Second-hand stores are becoming more popular. With a slumping economy, resale is getting a boost.
Those who would never put a second-hand gift under a tree are now cash-strapped customers who are purchasing items in consignment stores and thrift shops for less than half their regular retail price.
Buying second-hand gifts is a great way to keep holiday costs down, but how do you feel about it? Is it acceptable? Is it unacceptable? Is it just plain tacky?
Re-gifting…buying second hand…these are not only acceptable, they make tons of sense. This year a group of us has decided to give only gifts we get at yard sales, thrift stores, re-gifts, etc. and we have had a lot of fun. Not only did we come up with some very unique and lovely gifts, we saved money and the environment. As in anything or anywhere, you can buy “tacky” gifts at second hand places or in the local big box store. It’s about discernment…and sometimes you can afford to give that joke gift when you may not have been able to otherwise. Merry Christmas everyone.
I use items from your store to make gifts..eg…interesting
containers to put things I make, such as bath salts, inside for gifts.
As a Baha’i I give to my own faiths funds to help those in need around the world.
Salvation Army is the only other organisation I give to…rather than have
garage sales…I enjoy giving quality items to your organisation to
sell.
I believe you do a wonderful service for humanity.
For the first time this year we purchased all the children 27 to be exact second hand items for Christmas!!!! My husband and I put alot of thought in buying second hand because we still wanted to buy excellent condition items and we wrapped it up like it was new!!!! The kids were so excited, the adults (sister-in-laws) not so much……My brother-in-laws really appreciated it and that was what counted and my husband and I felt good about what we did. I believe that our society has become so materialistic that we don’t appreciate that thought that came with the gifts!!!!!
For example: For our one niece we purchased an antique cradle with linens that were not used in perfect condition. Another niece the cutest pencil leg table and chairs set again in perfect condition. Our one nephew a air hockey table and another nephew a little tikes play house!! All these things they wouldn’t be able to afford brand new including ourselves and we knew what they would like. We started early and finished early!!! It worked out very well and we will continue this next year!!!!!
yes i did because i couldnt afford a new thing to buy.
kathy
Pretty interesting thoughts. You mentioned some points that I had not considered before. I’ll check back to follow if you write any updates.
ABSOLUTELY!!! The WEST has become WAY too materialistic!!
Not only are we RE-cycling – what our EARTH NEEDS SO desperately
but also re-useing perfectly good stuff!!
No need to feel guilty about re gifting if you have no more use for an item just because “so and so” Gave it to you
practice NON attatchment once you give it its no longer any of your buisness what the receiver does with it !!!!!
Come on people
This idea lends itself to much creativity in all of us.
Especially for younger people
In my Family the guy that gets the BEST DEAL on something is the winner !!!
(We are ALL winners anyway right ??-
isay do away with buying silly decorations and spend that money on the needy right here at home in your backyard or family
Blessings t o all
I think it is an awesome way to ‘re-home’ good things that you no longer want. If you have a problem about feeling sentimental – do as I do. Take a photo of it. So you remember the thought and love that went into giving to you in the first place. Then wrap it up and give to to someone who will enjoy it. I have a big bin of stuff that I am ‘re-homing’ – as the right situation presents (pun intended!) itself! There are imaginative ways of doing this too. One year I had a BBQ book and wrapped it up in the bottom of a big box with and an onion wrapped separately at the top of the box to be found first! It created loads of fun for the recipient!! Things I’m stuck with I sell in yard sales and then donate those separate funds to the SA, or if they do not sell I donate them to SA when I am near one. Unfortunately I do not live near one so I cannot shop there very often. Blessings to all.
I purchase things that have been used gently as gifts, I see no sense buying the item new when it is in good condition at a fraction of the cost. Books and jewelry are just some of the many items I purchase. I have bought leather coats and material to make things. I luv the challenge,
I love treasure hunting ! We love to give, but we are not wealthy and we believe in recycling. To me, it is even more special than buying something new not just because of recycling, but you are sometimes shopping a lot longer to be certain that you are getting a quality, unique item for someone special. You are putting more time and effort into it. When you find it, it’s a sense of satisfaction/gratification and seems so much more special. Be sure to make it look like new if it is not a “collectible” because we can not control how other’s may think of the idea. Some people may not see it like you do or realize that you are not doing so well financially – (if that is one of the reasons why you shop 2nd hand).
Regarding re-gifting, it is a great idea – but make sure that you remember who you got the gift from in the first place so as not to re-gift it back to them or someone that knows them/other family/friend member around that might think, “hey, I remember so & so gave this to you..” lol.
Yes, I would give a second-hand gift, if it was in decent shape. Books, housewares, some clothing such as a blouse or a belt, tie, purse, or tote bag are usually good candidates. Some decorative items maybe, but only if it honours the person’s taste. I often visit a SA thrift store in my town. I’ve gotten some great items for almost nothing. So it is a good holiday gift resource.