Money Moral Dilemma: Is it OK to give second-hand gifts?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I've seen a lot of good quality second-hand stuff I think my friends and family might like for Christmas. My family have got used to my habit of reusing wrapping paper, but is giving second-hand gifts to save money (and the planet) OK?

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need_an_answer

Regifting happens a lot however you probably need to structure the gift to the person and judge whether it is appropriate to give it to them.

I have often bought some family a "vintage" present mainly because if I see something that's adds to their collection I'll get it...an example would be I have a family member who collects old stone hotwater bottles...and if I have seen one then that sometimes is gifted (and appreciated) for either Christmas or birthday.

But in general you need to match the present to the receiver and sometimes its appropriate to get preloved and sometimes not.

hazyjo

I'd say only if they use second hand stuff themselves. My OH will often ask for things off ebay which are second hand.


I'd never gift say a second hand jumper or item of crockery.


I would buy new from a charity shop and gift it. They have loads of unopened/unused things.

lincroft1710

I would be quite happy to receive a used Lamborghini Miura or Ferrari Dino!

Owain_Moneysaver

Yes, but I think you have to be honest about it.

Yes I saw this CD and thought of you and it was only 10p in the charity shop!

Pollycat

How can anyone answer this 'dilemma'?
Honestly?
You have to tailor a gift - whether new or 2nd hand - to the recipient.

One of my most loved gifts was a Karen Millen skirt bought for me by my sister from a charity shop. Many years ago.
She had it professionally cleaned.
It's fitted me, been too tight, been too loose, fitted me, been too tight...
It's my Christmas Day skirt (not the only time I wear it).
I will wear it this year and she'll recognise it immediately and be happy.

Buying a gift is about making the person receiving it happy.
If you need to ask the question at all, maybe you don't know the person well enough.
In which case...why are you buying a gift for them anyway?

Newly_retired

Today I bought a new book for my son in law’s present, from a list provided. Next door to Wa—- —st—nes was Oxfam Bookshop. The paperbacks looked like new, and I honestly don’t think he would have minded if I had bought it there rather than new, provided it was not dog-eared of anything. Not sure if I could bring myself to do so though. Just as well they had not got a copy.

[Deleted User]

Yes of course as long as in good condition. I had an ex boss who would give these utterly bizzare presents and make no secret they were hand me downs one year I had a bottle of perfume that wouldn't quite have been on the wish list, same to with a handbag in an 'unique' colour.

Just remember when Mum got offloaded smellies set one year which leaked before opening. And when hunting online (which some people do) worked out the range wasn't exactly current hence poor condition.

I brought Mum a skirt from the sale rails at the weekend, by the time I'd left the counter the woman must have thought I was buying it for myself as I was armed with a lot of options about just what top would go with it. (though I did overhear their returns policy on any item whether brand new or sale so perhaps the lady thought she'd cover all angles!)

Couple of close relatives who I give to where you never see the gifts again so this year it's a token and cash which they now say upfront they would rather.

AnneMary

The secret to successful giftgiving is thoughtfully matching the present and the person; if that happens to be secondhand AND appropriate great. It does not just mean regifting unwanted presents to someone you haven’t got one for.
Last Christmas I was given four pairs of Christmas socks by someone who really doesn’t know me (I only wear black or grey). I put them away and donated to a charity shop in early December. Hopefully to be given to someone more grateful this year.
I also regift regularly and will buy in charity shops (but will tell the recipient so they don’t start spending a lot more on me)
If you want to do the eco thing and haven’t got wrapping to reuse, please check if the paper can be recycled. Much has glitter or plastic coating. My favourite it brown paper and really fancy bows.

Nurtybabez

I have a second hand gift coming for Christmas this year. I already know what it is as my partner wanted to check I liked it. It doesn’t bother me at all.

FlowerAnne

Antiques are second hand, vintage is second hand, some great things hardly used in charity shops or if in France try brocante sales, so yes if the gift is right for the person go for it!