Readers, with Thanksgiving just weeks away holiday shopping is already beginning as the stores stock the shelves full of gifts for loved ones. And while this time of year can be stressful trying to find the right item for a loved one spending oodles of money…..holiday shopping can be fun, especially when doing some of it at Goodwill!

In previous years, I’ve actually picked up some of the most perfect gifts from friends at DC Goodwill stores without breaking the bank. If you haven’t considered Goodwill as a place to buy holiday gifts, here are 3 reasons why:

1) There Are New Items with Tags!

Some might think Goodwill only sells secondhand preloved items, but that’s not true! I’ve found plenty of NWT items at Goodwill stores which I’ve given as a gift, without the receiver knowing where it came from. Goodwill is especially great for purchasing NWT items like candles, clothing, and accessories.

As you might recall, in the past, I’ve found brand new toiletry kits, candles, and name brand clothing!

2) One-of-A-Kind Finds, Enough Said.

For those who want to make a statement with a gift, giving friends and family gifts that are unique and have meaning Goodwill is an excellent option to start looking! You can find everything from retro vintage housewares to throwback  Go go records by some of DC’s finest artists.

I know a lot of my friends really appreciate gifts that I’ve searched for and put a lot of effort into finding. So when I know I’ve found the perfect present on a Goodwill shelf, I know I’ve struck gold! Some gifts that I’ve been known for giving is retro jewelry and vintage clothing!

Not to mention, one-of-a-kind finds don’t just apply to gifts – you can find an original holiday dress at Goodwill that no one at your office party will be sporting!

3) Money Savings While Helping A Good Cause!

Obviously, shopping at Goodwill is more affordable than buying new from a department store. Instead go ahead and save a little cash for those big-ticket gift items and buy smaller, more original ones at Goodwill.

All of those $1’s sure do add up! It’s important to save every penny you can during the holiday season.

The best part of all these reasons is that when you shop at Goodwill during the holidays, your dollars are going to a great cause – providing free job training, employment services, and education to those in the greater DC community!