Gift-giving is an expensive business, but there are many wonderful ways to create beautiful gifts with just a few dollars. ‘White elephant’ gifts are perfect to suit just about anyone, and to a large extent, what you do with the purchased item can determine its appeal.

First, you’ll want to visit any traditional white elephant venues, such as garage sales, antique and thrift stores, and bric-a-brac shops. This is a perfect time of the year to buy second-hand items. Many people are getting rid of their unwanted items to earn some extra cash for Christmas or make way for the incoming goodies that the festive season will bring.

Keep a few rules of thumb in mind: Look for clean, undamaged items, preferably with packaging available. Check documentation where applicable, such as instruction manuals or certificate of authenticity. Getting some of the seller’s history can bring a point of interest when written and delivered with the item.

Here are some key bits and pieces to look for:

anything collectible

Many people collect things and surely you know someone who does. Figurines, plates, table linens, tableware and much more can offer an instant gift to add to a collection. For example, a photo album with a horse on the cover would make an ideal gift for the equine lover. Look no further than older items, which one might casually look at under normal circumstances. Old keys, old garden equipment, unusual old cans and vinyl records – you remember them, right? – They are quite collectible.

decorative objects

Clean old bottles of various colors and sizes to complement a friend’s color scheme in their kitchen make a wonderful display. Buy a tube or two of glass paint in basic colors and draw a design on a bottle of the right size and shape to use as a vase. The personal practical touch is an inexpensive gift, but charming and useful.

Old pots (enamel works well) make interesting gifts. I particularly like to fill old glazed pots with potting mix and add plants in textures and colors to complement the pot.

alterable materials

Lace curtains are perfect as doilies, tablecloths or food covers when cut to size and hemmed. Old curtains make great cushion covers or sew into simple durable carry bags for days at the beach.

Shaped things and interesting shape.

Many objects can be ugly when placed on a mantelpiece or table, but they take on new life when placed in the garden among the softness of the bushes. Large vases and urns are great, but there are many other options. All it requires is an eye for shape and how it would look in a recipient’s garden, plus an assessment of its weather-resistant qualities. In some cases weathering is desirable to add additional interest, for example a rusty planter can be much more attractive in texture and color than a shiny one.

Items to build in a set

Small consumable items are often available at garage sales, but often in insufficient quantities to do anything with, and certainly not enough to give as gifts. However, if you search for these items in multiple sales, you will soon be able to accumulate a handy-size quantity. Wrap it in an interesting present and there is your present. For this, it does not matter if the elements are partially used. Here are some ideas:

Sewer heaven: cotton, pins, needles, measuring tapes, ribbons, bindings, scraps of fabric, and tidy patterns (preferably unused for these).

Knitting kit: knitting needles, especially special needles, any combination of balls of yarn, elastics, yarn needles, patterns, knitting books, and travel bag.

Crafter’s Dream: Any miscellaneous yarn, ribbon, sequins, fabric, cardstock, plain and colored paper, craft books, glitter, stencils, rubber stamps, and more.

Bath Bliss: beautiful unopened and unused soaps, bubble bath, shampoo, bath salts, body brush, a pretty bottle to fill with cotton balls, manicure set, towels, facial wipes, perfume, mask treatments facials. Look for sample size versions as well as their full size counterparts.

Handyman’s Tool Chest: This is a good idea for a young man who requires basic equipment, or an enthusiast of vintage tools. Look for any type of wrenches, screwdrivers, nails, screws, hammer, tape measure, wrench, pliers, and wire cutters. Be careful: a strong bag or box is required for packaging, as the combined weight will be quite heavy.

You may never look at a white elephant sale quite the same way again. Items have great potential when considered creatively, and it’s much better for the environment if these items don’t end up in a landfill, but instead find a useful life in the hands of others.