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Picture this: You're browsing through shelves lined with vintage treasures when your hand lands on a stunning 1960s cocktail set, complete with gold-rimmed glasses and a geometric decanter. Or maybe it's that perfect mid-century teak lamp that would look incredible in your sister's apartment. The price tag? A fraction of what you'd pay for something new—and infinitely more interesting. This is the magic of second-hand Christmas shopping in Montreal.
The holidays bring joy, but they also bring pressure: finding meaningful gifts, staying within budget, and trying not to contribute to the mountains of waste that pile up each December. Here's the good news—Montreal's thriving second-hand scene offers a solution that checks every box. According to recent trends, Canadians are embracing pre-owned shopping as a mainstream choice, with sustainability and value driving the shift. You're not alone in wanting to shop more consciously this season.
Second-hand Christmas shopping gives you three incredible wins: you save money, reduce environmental impact, and give one-of-a-kind gifts that actually have stories to tell. Whether you're hunting for vintage homeware, retro electronics, designer finds, or unique décor, Montreal's thrift stores, vintage shops, and online marketplaces have you covered. From the curated shelves at EcoDepot to hidden gems on Facebook Marketplace, this guide will show you exactly where to find sustainable Christmas presents that'll make your loved ones smile—and keep your conscience clear.
Why Choose Second-Hand Christmas Presents?
Every vintage lamp, every pre-loved book, every rescued piece of furniture represents something powerful: an item that gets a second act instead of ending up in a landfill. When you choose second-hand Christmas gifts, you're directly reducing the demand for new manufacturing, which means fewer resources extracted, less energy consumed, and less waste created. It's sustainability in action, without the sermon.
But let's be honest—the environmental angle isn't the only reason to shop second-hand. Your holiday budget stretches dramatically further when you're browsing thrift stores instead of big-box retailers. That designer coat you've been eyeing for your mom? Find it vintage for a quarter of the price. The mid-century credenza your brother would love? Score it at a fraction of retail. Suddenly, giving generous, thoughtful gifts doesn't mean maxing out your credit card.
Then there's the uniqueness factor. Anyone can buy the same mass-produced item from a chain store, but finding a 1970s Italian glass vase or a pristine vintage leather bag? That takes effort, and that effort shows. Second-hand gifts come with history and character—they're conversation starters, not just objects. Plus, vintage items were often built to last in ways that modern fast fashion and disposable goods simply aren't. You're often giving something of genuinely higher quality.
Shopping second-hand also means supporting the circular economy and EcoDepot's mission to give quality items a second life. Recent data shows that Canadians are increasingly choosing pre-owned items, driven by both environmental consciousness and smart spending. This isn't a fringe movement anymore—it's how thoughtful people shop.
Best Thrift Stores for Second-Hand Christmas Gifts in Montreal
EcoDepot Montreal: Your One-Stop Sustainable Gift Destination
If you're serious about finding incredible second-hand Christmas presents in Montreal, start here. EcoDepot operates two locations—one in Lachine and one on the Plateau—and both are packed with Montreal's largest selection of curated, quality second-hand items. Unlike typical thrift stores that accept everything, EcoDepot focuses on pieces worth giving as gifts: items with character, quality, and that special something that makes them gift-worthy.
What makes EcoDepot special for holiday shopping? Fresh inventory arrives weekly, which means you'll always find something new. Come in this week, and next week the shelves will have completely different treasures. This constant rotation keeps the hunt exciting and ensures you're not seeing the same items gathering dust month after month.
Gift Ideas by Category at EcoDepot:
For the home entertainer on your list, browse the vintage glassware section. You'll find everything from complete cocktail sets to stunning serving pieces that would cost hundreds new. That mid-century barware collection? Probably $40. Those vintage champagne coupes? Maybe $15 for a set of four. Perfect for the friend who loves hosting dinner parties.
If someone loves unique décor, EcoDepot's furniture and lighting sections are gold mines. Mid-century modern lamps (including occasional designer pieces like Artemide), vintage mirrors with character, and statement furniture pieces that add instant personality to any space. A vintage teak credenza might run you $150-$200—compare that to $800+ for a new one with half the charm.
