Category: Retail

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples anymore! Of course, if you’re a fella looking for the perfect gift to give, we’ve got you covered, but these ideas are also great for galentines or if you’re practicing the very important art of self-love. No matter who you are or who you’re treating this February 14th, we’ve got some easy DIY gift ideas for you!

 

52 Reasons I Love You

To make this meaningful personalized gift, start by thrifting a deck of cards and a small basket or container. Then collect the rest of these supplies:

 

Download the word template here and customize 52 cards (you’ll need six and a half pages) each with a different reason you love your valentine. Think of the little actions they do, the parts of their personality that you admire, and specific memories only they could have shared with you. Of course, we can’t love anyone else until we love ourselves so if you’re treating yourself this Valentine’s Day, use this opportunity to recognize the qualities you’re proud of. On hard days, coming back to these cards will empower you to move forward.

 

Once you’ve printed out and cut your 52 reasons, start trimming the color swatches to size. I didn’t use a ruler to measure, but roughly cut each swatch the long way into thirds. The first third is the side with text so trim that off and discard. The rest can be cut in half to create two mini-swatches of each color. Snip off all the white portions to get your individual pieces.

 

Write 1-52 numbers out on each swatch. I like the look of mixing up the colors, but you could also make a beautiful ombre effect by organizing them just so.

Layer a playing card on the bottom, a reason page in the middle, and a number swatch on top before stapling the pieces in place. Using gold, pink, or red staples is another fun and easy way to introduce color!

Organize the cards in your basket (or whatever little box you thrifted) and finish it off with a title card. Fold this over the handle and staple it in place! If you don’t have a handle, fold it into a C shape and tuck one end in front of the cards and the other behind. Voila!

 

Puzzle Pieces Easy Art

Do you and your partner fit together like puzzle pieces? Grab a second-hand puzzle and picture frame from Goodwill then collect these other supplies to make your own easy art:

Assemble and paint the puzzle with whatever colors you choose. Go abstract, just letting the paintbrush do its thing while you mull over the perfect phrase for your art piece. I decided to use the title from one of our favorite songs by Penny and the Quarters, but if your valentine isn’t a partner, rephrase the words! Use an inside joke for a best friend or an affirming mantra to remind yourself of something positive every day.

While your paint dries, use the Exacto knife to cut out the appropriate letters. Decide on the placement carefully before removing the adhesive back. When you’re sure you love your layout and you’re positive the paint is dry, stick the letters on and frame your new art! I think the subtle puzzle shapes peeking through blush tones topped by stark black letters create a satisfying contrast. If you’re looking for another way to re-purpose puzzle pieces, check out this DIY card tutorial.

 

Quick Glass Photo Transfer

Finally, making some personalized glass votives would be a classy way to light up date night or brighten a friend’s home. Making these for yourself? Choose images that inspire you. This project works for any image (black and white or full color!) printed on a laser printer or cut from a magazine. Size your images appropriately and print them to get started. Then, thrift some glassware and watch the video below to find out how easy this customizable craft is. You could even place an image on the bottom of a clear glass plate to act as a jewelry holder or key catch!

Step 1: Print your photos on a laser printer and cut to size.
Step 2: Place a piece of heavy duty packing tape over the image. Be careful not to let any bubbles in. Gently press.
Step 3: Trim the excess tape and paper.
Step 4: Use a craft stick to “burnish” (rub vigorously) the entire image.
Step 5: Soak the image in warm water for several minutes.
Step 6: Use your thumbs to rub the gummy paper off the tape.
Step 7: Allow the image to dry, then place on your glass and press. Use the craft stick again if necessary to thoroughly secure.

Still stumped? Try a #GoodwillDate! Zip into your local Goodwill and buy a $10 or $15 gift card then tuck it inside a nice card explaining the procedure. This is a thoughtful present that you can give as an investment in the future of your relationship (or as a treat to yourself!). On Valentine’s Day, decide when you’ll enjoy the thrifting rendezvous no matter who your date is!

