Readers Respond: Do you give second-hand gifts?

Responses: 36

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

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I look for wooden items to paint and personalize. I look for bed sheets for the fabric in a future quilt. I found a faux fur lined jacket ($10) for my daughter. It looked a little dated so I changed the buttons ($2) for a modernized look. Sometimes things are almost perfect. Look for its potential.
—Guest DawnMarie77

Second hand gifts are new to me.I love them.Some of the best and most cherished gifts I've received have been thrift store finds.
—DenaKM

The social view of used items is changing, and the idea of thrift and product lifecycle are evolving. Even better, some sites are coupling buying/selling used items with charitable donations, which is pretty awesome. I found a couple of things for my kids here http://www.kidsponge.com and sent money to a health organization at the same time.
—Guest Kathy

I shop garage sales each Saturday in the summer, and have collected some fantastic, unique gifts - gifts that otherwise I would never have found in a retail store, and never would have afforded from an antique shop ... I give these gifts with pride, knowing that I have been thinking of my loved ones through the year as I shop to come up with the perfect, recycled, earth-friendly/green gift at a minimal price. Pair these gifts with my homemade apple sauce (which is more like apple pie filling than sauce like...yummmm!) and homemade jelly in a home-sewn bag ( I have picked up some great fabric cheap at sales!), and I am happy and excited to give a gift I am proud of.
—Guest B.

May not be made in the USA, but it's a way to support US concerns like our local & nationwide charities.
—AlaskanSheilah

Pass on the pleasure. I am never offended by a pass it on item. I think thats great. I always pass on whatever I have that I no longer have need for. I Love our local GoodWill. They have amazing clothing, purses and just about whatever you may need for the kitchen, also furniture. It depends on location that you can really find great finds. It is allowed to recycle gifts just make sure it is not back to the same person who gave it to you originally!
—Guest lynn

Last Christmas we gathered adult friends for gift giving. No one was to buy anything, just give from their own collections of stuff. It was so much fun!
—Guest Margaret Wiltshire

Another good way is to find that elusive toy your family member loved as a kid. I got my sister a doll she loved as a kid (Sea Wees- mermaid dolls she played with in the tub) as a fun present when I saw it at a sale. She now refers to this as the best present evah! and I noticed it in her bathroom proudly displayed. Since she has a son, she hasn't been able to reconnect with dolls as much- and the SeaWee gave her permission to have that again.
—Guest DivaJean

Giving second-hand gifts is a great way to go "green" because it's recycling a nice item to a new person. I also re-gift: stash away items we get as gifts and try to match them with someone who'd like them better or for whom it would be a better fit.
—Guest Georgia Livin'

About a year ago, I found a lovely framed picture for a baby's room at a yard sale..new appearance. Recently a shower invation listed several "registrations" and selected theme! The lovely LARGE framed picture..fit the theme perfectly. The expectant mother was overwhelmed... My cost: $2.00
—GA.gifter

I definitely give second-hand gifts. I'm always on the look out for bits. I have several boxes of stuff that can be re-packaged and decorated up. Always make sure that the stuff is good quality and suitable for the recipient though. I have a friend who would have a fit if she knew that some of the stuff I give her is second-hand, but she always loves the pressies...
—Guest Alexi

I don't think that it is how much you spend or where you get the gift that really matters. It is the thought that you put into it that counts. For instance, do they really collect frogs because they love them, or is it a gift that everyone who felt obligated to get them a gift latched onto when they saw a growing collection. I have a friend who found a really neat elephant print that she got when first married. She doesn't particularly like elephants, but needless to say after 20 years of marriage she has quite the elephant collection going. They give it to be nice, and she graciously accepts them and displays them in her home to do likewise.
—Guest cnksmom

Last year I decided to cut back on the gifts I gave per person. I knitted/crocheted one item for each member of my immediate family and then purchased one item for them from a thrift store. I asked my children (then 13 and 15) to do this for me, as well. It was a huge success and what I plan to do again this year.
—Guest Christine S

My dad loves the old pepsi commercials (You got the right one, baby) and sings the song often. I found a glass at the thrift store that had the slogan on it and he loved it!
—Guest RecoveringDreamer

Erin Huffstetler
Frugal Living Guide