to gift something personal without spending a lot.

Jewelry dishes + little catchalls
Small, pretty, and easy to pair with another gift. I especially love these for birthdays, bridal showers, or just-because gifts.

Mugs + glasses
Look for unique shapes, vintage details, or a design that feels like someone you know. Pair one with tea, coffee, candy, or a little treat and you’ve got an easy gift.

Serving pieces
Small bowls, cheese boards, pitchers, trays, and other serving pieces make thoughtful hostess, housewarming, or holiday gifts.

Vintage linens
Tea towels, cloth napkins, pretty hand towels, or even a vintage tablecloth can make a lovely gift on their own or become part of a larger collection.

Art + prints
I love finding something that feels like it was made for a particular person. You don’t have to know exactly where it will go—sometimes you just know who would love it.

The key is to look for things that are pretty, practical, and a little unexpected. Those are the things that make the best gifts.

And the best part? When the next birthday, teacher gift, hostess invitation, or unexpected celebration pops up, you’re not starting from scratch. You already have something thoughtful waiting to give.