Music enthusiasts? The vinyl record collection is constantly refreshing, alongside vintage audio equipment and old record players that actually work. Put together a curated set of jazz records from the 1960s, pair it with a restored turntable, and you've created a gift that cost maybe $100 but feels priceless.
For readers and collectors, explore the extensive book section, vintage cameras (perfect for the analog photography revival), and antique suitcases that work beautifully as décor or actual luggage. Prices typically range from $5 for paperbacks to $80 for special vintage cameras—all gift-ready quality.
Don't overlook the fashion section, either. Vintage clothing and accessories make thoughtful gifts for the style-conscious people in your life. A 1980s leather jacket, a vintage silk scarf, retro sunglasses—these items feel personal and intentional in ways that mall shopping rarely achieves.
Insider Shopping Strategy:
Start your Christmas shopping in early November for the absolute best selection. As the holidays approach, the best pieces get snapped up quickly. Thursday and Friday evenings are ideal if you want first dibs on the week's new arrivals—items hit the floor throughout the week, but later weekday hours mean fewer crowds competing for discoveries.
Price points at EcoDepot work for every budget. You'll find small treasures for $5-$15 (perfect for stocking stuffers or coworkers), mid-range gifts from $20-$60, and statement pieces up to $200 or beyond for that special someone who deserves something extraordinary. The beauty is that you're getting exceptional value regardless of where you land in that range.
Getting There:
The Lachine location offers easy parking and is accessible by several bus routes—ideal if you're planning to score larger items like furniture. The Plateau location sits near Mont-Royal Metro station, making it perfect for a sustainable shopping trip via public transit. Both locations are bike-friendly if you're picking up smaller gifts.
Whether you're shopping for one person or your entire list, EcoDepot combines sustainability, affordability, and the thrill of discovery. It's not just a thrift store—it's where your Christmas shopping becomes an actual adventure. Visit both Lachine and Plateau locations to see what treasures are waiting this week.
Online Marketplaces for Second-Hand Christmas Gifts
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has transformed second-hand shopping in Montreal, giving you access to thousands of items without leaving your couch. For Christmas shopping, it's particularly useful for larger items (furniture, electronics) or when you're searching for something specific that you haven't found in stores.
Search Strategy:
Use specific keywords. Instead of "lamp," try "mid-century lamp" or "vintage brass lamp." Include "Montreal" or specific neighborhoods like "Plateau," "Mile End," or "Verdun" to narrow results to convenient pickup locations. Filter by price range and set alerts for items you're actively hunting.
Safety and Transaction Tips:
Always meet in public places for smaller items—coffee shops, metro stations, or busy street corners work well. For furniture or larger pieces, arrange daytime meetings and bring a friend if you're going to someone's home. Many sellers are also happy to meet outside their building or in a lobby.
Price Negotiation:
Most sellers expect some negotiation on Facebook Marketplace, but be reasonable and respectful. If you're buying multiple items from the same seller, asking for a bundled discount makes sense. For single items listed near market value, small negotiations ($5-$10 off) are appropriate. Always communicate clearly and show up when you say you will—reliability matters in the secondhand community.
Gift-Worthy Finds:
Look for vintage homeware, mid-century furniture pieces, retro electronics, collectibles, and vintage fashion. The beauty of Marketplace is the variety—you never know when someone's clearing out their parents' attic or downsizing a collection. Check listings daily during November for the best Christmas gift options.
Kijiji Montreal
Kijiji remains strong in Montreal for second-hand shopping, particularly for furniture, electronics, and collectibles. The search functionality is robust, letting you drill down by category, neighborhood, and price range to find exactly what you need.
Effective Searching:
Save searches for items you're actively seeking—Kijiji will email you when new listings match your criteria. This is perfect for hunting specific vintage items or hard-to-find pieces. Browse the "free" section too—people often give away perfectly good items when moving or decluttering, and one person's giveaway could be your perfect gift with a little cleaning.
Quality Indicators:
Look for clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Detailed descriptions suggest a seller who cares about their items. Check seller ratings when available, and read through previous reviews if the person has sold multiple items. Don't hesitate to ask questions before committing to a purchase.
