I’m Using the “Make, Bake, Thrift, Regift” Rule to Find the Best Gifts
It’s December, which means it’s peak holiday shopping season. If you’re like me, shopping for gifts can quickly go from giving you that feel-good glow to a not-so-nice feeling of overconsumption. In the past, I’ve experimented with all kinds of guardrails to make my gift giving more thoughtful. For example, one year, I attempted to buy all my holiday gifts within my own neighborhood, and in another I adhered to the four-gift rule.
But this year, I’m curious to try a method of giving called “Make, Bake, Thrift, Regift,” which I discovered through blogger and newsletter author Jess Kirby’s genius crowd-sourced gift guide. When I shared about the make, bake, thrift, regift ethos in my own newsletter, the idea clicked with readers in a big way.
If you’re eager to try it, this breakdown will give you ideas on how to put this sustainable gift-giving mentality into effect.
What Is the “Make, Bake, Thrift, Regift” Method?
“Make, Bake, Thrift, Regift” is essentially a commitment not to buy anything new, which people love because it’s sustainable and inspires creativity without limiting your gift possibilities too much. It gives you four options for finding gifts for people that simplifies the process while making it more sustainable.
Make
Much like homemade baked goods, a handmade “make” gift tells the recipient that you’ve spent time thinking about them while you were creating their gift. You might feel you’re not a maker, but even those who aren’t natural DIYers can “make” a gift like a photo album or binder with all your favorite family recipes typed and printed out. We’ve got nearly 50 ideas for homemade gifts, plus a few ideas for no-cost gifts that are easy to DIY, if you need some inspiration.
Bake
The “bake” category is the narrowest of the four gift groups, but it’s easy to imagine what to give: something delicious you’ve baked. A homemade baked good is almost always a welcome gift: Not only is it a treat to eat, it doesn’t take up any space in your home — and most baked goods come with an imperative to be enjoyed sooner rather than later. Our sister site The Kitchn has some easy ideas for this category. Even if your loved one doesn’t like sweets, you might whip up something savory like spiced nuts, homemade crackers, or a savory bread.
Thrift
To “thrift” doesn’t necessarily mean to buy a gift in a thrift store, but rather to buy something secondhand (and hopefully secure a good deal in the process). Buying a pre-loved gift is not only a sustainable practice, but it’s also one that can lead to more unique gifts. A pair of candlesticks from the department store is nice, but a one-of-a-kind vintage pair that you found at the flea market is more fun for both you and the recipient. If you’re unsure of your recipient’s openness to thrifted gifts, be sure to wrap your “thrift” gift especially elegantly (presentation is everything!) and share a story about the item in your card or when they open it in person.
Regift
Perhaps a controversial suggestion, to “regift” is to give someone something that was given to you. Regifting gets a bad rap when it is done thoughtlessly, say passing along a scented candle that has been gathering dust in a cabinet for years. However, regifting can really shine when you match the gift to the recipient. The next time you are decluttering and gathering items to donate, take a thoughtful look at your castoffs and ask yourself if there is someone you know who would love what you are giving away, then save it for the holidays. (Pssst … here are five things you can definitely regift, and five you should not.)
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
