Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

If I bought your child a book from a charity shop...

58 replies

Turniptracker · 11/12/2021 07:34

...would you think I'm a cheapskate or not want it? I always prefer to buy second hand, especially books and I found some wonderful Christmas books for my friends' children. But now I'm worried they will think I'm a cheapskate because they are secondhand? I don't have children myself so I don't know if this would offend some people

OP posts:
DownWhichOfLate · 11/12/2021 07:36

As long as they aren’t badly chewed or torn then it’s a great idea!

PinkWaferBiscuit · 11/12/2021 07:37

As long as it wasn't chewed, scribbled in or missing pages/flaps I honestly wouldn't care at all.

PurpleHydrangea1 · 11/12/2021 07:38

Not at all! Most of my kids books are either second hand or from the library.
My brother is getting books for my eldest for Christmas and I've encourages him to get second hand. i also ordered books for both from World of Books (she doesn't do online shopping herself) and I purposely bought Preloved. Most of my books are also second hand.

IWasHotInTheNineties · 11/12/2021 07:42

I would be pleased. It’s cheaper for you and better for the environment and makes some money for the charity shop.

Notdoingthis · 11/12/2021 07:43

I would be overjoyed at your sense. A book is a book. The story doesn't change if you feed consumerism. I have bought second hand books for relatives for Christmas. I couldn't see any sense in buying new.

Chakraleaf · 11/12/2021 07:45

I prefer 2nd hand if in good condition

DinosApple · 11/12/2021 07:48

If they are in good condition I'd be delighted! I buy second hand books for my DC's Christmas Eve boxes (they get a book and some hot chocolate).

I'd let my friends know I was trying to do an eco Christmas though.

PPCD · 11/12/2021 07:49

As long as it wasn't a David Walliams book, I'd be fine with that

DobbyTheHouseElk · 11/12/2021 07:52

Wouldn’t bother me. Happens all the time.

We went to a charity shop recently and my DC found a book they’d been asking for in hardback for £1.20 bargain. Plus another hardback they haven’t put down.

I love books and would save them all.

Original poster
Turniptracker · 11/12/2021 07:54

Oh good! I'm so pleased it wouldn't be an issue. Yes I will mention it as there is a crease in one of them. I found the most gorgeous pop up book but one of the pages had broken but I've managed to do a subtle DIY fix on it (very proud!) so it can still be enjoyed. Perhaps they can always regift if they don't want. Not a David Walliams book in sight!

OP posts:
Calendulaaaaa · 11/12/2021 08:05

Love second hand especially books. Agree no Walliams. Caught dd1 reading him last night. Expressed disapproval but generously allowed her to continue. So many great authors around! Never mind.

SamMil · 11/12/2021 08:05

We've had lots of second hand books from family & they're well loved here Smile

babyboyHarrison · 11/12/2021 08:07

The David Walliams comment made me laugh. I just took a load to the charity book shop. My oldest has outgrown them and I can't face the prospect of reading them to my daughter.

PrancerandDancer · 11/12/2021 08:08

I'd be very happy with this. I got my daughters friends second hand books for her party bags last year (before it got cancelled)

Was an easy and environmentally friendly way of doing party bags.

I've found some wonderful finds in the charity shops. Most my daughters books come from there

toolazytothinkofausername · 11/12/2021 08:14

@Chakraleaf

I prefer 2nd hand if in good condition
This. No need to buy new.
Calendulaaaaa · 11/12/2021 08:15

Ooh love that party bag idea!

Orangedaisy · 11/12/2021 08:17

Agreed we have tons from charity shops. I’ve previously given a stack of 5/6 books (all good condition) wrapped with a ribbon and the receiver was thrilled. Just makes sense, get way more for your money!

toolazytothinkofausername · 11/12/2021 08:18

But I have a SIL who HATES anything 2nd hand, which I think is very odd.

piglet81 · 11/12/2021 08:20

The only issue is that the author gets nothing from secondhand sales.

saraclara · 11/12/2021 08:20

I'd think it was fine, but I second the idea of somehow labelling it as an eco gift.

I'm afraid I do know the odd person who'd do a double take at being given something second-hand, so just a little nod to the reason behind it like a " Happy eco friendly Christmas!" label would fend off any confusion.

gogohm · 11/12/2021 08:44

In good condition I would have no issues at all, might not even notice. They are 49p at the shop I work at, I bought 5 books for my niece and posted them to her rather than 1 book from even a cheap book shop

Foolsrule · 11/12/2021 08:59

I’d buy second hand for myself and my children but never for a gift, unless it was something big like a bike.

Zampa · 11/12/2021 09:03

For Christmas, I'm giving my nephew a trilogy of books, all in good secondhand condition. It's £27 worth of books for £13. They look new though and I wouldn't be giving him them if they looked dog-eared or damaged.

Dizzybrunette445 · 11/12/2021 09:07

Id love it !
I love second hand for my little one, provided it's not wrecked lol!
I always get his clothes second hand too (great condition) I get so much for little money, who wants to waste money these days?

Algebraicyourleg · 11/12/2021 09:09

We have a St Catherine’s hospice book shop near us. 80p a book for adults books (not inc hardback) and different for childrens (Mr Men for 20p) and every year I take my Grandfather and buy him 10-20 books (fast reader and staying for 10days) and then donate them back once he has gone back home. It’s all gift aided too and everyone is happy! I think it’s a great idea.