From the article: How to Give Second-Hand Gifts without Looking Tacky
Do you give second-hand gifts? Do you think they're just plain tacky? Tell us what you think. Share Your Thoughts
Yes, but
- I have re-gifted in the past. I always make sure it a new item. If I get a gift I won't use, then I will absolutely pass it on. You can get very nice items in thrift stores or at the clearance rack, but the packaging is often damaged. I will remove the item and repackage it in a basket or pretty bag.
- —robyn752
2nd hand ok if.....
- giving "used" items or "regifting" items is fine, as long as the heart of the giver is right ! if the giver genuinely feels that their intended recipient would enjoy the item, that is in keeping with the spirit of giving. Regifting should NOT be utilized just to find a new home for an unwanted item. Also- be honest ! Especially if its a 2nd-hand item.
- —Guest goldpedler
Be a Thoughtful Giver...
- No matter where you shop! I've received great and terrible second hand gifts, all determined by whether the person was being thoughtful or merely cheap. I often give second hand gifts, but I make sure they're in great condition and something the recipient will be happy to get. This is actually more important with second hand presents, since there is no option of returning them!
- —Guest Kim
second hand gifts
- All the time- some friends know, some dont... all are amazed at their lovely gifts, and will often get two or three gifts instead of just one because they are more affordable. I look on it as green giving, too- recycling! and am very happy to receive preloved gifts myself. It does, however, take more time and commitment to find just the right second-hand gift, which is fine if you have more time than money- but not if the reverse is the case!
- —Guest sarah
I Give Secondhand
- Sure I give 'secondhand gifts.' In these days of mass production and advertising hype, I don't much care for new. This year I found a soft black yarn and red ribbon knit wrap for my 13-year old who is in a vampire craze on special at a thrift shop for $2. It's fun to go and look, just thinking about people you want to buy for. I never go with the idea that today i WILL find X. I just go, look and wait to be inspired!!
- —Guest Okeekat
no second hand gift for a baby
- my mother in law already gave me damaged and badly used second hand toys for my newborn baby. on top of that she mentioned that she saw used baby clothes and she is planning to buy them for the baby because they are very cheap! i dont know how to say "i dont want them" because she will be speaking bad from my back.
- —Guest turkish
Gifts That Don't Break The Bank!
- Recently I learned how to make wine from the fruits found on my farm. I have then created beautifuly gift baskets for all occasions. The baskets are found for pennies at garages sales. The fruits for the wines are gathered free from my farm. Basically all the money involved in the wine making process is the sugar and corks. I place a bottle or two of wine in the basket along with several wine glasses that I have also found at garage sales. Sometimes I add summer sausage/cheese/breads/crackers to the basket. It all depends upon what the occasion is. I have used these wine baskets for weddings, showers, birthdays, retirements, Christmas, and housewarmings. I have even created my own wine labels on the computer. The empty wine bottles are given to me from friends and neighbors. The bottles are cleaned in hot boiling water before using. I usually keep at least one basket made up for a "fast emergency gift."
- —Atticorphan
Video Games
- My son and eldest nephew already know they can get one brand new video game, or several second hand. Even more if they sell/trade in the ones they decided they didn't like. Our family friends are the same as well.
- —Guest JadeMozingo
Less Money, More Value
- I definitely give second-hand gifts--though I find that at the better second-hand/thrift stores there often are new items donated by stores or individuals who bought an item & never wore/used it. I buy cashmere sweaters for my daughter (and myself): we love the softness, but I can't afford full price (except when LL Bean or Lands End has a big discount sale). I travel for work, and I have a network of stores I visit when time allows: I've bought gorgeous cashmere sweaters for as little as $2. I'm pretty knowledgeable about jewelry & collectibles as well, so I know good quality & price when I see them. I sometimes give my grown daughter a thrift-store "shopping spree" as a birthday or Xmas gift: I set the amount we can spend & left her choose the thrift store or yard-sale day. Auctions are great for furniture, etc. I grew up on a farm, where we made our own things or generally went without. Nowadays don't have much free time, so I use my thrift-shopping talents instead.
- —Guest jcdevildog
Second-hand gifts
- If the gift looks new, not a problem. One year my daughter's cheap grandmother gave her a 10 year old, 2 owner coat for her Christmas present. The only thing "new" she got was a box of Little Debbie Brownies. I was VERY unhappy and my daughter was crushed. Her cousins received new toys.
- —Guest Molly
Second-Hand
- Quite often, second-hand stores have new merchandise. I also buy books from them. My father is an avid reader, and reads a book per four days about ... this is a great gift for him ... Just look carefully at clothing labels; you'll often notice by the 'newness' of the label. People give un-used gifts such as dinnerware etc. Happy Shopping!
- —Guest
I Always Buy Second-Hand Gifts
- I am the only girl in a largish family, with all brothers, whom haven't any children,..... my home is the gathering place for all holidays, I do all the baking and food. My Mom is only permitted a budget of $50 per person, including grankids. Anything else we receive is from Salvation Army, yard sales, friends of hers, etc. Our family isnt cheap; food costs a lot. This year's baking is complete, with exception to fresh. It cost $120 in ingredients & the meals for two days or three will run 500.00. My favorite part of the christmas giving is the expression as to where did you find it, and the second-hand books my Mom gifts me. Living in a rural farming community, the two dozen books + are read by me and many others in my area. We all appreciate the generous, time gifts, the fun of ALL the second-hand shopping we do all year through. Grab a rubbermaid & fill it.
- —Guest Kirkland's
I Give Second-Hand
- Yes I do give second hand gifts. Try a Habitat for Humanity Gift Store or Restore. All items are donated. Many are still in the original carton and have never been used. Your purchase all goes toward building homes for famlies in need.
- —Guest ST
Upcycle
- A crystal vase, a Jeanette (carnival) glass vase, a nicely framed oil painting of Colorado fall colors, (and other collectibles) and a strand of freshwater pearls have been thrift store purchased gifts. If it's a collectible that fits the recipients collections, it's not tacky. (Clean it up & wrap it up.)
- —Guest Yucca Ann
Indeed!
- We call this "Green Santa". We always made our gifts, but relatives who weren't crafty/creative felt at a disadvantage...so we decided any gift that was not purchased at a store could be included. We look at garage sales all year, and our recipients all agree our gifts are the best they receive. We often are able to give hundreds of dollars worth of gifts for a minimal amount. (Last weekend"s purchases included $650.00 worth of new Mary Kay products for $30.00 and new NFL Jerseys with tags still attached totaling close to $1000.00 for only $50.00!
- —btwmommy
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