LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- When it comes to holiday shopping at thrift stores, Halloween wins. Christmas is certainly popular. But Valentine's Day? Nothing says romance like buying your wife something another woman once owned, right?
I get it, Valentine's day is tricky for thrift store shoppers. You're trying to show someone you love them, and one way to do that is with a conspicuously expensive gift. But then again, there are wives (like me) who appreciate a man who saves money and cares about not putting more junk in our landfills.
I visited the ARC stores in Lakewood and Centennial, and found quite a few inexpensive items that could enhance your Valentine's Day presentation. Maybe you buy nice flowers, but put them in a thrift store vase. Or an inexpensive stuffed animal to go with candy and a card. The folks at ARC even put together an entire table setting with thrift store items, for a romantic dinner at home. And we even found stuff for a romantic dessert ...
A National Retail Federation survey this month found consumers are planning to spend an average of $85.21 on their significant others for Valentine's Day. The same survey found people will spend an average of $26.59 on other family members, including kids.
Okay, splurging on your wife, I understand. But the kids? They're getting thrift store gifts. And so are their classmates.
I found some adorable little mailboxes, brand new Valentine's Day cards for exchanges, stuffed animals and everything you could want in a heart shape. And no matter what I spend, I'm sure my kids will know that they are worth more to me than anything.
Besides, all they really care about is the candy.
Happy Valentine's Day!