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

Middlestitch

Why not? Who cares? Usual non dilemma.

REJP

As long as it is in decent condition and not rubbish of course you can give secondhand gifts.
I really don't see the problem with this dilemma. Also there is no problem with re-using wrapping paper either. Remember this is a money saving site after all.

Milie

Yes but of course it has to fit the recipient.
I was given in the past two mugs and plates from a good pottery. I don’t know if they were new or second hand but they were pristine! I had sets of crockery and didn’t use them so recently gave them to a young relative who was setting up home. She was thrilled with them; so much so that when she did me a big favour recently, I bought more of the set new for her.
Obviously re-gifted stuff has to be in mint condition. I do pass on books to people who might appreciate them but do not think I would give a worn one as a gift except to my brother who gifts second hand stuff himself.

Milie

And reusing wrapping paper is a green thing to do too.

suki1964

Milie wrote: »

And reusing wrapping paper is a green thing to do too.

The gift bags I have used this year have been used for the past 5 or 6 years, I honestly can't remember the last time I bought new ones. They go to our daughters family and they slowly work their way back here. I even used birthday bags because that's what I had

Im more than happy to receive second hand, if the present is something I would want. I have given 3 charity shop finds out this year and I know they will be loved

LSW

Buying less new stuff is a really important way that we can try to tackle the climate emergency. Buying less is ideal but buying second hand when we do want something physical is really important too. I'd certainly say that you can let people know your approach for gifting so that they know what to expect. Other options are to buy experiences or gift your time and skills, also buying charity gifts, ethical gifts and sustainable gifts, or just agreeing not to buy gifts and go out together instead.

For Christmas this year were a physical gift is wanted I've tried to buy second hand. For example my neices will receive as much as they usually have from me to unwrap but because I've spent less buying second hand I'll also be putting some cash in with their cards. For birthday gifts I take the same approach and write a little note with a rhyme I made up....

Thank you for the kind invite
We're trying to put the planet right
This gift has been loved before
But still has much more fun in store
We love our world, and hope you'll see
A gift sent with love to you, from me

carinjo

For several years us three siblings who lived here in the UK werw at different stages of our lives with different obligations. My sister came up with the idea of a price limit and also to buy only from charity shops as a way to support them. Worked very well.

fizzking

I think it shows a mean streak if you give 2nd hand presents at Christmas.The recipient might be offended.

Why not give them away at some other time? The recipient will be pleased

mavidor

Second hand is perfect! I buy and sell antique and vintage jewellery for a living and sell quite a few pieces for gifts, the quality is superior, the price cheaper and you help the planet as well as a small business, no brainer!!

warby68

Its OK but there is a difference between a well chosen addition to a collection or something the recipient has always wanted or something quirky/personal and a passed around Bayliss & Harding gift set that noone actually wants (apologies if someone does but haven't met one yet).

If money is the reason, I'd go for a handmade food gift or similar which has minimal cost but shows much thought.

I would rather have nothing than a gift which blatantly says I couldn't care less.