Local Facebook Buy & Sell Groups
Beyond Marketplace, Montreal has dozens of neighborhood-specific buy and sell groups—"Mile End Buy & Sell," "Plateau Mont-Royal Buy/Sell/Trade," "West Island Kijiji." These community-focused groups often have better prices than general Marketplace listings because sellers prioritize moving items quickly within their local area.
Community Benefits:
Local groups foster a sense of community that makes transactions smoother. People are often more flexible on pricing when they know items are staying in the neighborhood. You'll also find more unusual items here—quirky collectibles, handmade vintage crafts, or family heirlooms that never make it to formal resale channels.
Finding Groups:
Search Facebook for "Montreal buy sell" or "[your neighborhood] buy sell." Request to join several groups in areas where you typically travel. Check postings daily in November and early December—holiday season means lots of people decluttering to make room for new items.
Gift Success Tips:
For all online platforms, photograph items from multiple angles if you're considering them as gifts. Check dimensions carefully—size can be deceiving in photos. Ask about the item's history (not required, but stories add value). And remember that most online secondhand sales are final, so examine items carefully during pickup.
Beyond Physical Gifts: Sustainable Experience & DIY Options
Experience Gifts
Sometimes the most memorable presents don't come wrapped at all. Experience gifts eliminate waste entirely while creating moments your loved ones will remember far longer than any object. Montreal's vibrant cultural scene makes this especially easy.
Restaurant Gift Cards: Support local, sustainable eateries while giving someone a night out. Look for farm-to-table restaurants, zero-waste cafés, or beloved neighborhood spots that align with your recipient's tastes. A $50 gift card to a place they've been wanting to try feels generous and thoughtful.
Museum Memberships: Annual passes to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McCord Museum, or Pointe-à-Callière give the gift of year-round culture. Perfect for curious minds, families, or anyone who loves spending Sunday afternoons exploring exhibits.
Workshop Vouchers: Montreal offers incredible classes in pottery (Créations MYA), woodworking (Atelier Fabrik), cooking (various), or even urban foraging tours. These experiential gifts teach new skills while creating lasting memories. Prices typically range from $75-$200 depending on the class length.
Concert or Show Tickets: Give the gift of live music or theater. Check upcoming shows at Place des Arts, Club Soda, or Théâtre Saint-Denis. Bonus: include a commitment to attend together, making it an experience you'll share.
Spa Treatments: Look for eco-conscious spas in Montreal that use natural products and sustainable practices. A massage, facial, or spa day package says "you deserve to slow down and be pampered"—always a welcome message during the hectic holidays.
Experience gifts work because they're personal without being physical. They respect minimalist lifestyles, create memories, and support local businesses. Plus, they're impossible to return—you either use them or you don't, which eliminates post-holiday retail chaos.
DIY Gifts Using Thrifted Materials
Get creative by transforming second-hand finds into personalized presents. DIY gifts combine the sustainability of thrifting with the thoughtfulness of handmade items—and they cost a fraction of store-bought equivalents.
Upcycled Vintage Frame Photo Gifts: Find beautiful vintage frames at EcoDepot (usually $5-$15), clean them up, and add a meaningful photo. Family portraits, friendship photos, or even art prints become instantly more special in a frame with history.
Curated Vintage Book Collections: Browse EcoDepot's book section and put together themed collections: vintage cookbooks for the home chef, 1960s sci-fi novels for the genre fan, or first editions of classics for the reader who has everything. Wrap them with ribbon or twine for a gift that feels curated and intentional.
Record Player + Vinyl Selection Gift Set: Pick up a working vintage turntable and pair it with 5-10 records you know they'll love. Total cost? Maybe $80-$120. Value to the recipient? Priceless, especially if you've thoughtfully chosen albums that match their taste.
Thrifted Sweater Custom Pillows: Find wool or cashmere sweaters in beautiful patterns, cut them to size, and sew them into throw pillows (or pay someone to do it). These cozy, unique pillows bring warmth and personality to any space.
