Being a grandma is the BEST! You get to spoil those little munchkins, but here’s the thing: spoiling doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Some of my favorite treasures for my two granddaughters (ages 2 and 5) come straight from the thrift store.
Not only do they love them, but I love knowing we’re:
- Saving money
- Keeping good stuff out of the landfill
- Giving new life to fun, quirky, vintage finds
And the best part? If a toy breaks, a tea set gets dropped, or Pooh Bear loses an ear - WHO CARES. It cost a couple bucks, and we had fun with it while it lasted.
Here are 11 thrift store gift ideas your grandbabies will absolutely adore:
1. Stacking Blocks & Building Toys
My two-year-old is ALL about stacking things. Towers, walls, castles - you name it, she wants to build it. And when it all comes crashing down? Even better! Thrift stores are amazing places to find blocks and building sets that would cost way more brand new.
- Wooden block sets (even if they’re a little mismatched, it adds character!)
- Stacking cups or nesting toys
- Jenga sets that can double as building blocks
- Mega Bloks or Duplo buckets (usually missing a few pieces, but who cares?)
2. A Menagerie of Animals
Both of my granddaughters love creating little animal kingdoms. They’ll line them up, make them talk to each other, or create their own zoos. Thrift stores often have bags of animals for a couple bucks - way cheaper than the toy store!
- Plastic zoo animals (elephants, lions, giraffes, etc.)
- Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes
- Little farm animals with fences and barns
- Vintage ceramic or wood animals for shelf play
3. Dress-Up Clothes
My five-year-old is DEEP in the dress-up phase - she wants to be a princess one minute and a pirate the next. Luckily, thrift stores are FULL of options that don’t break the bank. And since you only paid a few dollars, you don’t mind if they spill juice or drag the dress through the yard.
- Sparkly princess dresses
- Funny hats, scarves, and feather boas
- Costume jewelry and tiaras
- Old Halloween costumes repurposed for everyday play
4. Tea Sets & Play Kitchen Finds
There’s nothing cuter than a little tea party with mismatched thrifted cups and saucers. I’ve picked up tiny tea sets and even real dishes that work perfectly for play kitchens. The girls “cook” for me all the time, and it makes me smile every time.
- Mini ceramic or plastic tea sets
- Small cups, saucers, and creamers (real ones work too!)
- Play kitchen pots, pans, and utensils
- Thrifted baskets or trays to carry their “feasts”
5. Character Collectibles
One of the best things about thrift shopping is finding those random treasures - like the Pooh bookends I have. The kids love them, and if one gets dropped and breaks, no big deal. It’s fun, it’s quirky, and it doesn’t feel precious.
- Winnie the Pooh figurines or bookends
- Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, or Sesame Street characters
- Vintage cartoon mugs or cups
- Random figurines they can adopt as “friends”
6. Picture Books
Books are one of my FAVORITE thrift store finds. For a dollar (or less!), you can walk out with a whole stack of bedtime stories. And honestly? My granddaughters don’t care if the cover is a little worn - they just love hearing the story.
- Board books for toddlers
- Classic storybooks (Little Golden Books, anyone?)
- Seasonal or holiday books
- Beautiful vintage illustrated books
7. Puzzles & Games
Thrift stores are treasure troves for puzzles and games, especially for older grandkids. Yes, sometimes a piece is missing - but honestly, kids don’t care. They love the challenge and the fun.
- Wooden toddler puzzles with knobs
- 24-piece or 48-piece picture puzzles
- Family board games like Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, or Guess Who
- Card games like Go Fish or Old Maid (often in tins or small boxes)
8. Musical Instruments
Warning: this one may not be peaceful for YOU, but the grandkids will have a blast. Small thrifted instruments are cheap, cheerful, and perfect for encouraging creativity (and loud parades through the living room).
- Tambourines and maracas
- Small keyboards or xylophones
- Plastic recorders or harmonicas
- Little drum sets or bongos
9. Dolls & Stuffies
You can find bins FULL of dolls and stuffed animals at the thrift store. Some just need a quick wash to look brand new. And honestly? The quirkier the better - my grandkids love giving names and stories to each one.
- Vintage baby dolls
- Unique stuffed animals (unicorns, puppies, bears)
- Rag dolls or handmade dolls
- Doll clothes (sometimes bundled in bags!)
10. Ride-On Toys & Outdoor Finds
If you’ve got a little yard space, thrift stores often have big treasures too - trikes, wagons, and even plastic slides. They clean up great and give the kids hours of active play.
- Little Tikes ride-on cars
- Tricycles and scooters
- Wagons or pull toys
- Plastic slides and play structures
11. Seasonal Treasures
Thrift stores are a GOLDMINE for holiday and seasonal fun. I love picking up little costumes or baskets that the girls can use year-round. Plus, it’s such a fun surprise when you pull them out later!
- Halloween costumes (princesses, superheroes, animals)
- Easter baskets and stuffed bunnies
- Christmas plushies or Santa hats
- Valentine’s Day trinkets and décor
Why I Love Thrift Store Gifting
It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and it sparks creativity. My grandbabies don’t care if something came from Target, Amazon, or the local thrift shop - they care that it’s FUN!
And honestly? I feel good knowing I’m teaching them (even in little ways) that joy doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones with a little history, a little character, and a whole lot of love!
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