Gifting things I already own- am I being cheap?

[madamedesevigne]

I have a friend who has similar taste to me. I’ve read a really good book that I think she would enjoy, and own a copy. I’m never likely to read it again and it’s in very good condition. Would I be unreasonable to give it to her for Christmas wrapped up instead of buying another new copy?

@Thisismyusernamefornow

We should all be regifting tbh. It sounds like it's perfect for your friend. I don't see why it's a problem.

Exactly. Very eco-friendly. Few people need more "stuff." I'd be happy to receive a loved paperback as a gift.

@VinylDetective

Absolutely fine. Someone I’m buying for has given me a list of books he wants. He’s a real eco warrior so I’ve ordered all of them second hand from Amazon. It will add to his pleasure that they’re not new.

Thank you. It's nice to hear about people with sensible priorities.

@Othering

I would be very much miffed if I got a used item as a gift. To me, that is not a gift. I will openly admit though that im a right spoilt brat about presents!

Why so smug about that? What an unflattering admission given the state of the planet.

@madamedesevigne

Damn! OK then, I won’t do it. I got it as part of a gift subscription box, so I can arrange for her to receive the same gift subscription box (with new copy of book inside) and then send the chocolate and stuff for her son separately. And then give my copy to somebody else.

No! Don't be swayed by shallow people!

Write her a note inside the cover and Christmas 2020, and mail it off.

@WouldstrokeTomHardy

I would be very happy that you had thought about what I enjoy. The fact you've read it first is a non issue to me but I'm so not grabby.

Exactly. The "miffed" need to re-examine their values and priorities.

If I didn’t have money to buy her a gift, yes, otherwise no. Give her the book and buy a present

Nothing wrong with giving second-hand gifts, especially if it's one of several in a package. In fact, it's quite a green thing to do, not wasting paper buying another one when you don't need to!

Re gifting is fine with me. its just recycling anyway. As long as it is in new condition I don't see a problem. If you're ever asked about it, "I was going to buy you one, but as I had one already it seemed a good idea".

@jillybeanclevertips

Re gifting is fine with me. its just recycling anyway. As long as it is in new condition I don't see a problem. If you're ever asked about it, "I was going to buy you one, but as I had one already it seemed a good idea".

If you didn't want it then why would someone else?

I dont get this stuff at all costs mentality.

Give something personal or dont bother.

Generic gift giving is just pointless. Say you dont give a shit and as we see for these threads upsets people.

It wasn't good enough for me but is fine for you (ie you are worth less than me)

I hoped that we all learned something this year during lockdown- about the little things making a difference- recycling-sharing things- valuing each other as people- but no the consumerism crap is all back.

I would put it in the care package with something else as the gift. Put a note saying that you read it and enjoyed it and thought she might too.

@hulahooper2

I would just give her it to read and still buy a present

I would do this too. Nothing wrong with handing on books you've read to family and friends, but I wouldn't do it as a wrapped gift. I did give my husband a secondhand book once, but it was an out of print book relevant to his family history.

I've always bought and read used books, but I would feel odd about receiving a used book as a Christmas or birthday present.

This post is depressing. No wonder so much rubbish goes to landfill.

If the book is THAT good then acknowledge the author's effort and buy another copy!

I pass books on to friends all the time and receive them too. I find it hard to buy new books for others because I want them for myself, but then pass it on afterwards.

If anyone bought me a book I would ask if they wanted to borrow it afterwards!

Send it to her alongside the other stuff. Explain "I read this, thought you would enjoy it too".

@comedycentral

This post is depressing. No wonder so much rubbish goes to landfill.

Is anyone saying that they wouldn't read or give second hand books? I don't think so. I read second hand books and gift books to charity shops all the time. I just wouldn't give one as a wrapped gift for Christmas or birthdays. No need for the depression.

I would be perfectly happy with a book someone had already read. Regifting of crappy toiletry sets or things that you don't want and they probably won't either, not so much. Much rather a good second hand present than something new for the sake of it. I really don't care how much was spent.

I would love this - I’d appreciate that you had thought of me while reading the book, and I’d be touched that you’d sent me your own copy.

On its own, a bit cheap. But as part of a care package of gifts it's fine.

I would reflect the price of a used book when I'm totting it up.

Great idea - thoughtful and good for the environment too.

Regifting something new/unused - not an issue
Gifting something you've finished with - cheap and obvious. Looking forward to the thread your friend write (AIBU, friend gave me a used book for xmas?).

Just give her the book; then go and find her a present.

I have just sent my dsis a parcel: two new books - wrapped. two used books - unwrapped.

@IrmaFayLear

I have just sent my dsis a parcel: two new books - wrapped. two used books - unwrapped.

That's what I would do too.