Though Dullea may specialize in Twilight fandom finds, they maintain that you can find anything in thrift stores, so have patience and go through the store thoroughly. And if something’s not exactly merch, think about how it may fit the style of their fandom—like outfits, furniture, and lifestyle items.
Kella Hawk has been shopping pre-loved since she was a child, accompanying her mom to the store. An avid thrifter, she’s on the lookout for any hidden gems in any corner of the store. Over the years, she’s collected physical CDs, collectors’ vintage fashion items, and more, gifting some along the way. And online, she’s inspiring others to do the same with her guide to shopping for digital cameras, complete with examples of shots she took of her favorite artists.
That’s the beauty of thrifting. There are so many options, regardless of fandom. And while it may be so easy to search their favorite thing followed by “merch” online, thrifted gifts have a rareness yet familiarity to them, emphasized by the effort it takes to find them. “I think what people really like is to know you’re thinking about them enough to spend that time,” Hawke continues. “Because honestly, that’s the most valuable resource we all have, especially nowadays.”
To thrift gifts for your favorite fans this holiday season, Hawke suggests utilizing any time you may have, even if just 15 minutes. Just make the most of it. “Think about the gift you’re looking for specifically, and hit that [items’ categorical] area and then maybe at a different time hit a different area,” she advises. “I would recommend starting early in the mornings or lunch break is also good because people haven’t had time to get off work and rush. And if you do have local flea markets in town, utilize that as well. But online is also a great resource for people who don’t have that available to them.”
