Charity shop goods for Christmas

Primrose

I HATE the gross consumerism and retail greed that occurs at Christmas and other times but feel that climate change and concern for the environment is now slowly changing attitudes and encouraging more people to recycle and live in a more ethical way. I've been supporting charity shops for years, both donating and buying, discovered many bargains and saved hundreds of pounds on my clothes purchase and household needs. I have one friend who swears she will never buy clothes in a charity shop and spends a fortune on her wardobe yet she often admires my outfits which I've bought from charity shops and can't believe I've kitted myself out for less than a fiver!
I think a general family/friends agreement to buy only secondhand/charity shops for Christmas is a great idea. It recycles, avoids waste, supports good causes and is more in tune with the spirit of giving a present which is thoughtfully chosen for the owner's individuality rather than something bought hastily and costing far too much, simply because something has to be handed over on Christmas Day. I would much rather have a good book I want to read from a charity shop than an expensive present I will never use.

FrugalFairy

I agree with everyone!

I'm really happy to give (and receive) charity shop finds as presents.

One of my most successful 2nd hand presents was when I spent £15 for a friend's new baby girl - I got loads of of lovely clothes in a range of sizes up to 2yrs old. Much better than one little outfit!

I also buy clothes for myself from charity shops and clothes agencies.
And, if someone compliments what I am wearing, I always tell them it's 2nd hand in order to spread the word about money saving, anti-consumerism etc.

Turbo_Gran

:dance::wave:
Halifax is great for charity shops,whenever I go there I have a good trawl round ,there are about 7 within a few minutes radius of the hugh market hall,then they have a big carboot on Sundays,we often go to Halifax for a weekend with our dance club and all the cheap bargains we get i.e:a brand new pair of M&S mens trousers that fit my hubby just perfect were £2.99, apart from undies he's been kitted out this way for a couple of years now and I've had some nice things too,then of course as others have mentioned gifts for Xmas and birthdays ,I reckon that what I save just about covers the cost of the weekend.