Valentine’s Day is all about showing love, but that doesn’t have to mean overspending or last-minute stress. This year, shop with heart at Goodwill Central Texas. Thrifted gifts are thoughtful, affordable, and often one of a kind—just like the people you’re shopping for.
Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gifts you can thrift that are meaningful, memorable, and budget-friendly.
1. Cozy Sweaters and Jackets
Nothing says love like warmth. Thrift a soft sweater, cardigan, or jacket your Valentine will reach for again and again.
2. Jewelry with Personality
From statement necklaces to vintage watches, thrifted jewelry adds charm and character you won’t find in mass-produced pieces.
3. Date-Night Outfit Finds
Thrift a bold jacket, a fun dress, or a standout accessory for a Valentine’s Day look that’s stylish and sustainable. Have a knack for sewing? You can even transform thrifted textiles into new fashion pieces. Check out this video of Heather at Wear Trash turning a vintage skirt she found at Austin Goodwill into an adorable two-piece corset set.
4. Books for Every Love Story
Romance novels, poetry collections, cookbooks, or coffee-table favorites—books make thoughtful gifts that last long after the chocolates are gone.
5. Vinyl Records and CDs
For music lovers, a thrifted album is a heartfelt way to say “this made me think of you.”
6. Home Decor with Heart
Candles, picture frames, vases, or cozy throw blankets make great gifts for shared spaces—or new beginnings.
7. Mugs, Glassware and Kitchen Finds
From mugs for coffee lovers to glassware for mixology enthusiasts, kitchenware is a popular gift choice. Plus, you never know what kind of niche items you’ll find at a thrift shop. For example, this wacky homemade cutting board spotted recently at a Goodwill in Austin may not be your taste, but it might be someone’s!
8. Board Games and Puzzles
Plan a cozy night in with a thrifted game or puzzle that brings you together.
9. Self-Care Treats
Look for scarves, slippers, candles, or spa-style accessories to create a relaxing gift bundle.
10. Personalized Gift Baskets
Build a custom gift basket from an array of your thrifted finds: mug + book + scarf, or glassware + candle + vinyl, etc. Other ideas include framed artwork, sketchbooks, or craft-supplies for the creatively inclined Valentine–or pet-related gifts for recipients with a furry companion.
Love Looks Good on You (and Your Community)
Thrifting for Valentine’s Day is about so much more than saving money; it’s about shopping with purpose. When you shop at Goodwill Central Texas, every purchase helps fund job training, education, career services, and more right here in our community.
This Valentine’s Day, show love in more ways than one. Find your local Goodwill Central Texas store and start thrifting today.
