Charity shop goods for Christmas

[Deleted User]

Hi All,

I have a question for you.

Would it be classed as bad taste to buy something from the Charity Shop as a gift for someone at Christmas?

In my local Charity Shop, I have discovered a Boots Pampering Set that's unopened and looks like an unwanted gift for £2.75 and would be ideal for OH's elderly aunt for Christmas.

What do you think?

MrsTinks

I wouldn't think it's unethical... you're saving money, supporting charity and still giving a nice present So long of course as SHE isn't likely to be the one who donated it
Personally I don't see how anyone but you will know where you got it from...

taggiesgirl

I think its a great idea but to be honest i always worry that maybe they wont like it and return it to shop for exchange and be told that its an old product!! and they wont exchange it!! id be embarrased but if you think that the person isnt likely to return the item then go for it!!!!

Softstuff

I have no worries buying second hand items for presents. I have some lovely christmas pressies already sat in my cupboard - second hand books that look like new, a cotton wool ball holder... as long as it is either something that the person will especially appreciate (like an older book on a specific interest) or looks like new, I know they'll go down well.

otterspasm

HI there,
I have specifically asked my family to buy my presents from charity shops or second-hand. I am really driven mad by the throw away consumerism which goes on all around us not just at christmas but all year round. A friend of mine has a 2 year old flashy television which a colleague of hers was replacing because he wanted a flashier one. He was going to take it to the tip!:eek: It works fine and is a great tv. Why would people do this??? Its a bit of a soapbox of mine, can you tell?:rolleyes:

I am happy to have second hand presents if it is something i particularly want/need. Buying something second-hand for someone involves much more effort than buying new as you often have to track it down. Buying second-hand also reduces the demand for new products which in the end could result in less manufacturing and a better future for us and the planet.

I think its a great idea. Go for it!
Tess

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all your replies.

Not only am I going to find out if the pampering set's still there but I'm going to have a look and see what else I can find

Tea

sammy_kaye18

hi chick

just wanted to add im making hampers this year.

So far form a local thrift shop - ive brought a tea for one pot and cup set thigny and a beautiful shawl which i plan to lien one of the hampers with.

Also in our charity shosp we get alot of smellies sets etc so i guess ill pick a few more of them up nearer christmas or whenever i see them.

I dont see a problem with it if they are still nice and unopened (in soem cases) saves you money and you can give the gift and no one is none the wiser

tinselfairy

My sister and I have decided to buy birthday and Christmas presents for each other this year that ONLY come from the charity shop, jumbles or car boots.

I buy as much as I can from charity shops, suitable presents included.

jezebel

My best friend got all of my presents from a charity shop last year and I have to say it was one of the most varied and interesting sets of gifts that I got. You can get much more interesting things in them and as I always say, one man's trash is another man's treasure. I bought a lot of gifts from ebay this year (both new and second hand) and it's exactly the same except with a charity shop you're helping someone else too.

seashore321

We do this at work buy something from a charity shop for under a fiver. Some of our presents have been better that buying from a shop. Always remember they are unwanted gifts that could be worth a lot more.
:j

Slightly biased as I am a volunteer in a hospice shop one morning a week. Always pay full price though!!

Mrs_Dawn

I have started buying my Christmas presents from charity shops this year.
Last week I picked up lovely small hat box for £1.99(going to fill with homemade sweets. Also got a lovely handmade Winnie the Pooh cushion cover for DD1 for only £2.49.
I helped charity and anyway isn't it supposed to be the thought that counts?
Just off to the charity shops now, see you all later:A