There’s something satisfying about discovering a unique find with a story just as much as getting that certain someone something special or unexpected. That’s why many people enjoy visiting their local thrift shops and resale boutiques to break the mold of the usual cadre of gifts.
In and around Munster, a growing lineup of resale and boutique shops offers that thrill of surprise: vintage décor, one-of-a-kind fashion, gently used home goods, and treasures you won’t find on typical store shelves. Even better, many of these shops support causes close to home.
Here are five standout spots well worth a stop on your holiday shopping route.
Paws Resale Plus — Highland, IN
Tucked on Kennedy Avenue north of downtown Highland, Paws Resale Plus is delightfully full of surprises. The shop carries a wide variety of items: housewares, toys and furniture, media and decorative pieces, pet products for your animal companions, and even a growing selection of clothing. If you love a bit of nostalgia or collectables, their vintage section is packed with toys, sports memorabilia and other retro finds. Plus, the local-artisan section showcases handmade goods like honey, soaps, canned treats, candies and other gifts with character and heart. Shopping at Paws Resale means you’re also supporting Humane Indiana and their mission to care for pets and wildlife in Northwest Indiana.
Kitsch and Beautician — Munster, IN
On Calumet Avenue in Munster sits Kitsch and Beautician: a salon where style meets sustainability. Known for cuts that impress and colors that pop while using non-toxic products, Kitsch and Beautician also houses a vintage boutique with character. This winter, the shop’s boutique is styled around a festive mix: little black dresses, cozy preloved classics, and pieces in shades of red, green, silver, and gold. On offer are eco-conscious fashion and carefully curated finds, with holiday barware, vintage Christmas tablecloths, and unique seasonal décor items. You might drop by for a haircut — or just come to browse. Either way, it’s worth calling ahead to see what treasures await.
Legacy Thrift — Highland, IN
Just off Highway Avenue, Legacy Thrift stands out for its clean, well-organized layout and fair pricing. It’s the kind of thrift store where you can actually enjoy browsing: racks of clothing sorted by size and type, display shelves with housewares and décor and a lot of mugs for some reason. Plus toys, sporting goods, and even holiday decorations waiting to deck someone’s halls. For budget-conscious holiday shoppers or anyone looking for an affordable yet meaningful gift, Legacy Thrift delivers, and it does so while supporting Christian ministries around the world.
See Great Stuff — Munster / Highland area
If you love a mix of gently loved, new and collectable items that are all arranged in a boutique-like setting, See Great Stuff, also on Highway Ave. in Highland, fits the bill. In one corner of the store-racks of jackets, shirts, jerseys and jeans are waiting to be styled. In another corner, toys and games are an arms length away from a pleasing layout of jewelry. We found something to take home every time we’ve visited. Owner and longtime Munster resident, Heather Loredo, has curated the space thoughtfully, so browsing feels calm and fun, never overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you can find a perfect little holiday gift or treat yourself to something special.
Project Thrift Shop — Munster, IN
The newest kid on the block, Project Thrift Shop on 45th Avenue has only been open a few months — but already carries a surprising amount of inventory. You’ll find designer-brand clothing, books, furniture, home décor and furniture. New items seem to arrive all the time. Shopping here during the holidays feels extra meaningful, because proceeds support Project Loose Change, which provides toys and food for families in need every Christmas. In other words, you can grab a gift for yourself or someone else, and help spread holiday cheer to a family who could really use it.
Why Resale Shopping Makes Holiday Sense
There are many reasons resale and thrift shops have become a holiday shopping favorite. Shopping secondhand helps reduce waste and lessens the impact on landfills — a gift to the planet. Pre-owned items and vintage treasures often cost much less than brand-new equivalents, which means you can stretch your holiday budget. And perhaps the most rewarding part: the thrill of discovering something unique, stylish, or nostalgic that carries history and character.
Beyond that, many resale shops support causes from animal welfare to providing for families in need… letting your holiday purchases double as a gift to your community
PAWS Resale Shop: 8149 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN 46322
Legacy Thrift: 2821 Highway Ave, Highland, IN 46322
Kitsch and Beautician: 8124 Calumet Ave Suite C, Munster, IN 46321
See Great Stuff: 2727 Highway Ave Suite B, Highland, IN 46322
Project Thrift Shop: 1938 45th St, Munster, IN 46321
