By CAROLINE DUNNING, Lakewood High

Lots of us enjoy the thrill of the fashion hunt at thrift stores, and snagging a great item of clothing on the cheap. Thrift stores are also treasure troves of inexpensive, unusual Hanukkah or Christmas gifts, if you have the patience to sort through the large assortment of items that collect at the stores. Here are a few great items found at only one store, Boley Centers’ YOUR Neighborhood Thrift Store, Oak Tree Plaza, 6163 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, but thrift stores are in just about every neighborhood. Try out several on your thrifting/gifting quest.

GIFT: Scarlet photo album
PRICE: $1.99
This album is a cute display to remind a boy or girl friend of all the fun memories you have shared.

GIFT: Christmas tree dish
PRICE: $1.99
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how yummy are your contents! This ceramic dish is a good way to serve Mommy’s fabulous appetizers.

GIFT: Antique teapot
PRICE:  $2.99
This teapot with snowflakes is a perfect gift for Grandma or any tea-drinking friend during the holidays.

GIFT: Piggy Santa
PRICE: $4.99
This is a great emergency gift. What Christmas-celebrating person wouldn’t love a piggy bank dressed as Santa Claus? The recipient can get a head start on next year’s gift fund.

GIFT: Tree ornament
PRICE:  $0.59
Talk about bargains: Check out the Christmas ornament section for the teacher with a tree branch to decorate.

GIFT: Present cookie jar
PRICE: $4.99
Fill this stack of “presents” with goodies and your gift will be twofold! Appropriate for anyone who deserves your time in the kitchen.

GIFT: Where’s Waldo? books
PRICE: $1.99 each
Where’s Waldo? will enthrall the youngest on your gift list, or even the youngest at heart.

GIFT: Mancala game
PRICE: $2.99
This time-tested game is good for one of those Hanukkah nights, Secret Santa, or a stocking stuffer.

Tips for thrift store gifting
1. Start at one end of the store and work your way to the other side.
2. Don’t overlook departments you wouldn’t normally shop, like china or kids’ toys.
3. Start early in the day. You’re fresher and the selection is likely to be, too.
4. Have an open mind. You never know what treasures you will find. Ask the stores how often they stock new donations.