By Rylee Govoreau

Because the best gifts might be hiding in a liquidation bin.

If it feels like everything costs a little more every time you head to the grocery store, you’re not imagining it. So when the holiday shopping list starts getting longer than the budget, it might be time to get a little creative. This year, skip the sticker shock and turn your holiday shopping into a treasure hunt. Gwinnett is home to liquidation and warehouse-style shops where you can dig through constantly changing inventory, hunt for unexpected finds and maybe even score the perfect gift for a whole lot less.

First up, head to NovaCommerce Corporation in Norcross, where the thrill is never quite knowing what you’ll find. The 22,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse is open to the public and filled with everything from furniture and home goods to electronics, shoes and accessories. Inventory can include overstock, box-damaged merchandise and customer returns, so every visit is a little different. You can shop by the piece or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, go big with a pallet or even a truckload.

For another round of digging, make your way to Lilburn Liquidations in Lawrenceville. This local liquidation and bin store is the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time and really look around because you never know what might be hiding in the next bin. With constantly changing liquidation merchandise, including Amazon returns and furniture, it’s a fun spot to hunt for gifts, stocking stuffers, household finds and those “I didn’t come here for this, but I absolutely need it” discoveries.

And if your holiday wish list has you dreaming about a little home refresh, make the trip to The Wayfair Store Atlanta in West Midtown. While it’s just outside Gwinnett, this massive 150,000-square-foot store is worth adding to your shopping adventure. With furniture, décor, housewares, appliances, outdoor living and more all under one roof, it’s basically a playground for anyone who loves a good home find.

So grab your shopping list, give yourself permission to browse and get ready to DiG. Because sometimes the best holiday gifts aren’t the ones you find by searching for exactly what you want. They’re the ones you stumble across when you’re just along for the hunt. And if you can save a few bucks while you’re at it? Consider that your little holiday miracle and a gift to yourself.