Have a loved one who adores vintage jewelry? Want a piece of furniture with a little history behind it? At thrift and consignment stores, you can shop for unique items that won't blow your budget. Here are five reasons to try it:

1. Fab Furnishings For Less: Refinishing vintage furniture not only saves money, but gives you unique items for your home. The Market Street Mission Thrift Shop, located at 25 George St. in Morristown, is a good place to find furniture that can be revived with a little TLC.
2. Bargain Books at the Bargain Box: Considering all the trees used to print our reading materials, it makes sense to pass them around as much as possible. Most thrift stores have book sections, including the Bargain Box, where all proceeds benefit the Women’s Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital
3. Bling It On: Consignment shops are often known for their fine selections of vintage jewelry and Taylor's Consignor's of Morris Plains has some fabulous finds. A 14-karat gold cameo pin with matching earrings is just one of the rare delights we spotted there. Rings, necklaces and bracelets abound in a variety of colored gems and stones.
4. Dress for Less: Consignment stores are filled with new and gently used garments. The Nearly New Shop resale and consignment fashion boutique is located at 7 King Place in Morristown.
5. Leave-Behind Platters: Why hassle over emptying and bringing home your bowls and platters when you bring food to a party?  A colorful plate or serving dish, bought for pennies at a thrift shop, makes a nice presentation and you don't have to worry about asking for it back at the end of the evening. Try the Greystone Park Association Thrift Store, 59 Koch Ave., Cottage 12, in Morris Plains.

Besides finding potentially great, unique items for the collector in all of us, shopping at places like thrift stores is yet another way to keep stuff out of the regular waste stream. Instead of buying new, buy from thrift stores.