This festive season, Waikato District Council and Collectors Anonymous invite the community to embrace the magic of secondhand gifting with Merry Thriftmas which champions creative reuse, gives shoppers chances to win over $300 worth of vouchers, supports local businesses who will be offering great in-store specials and provides ideas for mindful low-impact celebrations.
Why Merry Thriftmas?
During a period that often leads to excess and waste, Merry Thriftmas offers a joyful alternative in secondhand gift ideas that carry history, charm and character. By choosing pre-loved and vintage items, people can celebrate the circular economy, support local independent businesses and charities and give back to both our community and our environment.
Merry Thriftmas Activities
During December in the lead up to Christmas, the campaign will feature:
- A curated thrift guide and interview series - showcasing secondhand and vintage gift, outfit and table setting ideas from local Waikato District stores which will be featuring on Collectors Anonymous social channels - follow them @collectorsanonymous on Instagram and Facebook.
- A Thriftmas Prize Draw - where you can win over $300 worth of vouchers, funded by the Waikato District Council Waste Minimisation Fund, from participating stores. Find all the details on the Collectors Anonymous app -Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.
- In store specials - deals that participating stores are offering in the lead up to the festive season including 25% off deals, free coffees with any purchase, everything in store $1 and 10% added to any voucher purchased. Find all the details on the Collectors Anonymous app - search “Collectors Anonymous” in your favourite App Store to download for free.
- Wrap it Wisely - a creative visual series offering small scale tutorials and inspiration for wrapping gifts with repurposed materials including scarves, old papers and maps, fabric, jars and string that will feature on the Collectors Anonymous social channels.
Festive Ideas with Heart and History
As part of Merry Thriftmas, stores are sharing simple, thoughtful secondhand gift ideas to inspire heart-felt giving including vintage china and glassware, handmade retro clocks, hard-to-find books, festive outfits, local pottery and so much more.
Exclusive Content on the Free Collectors Anonymous App
The full Thriftmas Gift Guide, prize draw details, in-store specials and more will be available on the free-to-download Collectors Anonymous app. This free store finder app provides up-to-date details on all secondhand and charity stores in the Waikato District and features a handy mapping function so you can quickly find stores while you are on the go. The app is the go-to place for local shoppers wanting to participate in the Merry Thriftmas fun and support sustainable gifting this festive season.
Celebrate Local, Celebrate Consciously
We’re inviting all Waikato residents and visitors to reimagine holiday gifting as an act of creativity, care and respect for the earth. Merry Thriftmas isn’t just about gifts, it's about community, connections and celebrating with conscience.
