(Scurzuzu)
Tacky, incompetent regifting is one thing, but Mrs. Money over at the Ultimate Money Blog raises another question: when is it appropriate to give people gifts that you’ve purchased at a thrift or consignment store?
It then hit me: is it acceptable to purchase thrifted Christmas gifts for others? Just because I’m all about used clothing doesn’t necessarily mean other people are. I know that my friend bought her daughter (who will be 3 in January) clothes off eBay awhile back, but for Christmas? Is it really tacky to buy used?
Are some things more acceptable than others to give used–for example, an antique plate as opposed to a slightly worn sweater> Is it different for children as opposed to adults?
Are Thrifted Gifts Acceptable? [Ultimate Money Blog]
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That’s….a pretty limited questionnaire.
I’ve bought my mom stuff from a thrift store for a Christmas present, but it was either Aynsley teacups or Spode china. So, yes, I’ve done it, but it depends on the item. Probably not a sweater or underwear. OTOH, for years I bought most of my clothing from Goodwill, Amvets or the Salvation Army — so, if you can find a great vintage coat or hat for me, I’ll be happy. Personally, I’d rather recycle than buy something new. But it is really a situation where one needs to know the recipient and their tastes.
Of course it is if it’s the right items for the right person. I love vintage clothes amd decor for example so I’d love soem thrift store stuff that fits my style. Antiques of course are cool, or an item the recipient collects, young people just getting started in a first place can always use gently used furniture. etc.
Absolutely!
Gift Giving is supposed to be a way of saying “I was thinking about you when I saw this”, not about “how much can I spend on you”. I’d even much rather have a HANDMADE gift than a storebought one, because I know that person was thinking of ME when they made it (the entire TIME they were making it, in fact) — no just the 10 minutes it takes to log onto Amazon, have something drop-shipped and say “OK, my shopping is all done!”
Now granted, I probably wouldn’t buy something at a THRIFT store as a gift, but used in general? From like Craigslist, or a pawn shop, or something along those lines? Yes, yes I would. And have. Especially for things like electronics and/or jewelery.
For instance, last year – a brand new Wii, in the box, with 7 games, 4 controllers, a Wii Fit and 2 Guitar Hero guitars (with receipts for everything); $400 off Craiglist. Do you think my children care if it was “Used”? heck no.
Maybe it’s frugal, maybe I’m cheap – But I’m certainly not above saving money.
Depends on what you buy. There are occasionally new items at these stores as well as collectibles. If you can find something in these two categories, shop there.
My mom asked for a very specific kind of pyrex pot- much too specific, as it seems like they don’t make them that way right now. After checking eight different stores and the internet, and asking her again what characteristics it needed to have, i went to Goodwill. Bingo! I’m also giving her something new that’s *almost* what she wanted (I wouldn’t feel comfortable giving her only something from goodwill, especially since it’s not in mint condition) but i think she’ll be pleased to have the goodwill one. (If not, I’m including the gift receipt and being frank about where i found it. She knows i looked everywhere.)
If it is what the person wants, what’s the difference between a thrift store and eBay? Both sell mostly used goods, but somehow paying less makes it less of a gift?
Disclaimer: My family no longer operates a thrift store so there is no economic incentive for my post.
I wouldn’t get my boyfriend’s parents something from Goodwill, but thankfully my friends and I see the benefit of keeping things out of dumpsters & cutting down on consumerism. So yes, I would find it acceptable to buy used items for some people. 50 desses, weird painting, & 80s pocketbooks! The last pocketbook I bought from Goodwill still had Parkinson’s meds in it.
“Only if the items are brand-new *or* certain types of non-clothing (LPs, video games, collectibles, antiques, vintage goods, etc.).”
That’s the option I’d choose if it was in the poll.
I’ve given items I found at antique stores to friends and they’ve loved them – why shouldn’t I get something at a thrift store that’s the same type of thing? I wouldn’t go for clothes though, unless I knew the person collected vintage, or likes vintage fabric that can be remade, Andie in “Pretty in Pink” style.
I would gladly accept a twenty-five cent paperback from the DI over those generic $20 gift sets I always get that I’ll never use anyway…
As to it being acceptable, I think that would depend on the quality of the item and the tastes of the gift receiver. The old 1993 corporate softball tee with half the letters missing, no. The designer coat that looks like it’s never been worn, absolutely.
I’m amazed by the snob factor I’m seeing here, but I guess it’s common enough. See, I used to live in a quintessential California surf town, where you could find awesome vintage surf tees at the thrift stores. Knowing my friend liked this kind of thing, I scored a handful of them for her – but they weren’t good enough for her, I guess. No, she preferred to buy the EXACT SAME thing from eBay, and spend twice as much, plus shipping. Go figure. I had to laugh, especially knowing that I have yet another friend who combs the thrift stores for this stuff, and then sells it on eBay. I don’t generally give clothes as gifts anyway, but I label hunt at the thrift stores, where I’ve found Patagonia, Armani, North Face, Mountain Hardware, and a whole lot more – all in perfect condition, for a fraction of the cost. Cashmere? Yup. Virgin wool? Yup. Organic cotton? Yup. Goretex? Yup. Linen? Yup. Sure, there’s tacky polyester crap there too, (which I won’t wear) but it’s still cheaper than the tacky polyester crap you find at Ross…
Baby stuff can be hardly used or brand new. You cand find and reporpose things if you’re creative. Sometimes you can find an antique or collectable. Or you can buy a ton of something someone really likes for less, like 100 paperback books. Depends on the situation. I wouldn’t give adults used clothes but you can find someting unique or interesting an The Olde Curiositie Shoppe.