Vintage Teacup Herb Garden: Collect beautiful vintage teacups and saucers (mismatched sets work perfectly), add soil and herb seeds, and you've created a charming, functional gift for the person who loves cooking or gardening. Include care instructions and you're done.
The key to successful DIY gifts is choosing projects that match your skill level and the recipient's aesthetic. Start simple, focus on quality materials (which is where thrift stores shine), and present everything thoughtfully.
Consumable Gifts
Consumable gifts strike a perfect balance: they're physical enough to feel substantial, but they don't create clutter because they get used up. Montreal's artisan food and beverage scene makes this category especially appealing.
Montreal Artisan Food Producers: Package selections from local makers—artisanal jams, small-batch hot sauce, Quebec honey, handmade chocolates. These items support local businesses while giving delicious, practical gifts.
Local Coffee Roasters: A bag of freshly roasted beans from Montreal roasters like Café Saint-Henri, Dispatch Coffee, or Café Melk makes a perfect gift for coffee enthusiasts. Pair it with a thrifted vintage mug from EcoDepot for a complete package.
Quebec Craft Beverages: Local ciders, craft beers, or Quebec wines show thoughtfulness and regional pride. Put together a tasting selection with a few different options.
Homemade Treats in Thrifted Containers: Bake cookies, make granola, or prepare spice mixes, then package them in vintage tins, glass jars, or ceramic containers found at thrift stores. The container becomes part of the gift—something useful they'll keep long after the treats are gone.
Consumable gifts respect the reality that many people are trying to reduce clutter in their lives. They're generous without being burdensome, and they're especially appreciated by anyone trying to embrace minimalism.
Smart Shopping Strategies for Second-Hand Christmas Gifts
Timing Your Shopping
The secret to second-hand Christmas shopping success? Start early and shop strategically. Mid-November gives you first pick of the season while stores still have full shelves. Wait until mid-December, and you're competing with desperate last-minute shoppers for picked-over inventory.
Weekly new arrivals at thrift stores like EcoDepot mean timing matters. Fresh donations typically get processed and hit the floor throughout the week, with Thursday and Friday often bringing the newest items. Weekend shopping offers the social experience of busy stores, but weekday mornings give you calmer conditions and better selection.
Watch for sales and discount days. Many thrift stores run Boxing Week sales or December promotions to move inventory before the new year. Smaller vintage shops might offer holiday discounts as well—ask if you're buying multiple items.
End-of-day shopping at smaller shops sometimes yields advantages. Sellers who've been there all day might be more open to negotiation, especially if you're taking a larger item off their hands. This won't work everywhere, but it's worth noting when browsing vintage shops or antique stores.
Quality Checks
Second-hand items require closer inspection than new purchases, especially when you're buying gifts. You want to give something special, not something that falls apart on Christmas morning.
What to Inspect:
Check furniture for structural soundness—wobbly legs, cracked wood, or failing joints might need repair. Test electronics when possible (many thrift stores have outlets for this purpose). Examine clothing for stains, holes, tears, or missing buttons. Look at dishes and glassware for chips or cracks. Inspect vintage books for loose pages or significant damage.
Minor Fixes You Can Make:
Polish tarnished silver or brass with metal cleaner (instant transformation). Clean cloudy glassware with vinegar and water. Tighten loose screws on furniture. Sew on missing buttons or make small repairs to clothing. Steam or iron wrinkled textiles. Many items just need a little TLC to become gift-worthy.
When to Skip an Item:
Walk away from anything with safety concerns—frayed electrical cords, cracked mugs (bacteria can hide in cracks), or furniture with structural damage beyond simple fixes. If something smells strongly of mildew or cigarette smoke and you can't remove the odor, skip it. If restoration would cost more than buying similar items new, reconsider.
Gift-Worthiness Assessment:
Ask yourself: Would I be excited to receive this? Does it need minimal work to look great? Is it good quality beneath the dust or tarnish? If yes to all three, you've found something worth buying as a gift.
Price Expectations
Understanding second-hand pricing helps you shop confidently and get good value.