There’s one other sweet side effect of shopping at Goodwill this Valentine’s Day: Through its entrepreneurial business model of collecting and selling donated goods, Goodwill organizations help communities extend the life of usable items—like playing cards, puzzles, and glassware—in environmentally sound ways and prevent items from piling up in local landfills. Even better, right? We hope to see you soon!

We are excited to announce that the Goodwill Outlet Center will be open Saturdays from 10am to 3pm starting October 6, 2018!

The Goodwill Outlet Center is located at 3100 W. 4th St., Sioux City, IA next to our retail store. We invite the community to come out and experience the thrill of the hunt. You can expect to find deep discounts by buying items by the pound (with the exception of furniture, electronics and large items).

The outlet store allows Goodwill to give a second chance to items that do not sell in our stores. This helps Goodwill further decrease contribution to landfills and maximizes every donation. Goodwill makes every effort to recycle items that do not sell through our retail program.

Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 10am to 6pm
Starting October, 6th Saturday Hours: 10am to 3pm

 

By Julia Marchand

Before I became a mom, I heard a whole slew of gripes from other parents. The one that kept recurring more often than any others was “Kids are expensive!” Creativity becomes imperative for those on a budget who don’t want their little ones to go without the games and goodies that make childhood special, so here are a few kid-approved projects to keep the little ones and your wallet happy…

Image via makeit-loveit.com

Fishing can happen any time of any day when it’s taking place right at home. I discovered this adorable little DIY fishing game lurking in the depths of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc. (Cincinnati)’s Baby & Kids On A Budget pinboard. Reel in a few low-priced men’s shirts the next time you’re thrifting and get started on this project on your next rainy day! You’ll feel proud creating something from scratch and might just be able to bait your kids into playing quietly for more than five minutes!

 

Image via DelightfullyNoted.blogspot.com

By now you probably already know that thrifting second-hand furniture is worlds cheaper than buying brand-new. That’s especially true when it comes to kids’ furniture! The worst part about paying full price for the furniture your kids will use is knowing that it will probably be drawn on, scratched, and stickered in no time. Why not start with furniture that is already conducive to your kids’ creativity? Jennifer crafted this truly inspiring playroom and shared it on her blog, Delightfully Noted. It includes a kids’ table that she scored at Goodwill for just $2 and transformed into a chalkboard to stay one step ahead of those inevitable doodles! Go ahead, little ones, draw on!

Image via Pinterest.com/GoodwillSCWI

Who said everything in your kid’s room can’t be just as fun as the toys they request? I challenge you to turn the most boring object you can think of (a dresser, perhaps?) into something exciting for your bambinos! It really can be as simple as slapping a fresh coat of bright paint on a Goodwill bureau and swapping out the regular knobs for toys you grabbed on your way to the check out, too! I found the above project idea on Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (Madison)’s pinboard of DIY Ideas and instantly loved its kid-friendly quirkiness.

These days I don’t have to trust other parents when they tell me how costly raising a child can be because I know, first hand, that it’s true. Thankfully, I drive past Goodwill every day on my way to and from work so I can easily swing in. Goodwill doesn’t just help my family to live a better life, but it does so for many other families as well. Goodwill agencies have actually been recognized for their forward-thinking family financial stability practices that allow program participants as well as employees and their families to access individual education and training needs that include debit management, budget and credit counseling, and educational workshops. With familial support like that, I am proud to invest my hard-earned dollars in Goodwill stores and come home to my own family a little more inspired.

  By Julia Marchand

Throughout the year, I look forward to summertime. Not only for the obvious reasons: the warmth, the sun and the generally leisurely attitude that many people adopt, but also because summer brings trips to the ocean. I realize, of course, that we could go to the ocean any day, but what is the fun in going when it’s cold out? It’s summer now, so the time has come for this girl to plan a trip to the seaside!

