Nothing should stop you from giving a used gift, whether it's because you want to help the environment or you just want to save money. But is it okay to give gifts that have been used before?
When it comes to giving gifts, it is the thought behind them that is most important. When you give someone a gift, you want to show that you care about and appreciate them, whether it's their birthday, Christmas, or Mother's Day. So, it really doesn't matter if the gift is brand new or already owned.
In fact, a gift from a thrift store might be even more thoughtful than one from a store. It often takes a lot of work to find the perfect gift, but most of the time you'll find something truly unique.
Is it okay to give things that have been used before?
Let's look at why people give pre-owned gifts and see if there are ever times when it would be better to buy something brand new. (Spoiler alert: That doesn't happen very often!)
Pros of giving things that have already been used
First, let's get something straight: "second hand" doesn't mean "bad quality." Even though antiques, collectibles, and vintage items are called "second hand," they are often worth more than what we call "used."
It could be because the word "used" makes it clear that the item has already been used by someone else, which could make some people hesitant. To get around this idea, we can call them used or preloved things instead.
(Remember that when you buy a used house or car, it's the same as when you buy any other used thing!)
There are many good things about giving used gifts. Let's look into a few of them.
A really unique present
When you choose something that has been around for a while, it has charm. Buying something old makes it less likely that the gift receiver already has it. In essence, the thing is truly unique.
Clothing, home goods, and items from the past make great second-hand gifts. Most of the time, you can find something that fits the recipient's tastes perfectly and that they wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else.
Often, antique and vintage items are made of high-quality materials that are hard to find in modern items. This makes them long-lasting, sturdy, and luxurious.
Spending less
Buying a preloved gift is a great way to save money, whether you choose an antique or something more modern. It's a great way to save money on holiday costs (like Christmas) and make the holiday season less stressful financially.
It's important to keep in mind that no one should go into debt to buy gifts for their family and friends. Chances are, your family and friends would agree, and they wouldn't want you to add to your debt or financial stress just to buy them a gift.
Keep in mind that if you don't have much money, it's okay to suggest a gift option. For example, why not bake a party cake for your friend instead?
Taking care of the world
When you buy something that has already been used, you are getting something that already exists. No extra energy or materials are needed to make it again. You are keeping the item from going to a landfill and cutting down on the need for new goods in stores.
If you already buy used things for personal, environmental, and moral reasons, there's no reason why the way you give gifts shouldn't also reflect these values and fit in with your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Used gifts: What an Instagram poll shows
Let me tell you what I learned from a recent Instagram poll I ran. I asked my fans what they thought about giving pre-owned gifts. Out of 122 people who took part, 93 liked the idea of giving used gifts and 29 did not.
I asked the people who answered to explain any rules they follow when giving gifts that are already used. Here are some of the things they said:
"I'm willing to give away books that I've already read. But I probably wouldn't give away used clothes unless they still had their tags.
"Why not? As long as the person receiving it likes it and it's in good condition, why not?"
"If the person doesn't buy pre-owned items themselves, I only give them brand-new items with tags, books, or home goods."
"I only give gifts that are new or still in their packaging. Also, it's important to know that the person who will get it will like it!"
"My rule is that I only buy used things that are collectibles that can't be bought new."
Lastly, here's a funny story... "Once, my ex-sister-in-law gave me chocolates with a tag saying they were first given to her!"
As these answers show, people have different ideas about giving used gifts. If you aren't sure what you want, it might be best to stick to items that are brand new with tags, sealed, or in perfect shape.
How to Give Gifts That Have Already Been Given
In reality, there are no hard and fast rules about giving pre-owned gifts, but there are a few rules you may want to follow or think about before getting started.
Is the thing in good shape?
Does the person who gets the gift often buy used things for themselves?
Would you be happy if you got the article as a gift?
Could you ask the person for whom the gift is meant if they would be okay with a used Christmas/birthday/occasion gift this year?
Is it just the right size? (Remember that it may not always be possible to return used things, and the person who got it may not be able to exchange it!)
These rules aren't set in stone, but they might help you feel more safe giving your loved ones used gifts. Remember that "second hand" doesn't mean "bad."
If the person you're giving the gift to doesn't usually buy used items, and you know they might spend more on a brand-new gift for you, you might want to think twice about giving them used items. If you still want to give a used gift, look for something that is still in its original box or has tags still on it.
Where can I find used gifts?
It's easier than you think to find gifts that have already been used. There are a lot of places to look for used gifts, like thrift stores, antique shops, and online sites like eBay, Depop, and Vinted.
Goodwill shops
No longer do thrift stores have to be messy and hard to find things in. Many thrift stores have become trendy boutiques where you can find brand items, gently used treasures, and cute books, home decor, and accessories.
No matter where you live, you can find secret gems on every main street. If you live in London, you might want to check out these guides to the city's largest thrift shops and best thrift store trips.
Online shopping for used things
Preloved is another website where you can buy used furniture, jewelry, and other things for your home.
Etsy is a great place to look for unique vintage home furniture, clothes, jewelry, and other items. Etsy lets shop owners from all over the world connect with each other, creating a global network of used goods that can be bought with just a few clicks and slightly higher shipping costs. On Etsy, it's almost impossible not to find something interesting.
eBay
With eBay's easy-to-use app, shopping online is a breeze. The app has a "saved searches" alert function that sends you an email when a new item on the site matches your search criteria.
Vinted and Depop
Both Depop and Vinted offer gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories to people who like fashion. There is also a small range of home decor at Vinted. On these sites, you can often find clothes from the current season at a discount, as well as cool vintage pieces.
Is it okay to give unwanted gifts to other people?
Absolutely! If you get a gift that you don't really like, there's no harm in giving it to someone else who might like it more. Just make sure you're sure the new person will like it, and don't lose track of who gave it to you in the first place!
If you can't think of anyone who would love the gift, you could give it to a food bank during the holidays (many of them accept gifts), or you could donate it to a charity shop or raffle to make sure it goes to a good place.
Best methods for giving gifts that have been used
We need to change how we think about things that have been used before. Even if something has been used before, that doesn't mean it's no longer valuable. In fact, giving second-hand things as gifts can make them even more unique and special.
Do something. If you want to give mostly used gifts this year, time will be your friend. Planning ahead lets you find the best gifts for your family and friends. Used things don't always work well for last-minute shopping.
Try new things. Does the jewelry store you like best have an area for used or old jewelry? You might find a beautiful piece for a very low price. Check out this post about used engagement rings for some ideas.
Get your friends to give each other used gifts. If you're new to this idea, telling your friends about it can help normalize it and make it a common practice. So, they won't be surprised when you give them a used gift!
Check the grade of things before you buy them
Don't forget about places to shop online like Depop, eBay, and Vinted. Also, check out sites like Gumtree, Shpock, and Facebook Marketplace for bigger or more specific things like furniture, games, and children's toys.
