5 Thoughtful + Sustainable Gift Ideas for The Holiday Season

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your favorite people this holiday season? If you value sustainability, thoughtfulness, and quality when gift giving – but you also don’t want to break the bank – shopping on consignment should be your go-to gifting secret. Designer consignment stores like Current Boutique carefully curate a treasure trove of sustainable, unique designer gifts that will “wow” your loved ones this season.

Let’s explore some of the best sustainable winter gift ideas you can find on consignment.

Why shop on consignment for holiday gifts?

• Sustainability: Consignment is the process of reselling preloved, gently-used pieces, which extends a garment’s lifespan and diverts it away from landfills. This supports a closed-loop fashion industry, which reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact of fast fashion. Learn more with our resource: What is Sustainable Fashion?
• Quality: Some high-end consignment stores, like Current Boutique, specialize in luxury pieces from prestigious brands. If your gift recipient appreciates high-end designer goods, you can give them something special and high-end without breaking the bank.
• Affordability: Consignment stores sell preloved pieces at a fraction of their original ticket price. This makes consignment shopping an affordable alternative to buying new designer items. That means you can find budget-friendly gift options without compromising on quality.
• Uniqueness: Consignment stores offer one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find in big box stores. That means consignment-bought gift is truly unique and special – something your recipient won’t have seen in every store during their own holiday shopping.
• Thoughtfulness: Because consignment shopping is like a treasure hunt, you can search for specialty gifts that perfectly align with your recipient’s style and preferences. This makes the gift even more thoughtful and personalized.
• Supporting local business: Many consignment boutiques are small, local businesses, like Current Boutique. Your purchases directly help support the local economy, foster a sense of community, and help the business owner’s dreams come true.
• Low stress: Like all stores, consignment shops get crowded around the holiday season. However, the consignment store rush is often much less stressful and intense than those at big box stores and crowded malls. This calmer, more serene atmosphere means you can shop at your own pace with a stress-free experience.

Buying gifts on consignment elevates gift giving. Quality, unique, sustainable gifts show that you’ve put thought and time into your present. But where do you start? What are some go-to holiday gifts you can find at consignment stores that are sure to be a hit with your friends and family?

1. Stunning designer scarves

What better way to show your loved ones you care about their comfort than with a warm, stylish designer scarf? Scarves are as practical as they are luxurious, and they can really spruce up your friend’s wardrobe. There are so many different styles of scarves, so finding one that suits your friend’s personality is a thoughtful way to show you care.   

Many people won’t splurge on designer scarves for themselves, so this is a great opportunity to give them the gift of lavishness without overspending on your holiday budget. Consignment boutiques often stock a wide range of designer scarves, from timeless classics like Chanel neck scarves to trendy pieces like blanket scarves, so you can find something that suits your friend’s style. 

2. Gorgeous handbags and accessories

Every woman on your list would love receiving a luxury handbag for Christmas, and they’re sure to cherish it for years to come. You can buy a statement bag for your bold fashionista friend or something classic for your timeless-aesthetic sister.

Current Boutique sells hundreds of well-preserved handbags from renowned designers like Chanel, Kate Spade, and Chloe. With so many designers  available, you’re guaranteed to find something your recipient will love! Browse our just-in bags here to get started.

If you’re not sure which brand of handbag to gift, check out the most popular handbag brands here.

3. Beautiful accessories

If your friend has been happily carrying the same tote bag for years, you might instead want to buy them another luxury accessory they’ll get more use out of. Belts, sunglasses, and jewelry all make excellent, wow-worthy holiday gifts. Affordable accessories are also fantastic sustainable stocking stuffer ideas.

Earrings and necklaces are the safest gift choices because you don’t have to worry about sizing. Watches are another luxury option that sell out quickly during the holiday season. 

Learn about the pros and cons of consignment fine jewelry pieces here .

4. Cozy cashmere sweaters

Cashmere embodies warmth and luxury. However, quality cashmere can be expensive, and many cashmere brands are unsustainable. So, buying cashmere on consignment is a great way to give a high-end gift while staying sustainable and budget-friendly.

Many consignment boutiques offer a selection of top-tier cashmere sweaters from well-known brands like Ralph Laurenand Burberry. Check out the cashmere sweaters we currently have in stock here.

5. Gift card

Love the idea of giving a sustainable, preloved gift but don’t know what kinds of clothing or accessories to buy your friend? One of the easiest – but still super thoughtful – presents is a gift certificate to a local consignment boutique. This not only gives your friend the freedom to choose what they want, but it also offers the experience of treasure-hunting that’s one of the best parts of consignment shopping!

Stop by your local Current Boutique to pick up a gift certificate your bestie can use in-store or online. Don’t live locally but love the Current Boutique community? Call us, and we’ll help you find the perfect gift or send you a gift certificate!

Bonus: more sustainable gift ideas

Want more gift-giving inspiration? Check out this list of our top six favorite sustainable designer brands for more options – both preloved and new.  

Also check out this resource with eight more sustainable gift ideas, including unique gifts like experiences, donations, food, plants, subscriptions, and more.

Give sustainably this holiday season

Go green this holiday season by gifting a meaningful, sustainable present that your recipient will love. Whether it’s a designer scarf, handbag, or gift card, consignment shops are the perfect treasure troves of unique, eco-friendly options.  Start shopping for all the women on your list at Current Boutique!  

Photo Sources:

• Why shop consignment: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/591801207307907989/
• Scarf: https://jillianbremer.com/style/6-14-23/
• Handbag: https://www.theteacherdiva.com/2017/01/styling-winter-neutrals.html
• Accessories: https://www.whowhatwear.com/sunglass-hut-holiday
• Sweater: https://cellajane.com/2019/11/casual-holiday-party-outfits.html
• Gift card: https://www.nikkisplate.com/15-pretty-gift-wrapping-ideas/
• Current Boutique: https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/06/13/best-places-to-shop-in-arlington/