Image via Dina Days

If you ask me, maxi dresses were made for just such a trip. They’re flowy so they’re comfortable for a car ride (we usually make the drive to Ogunquit, Maine which is almost two hours away), they’re light to keep things cool in the sun, and they’re long so everything stays PG even when a strong ocean breeze blows. On my upcoming trip, I’m likely to wear an outfit very similar to this one styled by blogger Dina of Dina’s Days. It goes perfectly with a bright jacket, which is necessary on any Northern Atlantic shore, just in case the clouds roll in. By the way, can you believe that this entire look was thrifted? The dress was only $1.50 at Dina’s local Goodwill! I love that style is so accessible through Goodwill stores.

Image via Seattle Goodwill

Speaking of style, these fab friends from Seattle Goodwill are killing it in their vintage swimsuits! The collection dates from the 1860s through the 1980s with immaculately preserved clothing and accessories for every occasion. This group would definitely catch my eye strolling along the beach together! Just imagine how many wonderful seaside memories were made in those suits over the years. For more photos, click through to their blog post!

Image via Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago

Can’t make it to the ocean right now? You can still pretend by decking out that dining area with a maritime feel. Merri from Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago swept me away with this gorgeous display. My favorite part is the rope used for napkin holders. It’s such a simple idea and easy to execute, but it really captures that nautical flair. Merri has lots of great tips on how to assemble your own beachy tablescape (I mean, who’d have thought of turning a bath loofa into aquatic-looking netting?), so make sure you stop by their blog for more!

Do you have any plans to head to the seaside this summer? Make sure you stop by any Goodwill stores you see on the way! Your support will help Goodwill to continue doing its part in preserving our planet – its oceans included – by serving as sustainability innovators. This is done by harnessing renewable energy, including installing solar panels on Goodwill roofs to becoming LEED certified. Let’s all contribute to the health of the planet so future generations can wear our swimsuits to the beach as part of their vintage collection!

By Julia Marchand

Alas, the days of summer vacation are in the past for most of us, so we pass up the pool in favor of a paycheck every Monday through Friday. But that doesn’t mean your summer style must be compromised! Unless you’re lucky enough to work outside and enjoy this glorious season before it’s gone, you may need to consciously include it in your 9 to 5 life. Here are a couple of ways to do that…

Image via blog.goodwilleasterseals.org

Put a little spring (or summer!) into your step every morning by donning work wear that reflects these warm, sunny days. I found a blog post with ten apparel items crafted into six outfits that are perfectly professional. Thanks to Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota (St. Paul)  for that fun mix-and-match, I’m inspired to get ready for work tomorrow morning! There are no windows in my office, so including color like this will dramatically improve the summer vibes. I would highly suggest investing in well-priced attire at Goodwill that, like these pieces, can work together to create lots of different looks. It’s such an efficient way to make the most of your money!

Image via thecraftedsparrow.com

Now, who says that home décor is just for the home? I find myself to be much more productive when my surroundings are tidy and well dressed, so why not bring my love of thrifty decoration to the office? A small, framed art piece like this one is easy to make (don’t forget to check out the DIY tutorial from The Crafted Sparrow) and just as simple to swap out with the seasons. This will keep the office from feeling stagnant and season-less, especially if it’s a cubicle. All you need to get started on this project is a second-hand picture frame, some washi tape, and poster board!

Image via facebook.com/GoodwillWorks

While we’re on the topic of a workplace, it might be a great time for me to share these tips for job seekers that Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and The CSRA (Macon) shared on their website. Whether you are out of work at the moment or just looking to advance in your current environment, I find these tips to be helpful. And, wouldn’t you know, number one is dressing the part! I bet you want to go back and peek at that summer work wears blog post I mentioned now, huh?

Even if your job may sometimes feel like a grind, I’m sure that deep down you know that work itself is incredibly important. It allows us all to support our families, to be active members of our communities, and to gain confidence and feel fulfilled. We are all lucky to have good work to do and maybe a little summer accessorizing will help us share that positivity with the rest of our coworkers! If you’d like to help others in your area gain the opportunity to work, because of Goodwill’s business model it’s this simple: Donate stuff, create jobs. There’s no better time than now!