A secondhand gifts ONLY Christmas

[SweetRascal]

For cost and the environment, I've decided to do a secondhand gifts only Christmas, with the obvious exception of food items.

But some people can be a bit funny about things that aren't new. I'm wondering what some members of my family will really think (although I'm sure they'll be polite and gracious).

I look carefully round charity shops, boot sales and Facebook marketplace. I wouldn't buy just anything but love a spontaneous find that I think someone would like.

My children couldn't care less if something is new but adults can be a bit different. Having said that, I'm still going to do secondhand only despite what they may think. It will save money and I feel like it's one way forward for the environment.

However, I am interested what people think about this?

@Flooper Nope. No poverty, thankfully. I’m just making sure my family have the same standards I’ve always had.

I don’t like vintage/antique as I find it ugly so why would I have it? I see no point in second hand when I can buy new.

@carefulcalculator Lots of people, and yes they affect me. They may not have anything to do with you, but thankfully recycling has nothing to do with me.

My family always do this. Decent gifts for the kids and a secret Santa from a charity shop for the adults. We then implement a keep or swap scheme which is hilarious. There’s always something either everyone or no one wants. Lots get sent back to the charity shop in the new year (or kept to regift the year after) so the charity wins twice.

it’s the tradition and the fun of it that matters - we don’t need gifts in reality.

@YellowTreeHouse

Your behaviour is not socially responsible, you are possibly just a wilful cotrarian so have a and I shall not respond any further.

*contrarian

@carefulcalculator I don’t really care if you think my behaviour is “socially responsible” or not. It doesn’t impact my life in any way.

I think secondhand or local crafts is a good compromise.
I have bought lovely clothes from charity shops still with the labels and never worn.
I've also bought beautiful handmade gloves from a craft shop.
Secondhand books are always good if the recipient is local.

To be honest it will in a few years time, with your small addition to climate change.

That’s fine though as long as you never moan about it.

There really is no hope for some people. Plastic fantastic, fast fashion, everything new, no recycling, landfill.

I think the vast majority of society would judge these people very harshly and quite rightly too.

Well, no, socially irresponsible people generally claim not to care what others think of them, that is kind of the point

@YellowTreeHouse I bought 2 paperback books recently. I am curious if you can tell from the picture which one I bought new and which one secondhand.

I buy everything second hand or in charity shops myself but wouldn't generally do it for presents - unless it's beautiful antique things like a nice leather-bound book or a crystal decanter or something. But you have to know someone's taste quite well if you're going down that route!

Secret santa for adults this year, I have asked for vintage china. (Love the bone china plates etc). So one present each and hopefully people will look at charity/ homemade stuff, but not compulsory). I think that maybe an odd poster might just be winding us all up!!!😂

I often do this without thinking as we buy most things 2nd hand, wouldn't occur to me to warn people in advance. But for gifts I make sure what I've found is better than what I could afford new: cashmere, silk, luxury brands and designer labels, and I would get it online from specific shops. It's how you frame it to people, picking stuff up from your local charity shop is quite different to sourcing an antique item or collector's edition to suit that person's interest. Most people have hobbies or tastes that mean they'd love a 2nd hand version of something high quality to fit that hobby. I buy all my SLR camera lenses online 2nd hand from specialist shops but if someone said they were picking up gifts from charity shops I'd not have high hopes.

I acquired a HappyLand ebay addiction when the girls were little. Trying to find the unusual sets etc. loved it!! I loved winning the auctions as much as wethey loved playing with it!!

have fun 🎄

I find second hand adds so many more possibilities.

Furniture for example I've found some lovely pieces on Facebook. People downsizing have been a good source of lovely furniture. When we wanted two matching very large sideboards we were realistic about finding them secondhand and bought new though.

Buying second hand has also saved us a huge amount on furniture but that's mostly come secondary to the reality of finding things I like.

I don't like all matching furniture and really don't like flimsy cardboard like furniture.

2 of the best prices of furniture we have are 2 chest of drawers refurbished by a local business. They are lovely and the drawers run so smoothly. Another piece of furniture I have that is very old just has so much more character than you could ever get in a new piece. I take great pleasure in finding/ placing and living with lovely furniture that has history and does a good job.

I've given people worthy gifts in the past and often regretted it when I came to realise it was more about me than the recipient.
If your inlaws like new, buy new, unless you're 200 percent sure they're going to live y what you get them.

I'd rather get a box of chocolates or cookies than a second hand gift. I don't like other people's used stuff.

I think it's great. Practically all my kids' Christmas presents are second hand. I don't really tend to buy adult ones these days but I would have no issue with receiving a second hand present.

If the thought had gone into what people would like I'd be delighted if you gave me something I'd like/which was useful at higher quality than retail full price.

I am fully supportive of this, currently wearing a black cashmere skirt bought secondhand for £6 perfect condition!

It would very much depend what it is. A lovely piece of jewellery? Why not. But I don’t need or want bric-a-brac.
so if you see something that you know someone will like - sure. Going through all the charity shops and picking from what is there for the sake of it - no thank you, it’s the same as people wanting to offload their stuff onto others to feel good.

I am delighted with antique jewelry, furniture and art. I also love antiquarian books.
I would be much less thrilled with a charity shop pj set if I'm being honest.

I'd rather no adult gifts. I've received some great second hand gifts from people who know me well so I'm not against second hand. I'm against compulsory gifts - i.e. Christmas, birthdays, etc

I'd rather have a bunch of flowers, or a handful of bulbs, or nothing at all.

We don't really do Christmas presents here but secondhand gifts are the norm. Books are the most popular.

I found a beautiful and warm jumper recently so have washed it and given it to DH to stash away for my birthday.

I have bought items from charity shop that are brand new and untouched , but I wouldn't give anything that looked used or tatty in any way.

DD wants an expensive camera for Christmas, I have been offered one for £100 that cost £300 new, and I have discussed with her about buying it and whether she is happy to have a 2nd hand item for a Christmas present.

One friend gave DD a load of her kids Lego Friends stuff one year, around 5-6 sets that would have cost a fortune new. We very much appreciated it.