D
ear Sara:

What are your thoughts on giving secondhand gifts? I see many things my friends and family would like at thrift stores and I’m tempted to give some as gifts, but I’m afraid I’ll appear tacky or cheap. — Paula H., New York

Dear Paula:

It depends on what you’re giving and the person to whom you’re giving the gift. I give secondhand gifts to my immediate family because I know they will enjoy them just the same as brand-new gifts. Sometimes, I couple a secondhand gift with something new. You have to have the same thoughtful consideration when giving gifts, whether they’re secondhand, discounted or expensive. Ask your friends and family their thoughts on it or suggest a secondhand gift exchange.

It’s also helpful to know if they collect anything. Collectors and hobbyists tend to appreciate older items. If you’re buying an older item from a thrift store, estate sale, flea market or antique shop, how would anyone know from which place you actually bought the gift or for what price? And if the item is purchased at a secondhand store, but it’s new and still packaged, they wouldn’t know at all. Keep their hobbies, interests, needs or wants in mind, no matter where you shop.

Dear Sara:

I want to place a mat under the cat litter box, but the ones from the pet shop are too expensive! Do you have any suggestions? — Linda V., email

Dear Linda:

You can use the lid from a box of printer paper. Used car mats or a boot mat will work, too. Another option is using a hooded litter box. Rather than buy one that can run upwards of $30, you can wait for a sale, buy a plastic tote and cut a door entry into it with a utility blade.

Dear Sara:

The good news? We are finally moving out of our fifth wheel trailer. The bad news? We have very little furniture. We have a queen-size mattress (no bed frame) and some odds and ends such as a desk, folding table and lawn chairs. Do you have any cheap or free furniture ideas? — Dawn, forums

Dear Dawn:

Craigslist and Freecycle can be great for furniture, so keep checking them for deals. Don’t overlook your local newspaper’s classified ads, Kijiji.com, FreeSharing.org, SharingIsGiving.org, ReUseItNetwork.org, garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores, too. For example, last week, I found a commercial-grade computer desk for my kids (it offers enough space for both a desktop computer and a laptop) at the thrift store for $25. It would retail for at least $300.

If you’re handy, search online or at the library for furniture plans in books and on DVD. Lowe’s has a platform bed plan available online at
lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Platform_Bed_0908.aspx.

You can also look for furniture that serves two purposes, such as a futon or a sleeper sofa. Be sure to put out the word to friends and family, too.

photo by Orin Zebest







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