So, if you’re considering giving a used present, consider how the receiver will react to it. It’s probably alright if it’s your Aunt Louise, who gets half of her clothes from secondhand stores. However, for your cousin who would never be caught dead in a secondhand store, you should probably buy new.
The type of present might also make a difference. Some people, for example, despise the concept of wearing secondhand clothing but have no problem with buying old literature. Collectibles and anything that can be described as old or antique are also fantastic used gift ideas.
Even an antique will be unwelcome if it is in disrepair. So, while buying secondhand gifts, make sure they’re in good condition. A fair rule of thumb is that if you would not buy a comparable item for yourself, you should not offer it as a present.
Also, though it may seem obvious, wrapping one of your possessions and giving it as a gift is a big no-no. Anyone who has seen it in your home would recognize it as your old crap that you’re giving away. So, for example, if you want to give your cousin an old sweater that no longer fits you, that’s great, but don’t consider it a present.
Where to Find Secondhand Gifts
Some of the most successful gifts I’ve ever given were those I purchased secondhand.
There are two elements to finding excellent used gifts. To begin, you must know where to look. Second, you must be able to detect high-quality items.
The following are some of the most delicate areas to look at:
Thrift Shops Your neighborhood thrift store is a great place to look for clothing and household products. Books, CDs, and games are also available in some secondhand stores. My husband and I once paid $4 for a copy of a $36 board game that was still fresh in its original shrink wrap on a thrift store rack. Before buying a gift from a thrift store, be sure it’s in good shape. Check for dents, tears, stains, or missing buttons in difficult-to-find spots.
Secondhand bookstores. Used bookshops are a great place to find great deals for the book lover on your list. Derivative novels are frequently just as good as new — if not better. For example, these shops will occasionally sell strong hardcover novels for less than the price of new paperbacks. CDs and DVDs are also available in some used bookstores. Just keep an eye out for significant scratches on discs and flip through books to verify they’re not severely damaged or marred.
Sales at garages. Clothing, books, toys, and games for children can be found at garage sales. We’ve even discovered craft materials that were brand new and still in their original packaging.
eBay. One of the finest locations to shop for the collector on your list is the world’s largest online auction site. Its listings include all kinds of ancient and unique objects that you can’t just walk into a store and buy.
