yard sale christmas gifts

**miss_thrifty** · 07-06-2006, 12:22 AM

Some people are finding tacky in my inlaws that i bought last year for all of us thrift shop clohes and yard sale finds to help out for christmas gifts for ourselfs.
I told MIL today"it's not the price really or the object its that I gave what I can afford and I bring my kids up with a better reality of life"
She will be getting home made gifts, and hopfully somethings from yard sales( like old wreaths turned into new ones, and crafts that she likes).
What would u do and what do u think about recycling yard sale gifts for xmas gifts. I think making sure its good quality clothes and buying used game cube games is a good thing.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/010709f.cfm

**danni** · 07-06-2006, 10:02 AM

I bought alot of our christmas stuff last year at yard sales and thrift shops. If it is someting the person would really like what does it matter. I say that if it is used and still in good shape at least it will last through my kids.

**PrairieRose** · 07-06-2006, 10:25 AM

I don't have a problem giving 2nd hand things for gifts. Esp. if they are in tip top condition (that's the only way I would anyway). I would just never let on that it's not new.

I never discuss it and noone ever asks.

**miss_thrifty** · 07-06-2006, 10:44 AM

thanks, MIl found out when she looked at the clothes after christmas and realized they were not mint condition. Best i could do at the time. Oh well, she'll have to lump it. lol

**i.m.cheap** · 07-06-2006, 11:04 AM

I don't think I would give used clothes as gifts, but I have given used books or DVDs, game cartridges, etc. if they were in "like new" condition. We buy used clothes for ourselves, but when it comes to Christmas, if I give dd clothes, they were purchased new (probably at 50-75% off, but still new

)

**Daisygirl** · 07-30-2006, 05:02 PM

I think anyone who would criticize where a gift came one sounds pretty darned ungrateful. If you look for a gift for someone and buy it with love in your heart, or make it, or acquire it some other way, who really cares, as long as you are being thoughtful. You are probably nicer than me, cause I would have a lot of trouble buying a gift for that person again.

We do a lot of used and homemade gifts at our house, and no one has ever expressed anything but joy and gratitude!

**dwallyfam** · 07-30-2006, 07:10 PM

It is the thought, not the gift that counts.

Kellie

**wendy** · 07-30-2006, 07:25 PM

I've found stuff in yard sales that were never taken out of the box, so I wrapped 'em up in gift paper and gave them as gifts. As a matter of fact, it's a great idea to find baby gifts at yard sales. A lot of people get too much and sell it in a yard sale. I've given baby shower gifts this way.

Also, in the early spring when yard sales first start up, people will sell what they got for christmas. Some of this stuff has never been open.

My mom says "If people don't care enough about the gift they get that they will sell it in a yard sale, then who cares what you give to someone. They just want something to unwrap."

Last Christmas she gave my husband a "Guess" wallet and someone else a tommy hilfiger watch. She paid less than five dollars for both of them and they were still in the boxes.

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 07-30-2006, 07:34 PM

i would never give used thigns for gifts, but thats just my own opinion. now i have been at a yard sale that has things new with tags, then i would give that as a gift. i personally think its tacky, but like i said its my own opinion. it takes all kinds of people to make the world!!!

**inneedofhope** · 07-30-2006, 07:51 PM

I would rather someone not break the budget to get me something I probably don't need. I think if your choosy about what you pick, it really doesn't matter if its used. besides, it does help the environment. Before I got on the bandwagon of frugality, I was a little miffed at the used gifts my friend bestowed upon me at my baby shower. I used that stuff more than the stuff that was bought! There were some really neat baby garments in there that were made differently than the store bought stuff. I've gotten over myself and can happily appreciate any gift, new or used.

**Michelle** · 07-31-2006, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by chryslergirl

I think anyone who would criticize where a gift came one sounds pretty darned ungrateful. If you look for a gift for someone and buy it with love in your heart, or make it, or acquire it some other way, who really cares, as long as you are being thoughtful. You are probably nicer than me, cause I would have a lot of trouble buying a gift for that person again.

We do a lot of used and homemade gifts at our house, and no one has ever expressed anything but joy and gratitude!

Well said.

**3pups** · 07-31-2006, 08:14 AM

I love to see what kind of deals I can get on the internet, yard sales, thrift stores, etc. Our whole family does that for some things. I always tell them if they're going to get me something, to check the internet first. This is mostly becuase I don't care if it's used and it saves a lot of money. It's almost tradition to buy things on ebay.

Now I've never bought used clothes for a present, but I have gotten some great end of season finds that I've given. This year I'm trying to make some items. It saves money, and keeps me from being bored. I can be as creative as I want.

**kabin63** · 07-31-2006, 11:34 AM

I have never given used clothes for gifts, not because I didn't think they would find it tacky, but out of guilt. Then I have watched Oprah this last season and figured she hit the nail right on the head. People struggle with feeling that they are not good enough, so they buy all these NEW things to make themselves feel better. I know this doesn't apply to everyone, some people are just plain selfish, but I know she hit it for me. With that being said, DH and I have given recycled items for Christmas. He took crate wood and made ottomans and foot stools for family memebers. We stained and upholstered them too. The upholstery material my SIL gave me when she stopped doing that, DH already had stain. The only cost to us was the foam for padding, trim and tacks. Cost us less than $60 for the whole family, 10 people all together. You know what? Those were the most well received presents we ever gave. So, I guess you just have to do what what you can do and hope that people will receive it well. It really is the thought that counts.

**Sara Noel** · 07-31-2006, 12:06 PM

I have given my kids thrift store items for holidays. They love them just the same.

**bumplett** · 07-31-2006, 12:09 PM

As long as the tags were on it, or it's still new in the box, I would give it as a gift. I will also re-gift items that I didn't need (from the year before)

This x-mas will be a tricky one for us, I'm trying to think of "homemade" gifts that will still be useful.

I will give "used" items to my kids/hubby, because they don't really care, as long as it's in good shape (otherwise, I wouldn't buy it in the first place)

JMHO