secondhand christmas ???

**227melissa** · 07-06-2011, 08:58 PM

Just wanted everyone's opinion on gifting second hand items purchased in the thrift store, consignment, or yard sale. My DH and I started buying each other gifts from the thrift store a couple of years ago and it's a blast trying to find stuff, but my kids have always received new items. What do you think?

**Momto5RN** · 07-06-2011, 09:31 PM

i have gotten some things at thrifts - legos - matchboxes i put together into larger lots - american girl doll clothes- books etc suitcases i decopaged ( ? sp ) to me themed for what i put into it

used clothes not so much except a few themed neck ties for my boys who have to wear them to school / work .
new with tags on clothes yes .

something i can add to yes ( ie sports team themed coffee mugs i added choc dip pretzels to and wrapped )tea cups i made into pincusions

my thing with gifting is how much i will know they will like it and its something they are interested in or will use it/ as compared to how much it costs . i dont go over budget to make anyone happy but i am also not going to make them have a gift i know they arent interested in because its a good price.

to me gift giving is about the person recieving the gift not the person giving it .

i always tell people i would rather you give my child something from the dollar store or even a yard sale if its something they would really want or be interested in that something more $$ they wouldnt want / TBH same would go for me too

**mauimagic** · 07-06-2011, 10:19 PM

I've found many presents that way - see no problem with it at all!!

**Syn D** · 07-07-2011, 12:14 AM

I say there is nothing wrong with it as long as they don't look it..

My in-laws are notorious for giving second hand, the problem is, they really looked second hand, dirty, broken, smelly.. I'm just glad they don't buy for my kids anymore..

**l8eebugg** · 07-07-2011, 07:22 AM

I always look for stuff at garage sales, etc. I have two friends that collect dishes. One has birdhouses on them and is very hard to find. Think maybe they were a grocery store thing at one time. If I am lucky enough to see any I snatch them right up. She is always very excited if to recieve them. I also buy men's dress shirts in certain colors to use in my rag quilts and jeans that I cut up. None of my friends or family care that they are second-hand if is something they like and enjoy.

**l8eebugg** · 07-07-2011, 07:24 AM

Momto5RN--How do you make the teasup pincushions. This is a great idea!

Also want to make teacup bird-feeders for Christmas..anyone know how to attach to pole?

**nuisance26** · 07-07-2011, 09:21 AM

~If you start early you can find huge bargains on collectibles and new-with-tag items that would be wonderful gifts! My stores seem to be very junky the closer you get to December so start looking now before everything is picked over.
I just picked up new and sealed video games at Goodwill and a new-with-tags large beanie baby at a yard sale for $1 each.
Cheap to buy but won't look cheap to give!~

**Momto5RN** · 07-07-2011, 03:16 PM

https://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/...n-tutorial.htm

tea cup pincushions

**Maine Girl** · 07-07-2011, 04:55 PM

I have given many thirft store items for xmas
I see many New toys at thirft stores

Also Shopgoodwill has wonderful toy selection.

**krbshappy71** · 07-07-2011, 05:25 PM

I already have 2 items from Freecycle that are brand-new-unopened from Bath & Body Works, I am so stoked!!! Yes, I could have kept them for myself but I have someone in the family that is VERY particular so these are perfect!

I'm all about secondhand, I consider it a challenge to score items that appear brand new. Also, watch those Clearances! Last year my mom's entire Christmas gift was $12. Between the small items I bought on clearance, the grouping of those items into a basket that I already had, decorated with items I already had, it was a TA-DAAAAA present that she loved and it only cost me $12.

**shoiji** · 07-07-2011, 06:44 PM

I think it depends on what it is. Items that are in mint condition are fine. Since you and your husband enjoy this then I do not see a problem.

I do get a gift basket from someone every x-mas. I always thank her but usually do not keep some of the items since I know she will buy from the thrift store. I have a hard time using things like lotions from a thrift store. Also, she does not have a very discrimenating eye, have witnessed her buying really dirty things. But I know it is the thought that counts.

**joyofsix** · 07-07-2011, 08:03 PM

My kids gifts are almost always garage sale find OR toys that belonged to an older sib if the child is young enough.

**l8eebugg** · 07-07-2011, 08:30 PM

Momto5RN---these are so cute! I will be making some for friends for Christmas Thanks so much for sharing. Any more great ideas?

**bumplett** · 07-08-2011, 02:24 AM

I've found many gifts @ yard sales/thrift stores.

My MIL gave me a bread machine that she found @ a thrift store as a xmas gift. Funny thing was I saw it first & pointed it out, mentioned how I'd love to have one. She went back later & bought it.

I've bought her many a thrift gift, as well as my kids, hubby, etc.

There are some people that I will only give the gift to if it's new in packaging. Others don't care if it's not. Just depends on the person.