Budget Allocation:
Small gifts and stocking stuffers: $5-$15 (books, mugs, accessories, small décor)
Standard gifts: $20-$60 (clothing, vinyl records, vintage homeware, small furniture)
Special occasion gifts: $75-$150 (statement furniture, designer items, electronics)
Extraordinary gifts: $150+ (curated vintage pieces, exceptional finds, complete sets)
These ranges apply to most Montreal thrift stores. Curated vintage shops run higher, but you're paying for expertise and curation.
Negotiation:
At thrift chains like Renaissance or Village des Valeurs, prices are usually fixed. At smaller vintage shops, gentle negotiation is often expected—especially for larger purchases. Be respectful: "Would you consider $80 for this lamp?" works better than "This is way overpriced."
On Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, most sellers expect negotiation. Start by asking if the price is firm. If they say it's negotiable, offer 10-20% less than asking. Meet somewhere reasonable if the seller counters.
Sales and Discount Days:
Follow your favorite thrift stores on social media to catch sales announcements. Many run color-tag discount days (all red tags 50% off, for example) or holiday promotions. These sales can stretch your budget significantly.
Making Second-Hand Look Gift-Worthy
Presentation transforms ordinary thrift finds into special presents.
Cleaning and Polishing:
Never gift something dusty or dirty. Wipe down furniture with appropriate cleaners. Hand-wash dishes and glassware. Steam or launder textiles. Polish metal items until they shine. Clean book covers gently. A little effort makes everything look dramatically better.
When to Mention It's Vintage:
For design enthusiasts and collectors, highlighting that something is vintage or second-hand adds value—they'll appreciate the find. For others, focus on the item itself rather than its origin. "I found this beautiful lamp" emphasizes the object, not the shopping method.
Presentation Matters:
Wrap second-hand gifts with the same care as new purchases. Use quality wrapping materials, add thoughtful cards, present everything attractively. The effort shows respect for both the gift and the recipient.
Gift Receipt Reality
Here's the truth: most second-hand purchases are final. No returns, no exchanges, no gift receipts. This means choosing carefully matters more than ever.
Choose Wisely:
Buy items you're confident the recipient will love. Consider their actual needs, style, and living situation. A vintage credenza is amazing—unless they live in a 400-square-foot apartment with no room for it.
Have Backup Options:
If you're uncertain about a specific item, buy two or three possibilities. Give the one you're most confident about, and keep the others for yourself or for someone else on your list. This strategy works especially well for clothing or accessories where fit and taste can be subjective.
Be Honest:
If someone seems disappointed or the gift doesn't work for them, handle it gracefully. Acknowledge that second-hand means no returns, but offer to help them rehome it or find something else they'd prefer. The relationship matters more than the object.
The beauty of second-hand gifting is that when you get it right—when you find that perfect vintage piece that makes someone's eyes light up—it's more meaningful than any mall purchase could ever be. The effort you put into hunting, choosing, and presenting these items shows you were thinking about them specifically, not just checking names off a list.
Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas
Your sustainable Christmas philosophy shouldn't end when you find the perfect gift—extend it to how you present those gifts, too. Skip the single-use wrapping paper and plastic ribbons for options that look beautiful and respect the planet.
Zero-Waste Wrapping Options
Reusable Fabric Wraps (Furoshiki): The Japanese art of fabric wrapping transforms scarves, tea towels, or cloth napkins into elegant, reusable gift wrap. Browse EcoDepot's textile section for vintage scarves in beautiful patterns—they cost just a few dollars and become part of the gift. YouTube has countless furoshiki tutorials showing different folding techniques for various gift shapes.
Vintage Scarves or Tea Towels as Wrap + Gift: Take this concept further by intentionally choosing a scarf or tea towel that complements the gift inside. A vintage kitchen towel wrapping baking supplies, a silk scarf wrapping jewelry—the wrap becomes an additional small gift rather than waste.
Brown Paper with Natural Twine: Kraft paper is recyclable and biodegradable, making it a solid sustainable choice. Dress it up with natural twine, dried flowers, evergreen sprigs, or cinnamon sticks. Hand-stamp or draw designs on the paper for a personalized touch. Check if EcoDepot has brown paper in their packaging section, or save paper bags throughout the year.
