Just one second hand thing...

[tinselvestsparklepants]

Just bought my first Christmas present today, 2nd hand on Ebay. I idly wondered if it would be possible for as many people as possible to commit to buying even just ONE second hand Christmas present. I'm not trying to be preachy or holier than thou, but just one second hand gift each could start to make an environmental difference without anyone missing out.

I know some people will bash this idea and that's fine, but for those of you who might consider it please be emboldened by the growing number of people who'd actively appreciate being given something that isn't brand new. And if it's charity shop it's double win, right?

So far everything the DCs are getting for Christmas is second hand - mix of charity shops, eBay and a jumble sale I popped into on a whim.

I’ve taken to outright saying to anybody who asks about presents that we’d prefer second hand if possible as we’re trying to be greener.

Also means you get much better presents for your budget - even my 4 year old knows he’s best off taking his pocket money to the charity shop.

I got loads from eBay and charity shops last year and I'll do it again this year!

I bought a great wooden castle from a charity shop, it's lovely and a fraction of the price it would be new.

My friend has asked me to make her bunting for christmas. I don't have a sewing machine though so I'm going to do a mini tapestry for her instead and make the bunting for her birthday when I have a sewing machine.

I've just bought my dd aged 8, Woody and Jessie talking dolls on ebay. Too expensive brand new!

I buy most of my children’s toys second hand on Facebook. So much cheaper!

I buy a lot second hand, video games especially are a great bargain.

Already this year I've bought a barely used board game for half the price new and a discontinued lego minecraft set which is super rare for less than £20. Its new in its box and i can only assume the seller didnt realise actually how much it is worth.

We also buy a lot of presents 2nd hand. So far I’ve got several birthday / Christmas presents hidden away that were either from fb selling groups of charity shops

Lots of my children’s gifts are second hand every year..books, board games, clothes etc. My 19 year old son doesn’t mind second hand clothing either.

We already buy some second hand, DC generally wouldn't notice and even if they did they don't care, and I love receiving second hand stuff! So far this year we have 4 games, a book and a beautiful vintage scarf (for mil, but if I look at it any more it might end up being mine!!)

I’ve bought DS some Hex Bugs and the stuff they run around on from a Facebook selling page. Also tried to get a second hand but still with tags onesie but she sold to someone else

We play a game every Boxing Day that’s essentially Secret Santa. The rules are though that the gift MUST come from a charity shop. It’s a great game and trying to find the present is all the more challenging/funny because of it.

I buy most stuff 2nd hand. All our clothes except for underwear, most Christmas presents, all furniture.

I don't buy wrapping paper any more ( the kids are old enough now not to care about ripping out open)
I 'wrap' in new pairs of socks and cut up old sheets and duvet covers.
Old pillow cases are really useful, tied with ribbon at the top.
It makes wrapping much easier! And I just use it all again the next year.
The children have always had a £10 charity challenge. They have £10 to spend in a charity shop for me and DH's presents

My youngest ds is getting a 2nd hand playmobile set . I try to buy as much pre loved toys or clothes as possible either from eBay charity shop or fb

Oh and when we are done with our stuff I either donate to charity or sell it on again

We've bought a few secondhand books.

I love the pillow case gift bags! I wrap DH's presents in old maps / newspaper. He prefers it and it looks lovely with red ribbons. With the in laws we have a desperate race to give back last years' gift bags....it's become quite a tradition but they are sneaky and I always lose.

Dc had small second hand birthday gifts this year alongside new.

My boys love Lego and have realised that second-hand Lego = those big sets they'd never get otherwise. So since age 6 their big present has been Lego from Ebay (also stocking fillers - when it turned out ds only wanted the £200 Ewok tree house for the figures, I got the figures for a fiver each).

Since I first met DH, he's bought me second hand books so it's a tradition. I get my parents a couple new paperbacks each year but also a couple second hand books. Sometimes some handmade soap, but that's it now my dad doesn't need ties and they have money to buy whatever they want.

I also get lots of books from posh charity shops as stocking fillers for the kids, with reviews from elves! And some DVDs for me and DH. Don't really get presents for others, except wine or chocolates, though this year lots of people will be getting spirits from my MIL's house as she has passed away, in addition.

So far the presents I've brought second hand are a fur real Chewbacca it cost less than half price and was still in the original packaging, some books, some video games and a couple of dvds, a few board games one is no longer made but is like new. I'm happy to receive second hand and don't see any issue with gifting second hand gifts as long as I know the recipient is happy with that

I wouldn't give anyone a second hand gift but for myself I do buy from charity shops if I see anything I like, books, handbags, jewellery.

I do also buy vintage pieces of sterling silver for a collector in the family and vintage jewellery for myself, Etsy has some amazing secondhand jewellery.

Ive got 3 so far, my first duplo train and a puzzle from an nct sale and a trike from Facebook

I'm giving my nephews grown out of toy kitchen a lick of paint and some new handles, and sending it to Santa got my 2 year old.....

Just had a very satisfying eBay shop - all DH's Christmas list list found as per-owned items. Eying up a winter coat for me but I probably don't need it...!