Buying second hand items to give as Christmas presents?

motorguy

I'm off between now and christmas so decided to have a bit of a clear out of some items i'm no longer using. Probably 10 ish items, listed on Facebook at between £10-30. All gadgets or blu rays.

On at least two of the items, and by several people i've been asked "Have you the box for this item as i want it for a Christmas present?"

Whilst the items are mint, i did find that a little odd that people would give a second hand item as a present?

Anyone else come across this?

forgotmyname

Yeah, i did not classs a used item as a present.

Sometimes buying a used item makes sense for financial reasons or maybe its the only way to get the item. But i dont see it as a present.

MysteryMe

If the item is as new then I don't see any problem at all.

I would be grateful to receive anything and not everyone can afford a brand new item.

RFW

It all depends on what it is. "Second hand" covers a lot of ground, from a used pair of socks to a Van Gogh painting.
The OP may have a sought after missing item from someone's collection.

It's also possible that there's an item that's worth a fair few quid extra with the box than without and they aren't actually for Christmas presents!

Towser

No, I regularly see elderly people shopping in charity shops for second hand items that can be re-gifted. They pay particular attention to the box and whether it is new enough. I know this as they often have a companion who they comment to. I feel sorry for the person receiving as it is obviously in the charity shop for a reason. Not good enough in the first place. They may have several grandchildren to buy for. I know my sister in law does it too. I'm sure people have commented on the bargain charity shop thread when they find BNWT items. I am surprised how many people do it since I have noticed.

Pun

What's the problem if the item is in mint condition, as you say?

ballisticbrian

It's the thought that counts. If someone's going to car boot sales for presents to look for something thoughtful because they don't have two coins to rub together, and if the recipient has a problem with this then they probably didn't deserve anything.

Rosemary7391

I've received presents that were second hand, mostly books - since my friends all know I barely ever buy new books for myself. So long as you know the recipient will like it, what does it matter?

JuzaMum

I find it depressing going round the shops this time of year - loads of over packaged 'gifts' that we don't need and will soon be adding to landfill.
We need to reduce and reuse and not keep buying and producing.
I have told my family I don't want any presents this year.
I wouldn't be offended with a second hand gift if it was thoughtful even is the giver was well off. I have received one early gift - two ex shop display gardening benches which I am very pleased with.

JimmyTheWig

As long as you (i.e. the person giving the gift) are not passing it off as new then I don't have a problem with it.
It becomes difficult when you have people you need to buy "equal" presents for - e.g. your own children. If you snap up something in good second hand condition that is worth £50 new but you pay £10, what do you buy for the other child to match? Spend £10 and get something that doesn't look as good? or spend more on the 2nd child?

ElefantEd

You don't "need" to buy equal value presents for your children!


Just get them something they'll enjoy. I've got three kids, some years we'll spend £10 on presents for one, £20 for the next and £50 for the third. Because we are aiming for equal pleasure, not equal cost (about which they certainly used to be somewhat unaware). If I can pick up something second hand then I will - usually books or DVDs. But I don't see what difference it makes to the recipient as long as they appreciate the gift.