If you’re the type of shopper looking for an eclectic mix of slightly used, affordable items to purchase, The Thrifty Gift at 6176 N. Government Way in Dalton Gardens might be the place for you. 

“Affordability is key,” owner Sarah Walker said. “I'm a for-profit business, but I'm not looking to make 50 grand a month. I just want to cover my overhead, my utilities and bring back affordable thrifting.” 

The Thrifty Gift has been five years in the making. 

“I was looking for an affordable commercial space and wanted it to be in Dalton Gardens because there isn’t, to the best of my knowledge, another thrift store here,” Walker said. “I needed a building that didn’t require a 10-year lease, and the owner didn’t want me to put $25,000 up front.” 

So, she found a building owned by Marty Boyer, who also owns By the Mall Storage, and they reached an agreement that worked for both of them. 

Walker, a Dalton Gardens high school grad, initially came by her inventory in an unconventional way. 

“In the beginning, it was stuff that didn’t sell at my mom and my garage sales,” Sarah said. “But now it comes from a fifty-fifty split between the things I buy and the donations I receive.” 

Sarah said she’s amazed at the quality of the donated items. 

“I have really nice clothes that come in — if you’re looking for Tommy Hilfiger or Calvin Klein, this is the place to get it,” she said. “My clothes are the most affordable clothes in the area. I've made it that way because people should not have to pay $10 to $15 for a used T-shirt. You can get them here for $3.” 

Sarah said customers who donate items receive loyalty points, which are basically in-store discounts. 

Browsing through the store, customers will find linen, men's, women's and kids' clothing, various trinkets and jewelry, arts and crafts, health and beauty items, kitchenware and yard and garden items.  

“I try to carry a little bit of everything,” Sarah said. “But I stay away from computers, electronics, anything like that, because I don't have time to test them.” 

Sarah said she chose the thrift store’s location because of the high volume of traffic on Government Way.  

“When we (she and her mother) rented the building — we were quoted about 45,000 cars per day— so I nicknamed it the Autobahn,” Sarah said. “They were driving by so fast at first but now are in the habit of looking for our hot pink sign out front of the building.” 

The Thrifty Gift is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Sarah at 208-682-0873 for more information. 

    Meliss Mantia is browsing the women's apparel.
  

    The Thrifty Gift Kitchen supply section
  

    Various household items at the Thrifty Gift.