Comments on: Frugal Gift Giving

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:57:22 +0000

Our family is talking about making this a theme for giftgiving next year. Fine with me! My wardrobe is 99% second hand and my bookshelves too. We found a high-end board game for my hubby for his birthday second hand at a fraction of the cost. Craigslist, Ebay, and Goodwill, here we come! My only concern is baby toys. Ugh. I do not trust plastics and synthetic materials. I may respectfully ask that other than books or wooden toys, if they do not know the materials that they don’t buy toys for our little one. As for others, I think sometimes used items can be a walk down memory lane (such as a book from childhood or an old movie or game) or possibly antique looking. It would be a fun challenge.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:33:32 +0000

I buy second hand books too! My hubby and kids don’t mind! For my oldest son’s first Christmas, I believe everything he received from us were hand-me-downs from his cousins. My younger son’s birthday was this week, and he told me about a used video game he wanted from Game Stop. So I went out and got it for him! If it’s clean and in decent condition, who cares! I like to see things recycled!

By: emily

emily — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:17:49 +0000

We gave my MIL a book off of Paperback Swap one year along with instructions on how to set up a Paperback Swap account and the steps to go through to repost this book when she was finished and to post other books she didn’t want anymore. I know she enjoyed the book, but am not sure if she’s actually used the PBS idea…. this was a bit of a risky used gift b/c she is very into the newest, latest and greatest whatever is out there!

By: TGIF Round Up: Friday Fun Edition — Living Well on Less

TGIF Round Up: Friday Fun Edition — Living Well on Less — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:03:13 +0000

[...] The Happy Housewife has some great ideas for frugal gifts. [...]

By: Rebecca C

Rebecca C — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:30:22 +0000

I think second hand gifts are great. You can find many things that are just as good as new for much less if you look for them. Especially children’s clothing. My goal is to never buy a child’s coat new. Most coats (unless they go through 5 kids) are worn for an hour or so twice a day for a few months.

Of course for the family that is farther away and ‘picky’ (I refer some in-laws those that don’t have children yet and came from well off families) we stick with gift cards. We get them from credit card rewards, survey rewards, etc. I already have $40 in gas cards and 2 adult movie passes. If I actually start doing some more surveys we will take care of that side of the family well before we meet for Thanksgiving. I already have some ideas for other gifts, that while aren’t used, are very practical. But, if i find something at a yard sale of thrift shop, I have no problem giving that instead.

By: Vanderbilt Wife

Vanderbilt Wife — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:23:47 +0000

I’ve given used books from Paperbackswap quite often. As long as they are in postable condition, they’re almost always in good condition! They might not look brand new, but I don’t think anyone’s ever been bothered by it. I like a book that has some character. And most of the time, you’re only going to read it once–it doesn’t need to be pristine! I HATE buying brand-new books because of the expense.

I don’t at all mind receiving used items, but I don’t really know how to communicate that to others!

Jessie

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:38:56 +0000

I, like you, would much rather get something used. I would rather someone save money and pay as little as possible to get me a gift.

By: billie

billie — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:42:08 +0000

I so wish the stigma of giving a second hand gift would die already!! You can find awesome like new stuff at thrift shops, yard sales and ebay for pennies on the dollar.

I would way rather give and receive second hand stuff because it means if my budget is $25 for my mom, if I buy second hand it means she gets $50 worth of loot!

By: Helena

Helena — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:28:33 +0000

A lot of books I like are out of print, and thus are only available used. My siblings and parents are the same way. There’s an agreement between us all that used books (even if they *are* available new) are totally fine–even ex-library editions, because sometimes that’s all that’s available if a title is rare enough.

For my in-laws, something “vintage” or “antique” is fine, but other than that they seem to prefer new, so for them that’s what we do.

It doesn’t bother me at all to be given a secondhand/used gift, but it’s nice if the giver has given some thought to it, and not just bought it because it’s cheap.

By: Rhonda GreenBarron

Rhonda GreenBarron — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:29:53 +0000

I hardly buy tangible gifts anymore, period. Oh, it’s not as bad is that statement sounds…perhaps:-) I buy a lot of theatre and concert tickets, zoo and museum memberships and exhibitions, golf and sewing lessons. I even once paid for a college course for a relative. I just do not like selecting “stuff” for other people. I have very little (to no) fashion sense (or interest) and do not keep up with current fads/toys/trinkets/etc (no tv) and recognize my limitations! I do pay attention to what my friends and family like TO DO and go in that direction.

Receiving 2nd hand gifts wouldn’t bother me in the least. People don’t know what to buy someone who isn’t into “stuff” anyway.