i don't give thrift store gifts
I would not give someone a Christmas gift from a thrift store, as I have received them many times, and the things I get are dirty, old or personal items that shouldn't be gifted out, such as a used neck pillow.
—Guest tabitha smith
Depends
It really depends on how well you know the person if they will be insulted or not. Saving money isn't worth hurting someone's feelings. I buy new and just watch throughout the year for sales and put the items in the closet when I find things I think someone will like.
—Guest Guest
Saved Christmas
I thought i had a great budget of $300 for my daughters birthday and Christmas (2 days apart). Only she asked for an iPhone (new $800) and razor pocket mod scooter (new $400). I was able to get used ones off Gumtree and ebay -- phone $150, with covers and a scooter for $90. I cleaned it up, and put new stickers on and it looks like new. Why send myself broke when my daughter can use something someone doesn't want, and it not only saved me money, but prob. helped the seller's family, too.
—Guest aussiemum
TreasureFinder
One of the fun things my husband and I love to do together is support Thrift Stores by trying to find treasures for us and others. Hurrah for all of you appreciating that used does equal discarding as trash
—Guest Ellie
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
I call it "ThriftPlus"
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
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
To find a place to give/sell used items
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
Happy and Proud to give second hand
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.
2nd hand gifts?
I work for Oxfam so it's nearly all recycled gifts for all!!
—Guest janet stenner
Second Hand
May not be made in the USA, but it's a way to support US concerns like our local & nationwide charities.
—AlaskanSheilah
willow
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
Adult Christmas Exchange
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
Make it fun!
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
Re-gift, re-cycle
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'
Shower Gift
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
hower Gift
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
second hand gifts
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
it is the thought that really counts
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
Pared Down Christmas
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
The right one
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
second hand gifts
I found a lg purple glass candle cover in a thrift store for $2.00, so I matched it with a candle - $1.00, 2 handmade crochet washclothes - $2.40 each, homemade lavender bath soap - $5.00, a bottle of wine, 2 wine glasses with purple stems - $.50 each, along with anything else I could match that I knew she would love. I placed everthing on a wicker serving tray - $1.00 - lined with a great oversized night shirt with her name & Happy Birthday. Everything to have fun & enjoy a perfect evening of relaxation. Then I shrink-wrapped it, added a lg bow & matching rose. I saw this type of gift in a very high-end shop for $85.00. I made the whole thing for less than $25.00, Everything I used was found in a Dollar store/thrift shop. (The night shirt was from Vista Print (pay S & H). My Cousin loved the gift. It was the perfect gift for a hard to buy for person. Everyone has asked me where I got the gift or if I could make one for them to give.
—Guest evy
Great Frugal Idea!
Thanks for posting this! I try to make all my gifts (which in more cases than not can be frugal), but for the hard to make for people this is the perfect idea for any frugal person! This might also come in handy if I don't have much free time to craft. Now I'm going to have to start check thrift stores for great gift ideas.
—DIYGal
Who Doesn't?
Absolutely! I was so tired of getting the run-of-the-mill gifts for holidays and birthdays so started stocking up on good looking items at sales and thrift stores. I ask my siblings to give me a long wish list 6 months before Christmas so I can start looking at garage sales and have more options to choose from.
—Guest me2
Yes, I have
I have given a second-hand gift which looks new and follows a theme which the person collects. Cousin collect cardinals and items with her name on it (Joy) which is easy to find around the holidays. Patience is the key - both in looking and in holding on to for the giving occasion. Sometimes you just want to share your find right away!
—Guest Linda Pfaff
Second hand gift giver, yep I am guilty.
I have given second hand gifts, but I usually tell the recipient that it isn't brand new, but something I picked up and thought they would like. I usually get a pretty good response back, i always clean the items, take off price tags, stickers etc. usually they couldn't tell unless i actually told them. However, i am usually the recipient of my sisters lame second hand gifts, things that i end up throwing out, things that i can't use, or collect. My advice is give what someone collects, or adores, don't just buy anything so that they have something to open. Her gifts always make me feel like crap. just my thoughts.
—Guest Dee
Second H
used books are a wonderful gift! Checkout trift stores, used book stores, yard sales for real bargins.
—Guest Rose
