Pre-loved gifts

[Devo1818]

I'm aiming to get my DC (DD6 and DS4), as much as possible, second hand gifts this year. Adults will be more challenging! I've made a start as it will require looking out for things online as they come up and scouring charity shops. Anyone else thinking similar? What have you found/are you looking for?

I think that’s fine for kids this age but not sure how many adults will want charity shop gifts? I’d rather get homemade jam, biscuits or truffles… or nothing at all if money is tight? Adults don’t really need gifts!

I always buy books secondhand. The kids don't notice and they generally look almost new. We buy alot of books so it makes sense to source most of them secondhand.

The tear before last I got dd1 a secondhand Sylvanian house with tons of furniture for about 25percent of the what it would of all cost new. Again she didn't notice and it is still loved

Good luck searching

I'd buy toys second hand for my own DC but wouldn't give anyone else anything second hand unless I had the impression they'd be happy with that. I only really buy our dc second hand anyway.

We stopped adult gifts years ago and we just go for a meal either before or after Christmas. Much easier and it works for us.

I found some Sylvanian bits second hand for DD's birthday- she loves them! It is good quality stuff so it lasts . Same with Playmobil.

So far I've managed to get hold of:

Pop up picture book of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, fairy cake cook book, 3 x Our Generation dolls plus accessories, and a unicorn onesie for DD and a Policeman Playmobil bundle for DS.

Also playdough each and a colouring set for DD which were new on offer.

If Im getting second hand for an adult, I feel like it needs to have some kind of special quality to offset its "secondhandess" iyswim.
So, a book that references a personal conversation you've had with them. Or maybe something out of print that they would love.
Something they collect etc..

OP should say adults would be more challenging. I'm not intending on buying many adult gifts and I don't foresee being able to find much worth while gifting adults 2nd hand.

Just thought it would be fun to share what we've managed to find with others doing the same as me, rather than looking for advice.

Yes - I bought DH a first edition of Roald Dahl's The Twits when we got married for example.

But to be honest I'll mostly be buying for kids anyway. I can still get away with second hand toys with mine so making the most of it!

I always find books for adults in brilliant condition in charity shops. There's always a find that would suit someone I know!

As you know it depends on the recipient. My two sisters would be happy with something I've chosen second hand as it will be chosen because they would love it. I wouldn't worry about no tags on anything I got them. I'm happy go get better quality stuff second hand!

Its my dad I struggle with every year so will try and find something second hand for him as I've bought lots of things costing ££ which I know he hasn't really used 🤦🏻‍♀️

There's no point in getting secondhand unless it's something that you know the person will really want. Otherwise then it's just as 'wasteful' as buying new.
For a few years me and my sister did a thing of buying each other 3 random paperbacks from charity shops as a Christmas gift. It was fun and a good way of trying different genres/authors. Some books would be great, some would be crap.
However for some people there may be a specific book they really want to read which is released a couple of months before Christmas but can't necessary afford to buy for themselves - especially if it's hardback. Wouldn't it be much nicer to buy them that book brand new?

As n adult, I'm happy to get secondhand gifts. Conserve the planet's resources.

Books, picture/photo frames, small vases, vintage garden tools/decor, an old clock, nice old linens, a silk scarf -- charity shops can be sources of many small treasures.

Aa an adult bookworm I’m perfectly happy to receive second hand books as gifts - it’s the story that interests me not the condition. It’s a good idea OP

I think it's a great idea, for adults and kids. I agree that adults are trickier and it's still not good to buy for the sake of it. Ebay/world of books etc is probably more likely to have something? Books/vinyl are the obvious, for me there is kitchenware that I'd love (vintage le creuset for example, but also vintage ice cream sundae glasses and loads of other stuff), 100% wool vintage blankets, ephemera like old advertising/maps. Old band t shirts and baseball caps are options I'm considering for OH. Honestly as long as you know the person reasonably well there's loads of options. As someone else said if they collect something that would be an easy option.

If it's about waste then I agree that there are also options around food/drink, though be careful about buying someone a super fancy jar of some jam they won't ever eat, that's wasteful too. But something they like but wouldn't treat themselves to would be good. Also plants - fruit trees, shrubs etc. Could give them planted up in second hand pots!

Just picked up the Playmobil bundle from Facebook- so lovely and great condition. That's DS main present done!

Got my eye out now for some Sylvanian Family bits and anything to do with superheroes. There's also a very specific Lego set I'm on the hunt for for DH but very unlikely I'll find it second hand

I've received very old gardening magazines, and as pp said, ephemera related to my interests -- Goodwood festival memorabilia springs to mind. Vintage jewelry in charity shops also can make great gifts.

The mentality that only newly-purchased items are "good enough" isn't great for our planet.

I have bought most stuff 'second hand' almost all of it is new with tags but bought of Ebay because the owner didnt want it etc...

More so for DC rather then adults.
I've sourced some boxed play mobil and Bob the Builder Trucks second hand for youngest. Keeping an eye out for bargains and offers

I have brought a lot of my DD Xmas presents 2nd hand, she will be 10m so won't care. Best bargain is her main present which is a wooden trolley walker I got free on Facebook!

@Devo1818 try the website Bricklink for second-hand Lego.

I buy second hand for the kids, and they prefer it: they are well aware they'll get more that way.

Adults: only DH. He wants things that you can't get new - out of print books, antiques, stamps etc. I can buy a signed poster for £100 or an older one for £20 plus a bunch of other stuff.

I had one friend who only wanted handmade, regardless of what it was. She was from a cash rich family and wanted a gift that reflected you spending time on her - something she valued.

Current friends mostly want new things. Thinking about it, I'm starting to reevaluate the friendships....

Definitely second hand for the kids. Mine are adult now, but will tell you all sorts of stories from their childhood carboot adventures.

Are you on Vinted? I've sold toys on there recently! And I got books on there too!

I find Playmobil great second hand because its built to last. Happy hunting!

Yes! Found some Our Generation dolls and accessories on there for a bargain, so that's DD's main present sorted.