Newspaper or Magazine Pages: Vintage newspaper pages (especially French-language papers for Montreal flair), old maps, or magazine pages make unique wrapping that costs nothing. Black-and-white newsprint looks surprisingly chic, especially tied with red twine or ribbon.
Reusable Gift Bags and Boxes: Start a family tradition of reusing the same gift bags and boxes year after year. Sturdy fabric bags, decorative tins, wooden boxes—these items can circulate among family members indefinitely. Some families even write the year and gift-giver on tags that travel with the bag, creating a fun history.
Where to Source Wrapping Materials
EcoDepot's textile section offers vintage scarves, fabric remnants, and tea towels perfect for wrapping. Look for pieces with holiday colors or patterns, but don't limit yourself—beautiful fabrics work year-round.
Fabric scraps from the clothing areas can be cut to size for wrapping smaller gifts. One thrifted wool sweater or cotton sheet can wrap multiple presents when cut strategically.
Natural decorations cost nothing if you source them yourself. Collect pinecones during autumn walks, clip evergreen sprigs from your yard or a friend's, gather interesting dried branches, or save citrus peels to dry into decorative elements.
Presentation Tips
Making Second-Hand Look Luxurious:
Layer textures and materials. Wrap a gift in kraft paper, tie it with vintage ribbon (found in thrift stores' craft sections), and add a sprig of evergreen plus a cinnamon stick. The combination of textures creates visual interest and sophistication.
Natural Decoration Ideas:
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Dried orange slices attached to packages with twine
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Small pinecones clustered and tied with ribbon
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Evergreen sprigs tucked under twine
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Cinnamon sticks bundled with raffia
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Dried flowers from summer (save them in August for December)
Handmade Gift Tags:
Cut tags from old Christmas cards (saving them year after year), vintage book pages, or kraft paper. Punch a hole, thread with string, and you've created tags that cost nothing but look intentional and charming.
Sustainable gift wrapping doesn't mean sacrificing beauty—it means getting creative. When you present a vintage book wrapped in newspaper pages tied with red twine and a sprig of pine, or a thrifted lamp wrapped in a gorgeous vintage scarf, you're showing that sustainability and style aren't opposites. They're partners.
Making This Christmas Sustainable & Special
Second-hand Christmas presents offer something magical: they let you give generously, shop consciously, and stay within budget all at once. Montreal's thrift stores, vintage shops, and online marketplaces provide endless possibilities for finding gifts that actually mean something—items with character, history, and the kind of uniqueness that makes people remember not just the gift, but the thought behind it.
Shopping second-hand forces you to slow down and choose intentionally. You can't just add things to a cart and click "buy now." You have to hunt, browse, imagine how that vintage cocktail set would look on your friend's bar cart, consider whether that mid-century lamp matches your sister's aesthetic. That extra effort transforms gift-giving from a chore into something more meaningful.
The environmental impact of choosing second-hand is real. Every vintage sweater you buy instead of a new one reduces manufacturing demand. Every thrifted book keeps one more item out of landfills. Every piece of mid-century furniture you rescue extends its life by decades. These choices add up, especially when thousands of people make them every holiday season.
But beyond the environmental and financial benefits, there's something deeply satisfying about giving gifts that tell stories. Imagine Christmas morning: your mom unwrapping a 1960s Murano glass vase you found for $30, your brother opening a curated collection of jazz records from the 1970s, your friend discovering that perfect vintage leather bag they never would have found themselves. These aren't just gifts—they're discoveries you made on someone else's behalf, and that effort shows how much you care.
Visit EcoDepot Montreal's Lachine or Plateau locations this week to start your sustainable Christmas shopping. With weekly new arrivals and Montreal's largest selection of quality second-hand items, you'll find unique gifts for everyone on your list—from small treasures under $10 to statement pieces that'll be cherished for years. Both stores are open seven days a week, making it easy to browse whenever inspiration strikes.
This Christmas, give gifts that have stories. Give gifts that respect the planet. Give gifts that show you actually put thought into what each person would love. That's what second-hand shopping makes possible—and that's what makes this holiday season truly special.
