As environmental concerns grow and economic conditions worsen, giving used gifts becomes more acceptable. Even a fussy gift recipient will not mind a piece of heirloom jewelry, antique furniture, or latest hot electronic gadget. Parents may even find that special gift from Santa, previously owned and often unused. Carefully selected used gifts reduce holiday guilt, show more thought, and give greater pleasure to both giver and receiver.
Local Sources for Used Gifts
Gift givers can find local secondhand gifts at:
- Pawnshops
- Thrift stores
- Consignment shops
- Antique stores
- Bookstores
- Garage sales
- Swap meets
- Craigslist.com
- Freecycle.org
The best source for a used gift depends on the item. Pawnshops are great for power tools and jewelry; Craigslist is better for children’s toys and sporting equipment. While many used gifts are easily located on eBay, shipping costs may reduce savings and the added emissions harm the environment. Shop local first for secondhand items.
Best Used Gift Ideas – List of Top Presents
Here are some ideas on thoughtful and desirable used gifts for babies, children, teens, men, and women. The lists reflect some gender bias solely to prevent redundancy. Many women enjoy sporting equipment and electronics; many men appreciate fine art and designer clothing.
Used Gifts Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
Many people hesitate to give used gifts to young children, but savvy moms know that children's consignment shops often have high quality clothing, toys, and furniture showing little or no wear. What happens to that extra jogging stroller from the baby shower or that darling Baby Gap outfit that didn't fit? These high quality baby presents end up at stores like Other Mothers with price tags still attached.
- Bouncers
- Playmats
- Johnny Jumpers
- High chairs
- Walkers
- Mobiles
- Slings and carriers
- Baby swings
- Baby Einstein videos
- Board books
- Baby monitors
- Tickle-Me Elmos
- Clothing
- Cloth diapers (often secondhand but unused)
- Designer strollers
- Bassinets
- Stuffed animal collections
- Themed nursery bedding
- Handcrafted blocks
- Wooden puzzles
- Rocking horses
- Nursery furniture
- Nursery rocking chairs
- Heirloom quilts
Used Gifts Ideas for Young Children
When shopping for used gifts for young children, always check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for recalls. Great sources include Craigslist, Freecycle, and garage sales. Often you can find a complete collection of action figures or a dollhouse complete with accessories, dolls, and clothing for under $50 that would cost hundreds of dollars new.
- Playhouses
- Toy Kitchens
- Grownup cooking utensils
- Trikes
- Bikes
- Scooters
- LeapPads
- Spiderman and Batman action figures
- Rescue Hero playsets
- Craft kits
- Barbie Dream House and accessories
- Racecar sets
- Sony DS systems
- Tonka trucks
- Dress up costumes
- American Girl dolls and accessories
- Children’s books
- Room decor
- Board games
- Bunk beds
- Swing sets
Used Gifts Ideas for Teens
Giving used gifted to teens requires consideration of peer response as much as the teen's wish list. These great used gifts ideas carry cultural capital far surpassing any stigma from secondhand purchase. Buying used gifts for teens allows parents to give more with fewer resources.
- Roller blades
- Snowboards
- Surfboards
- Mountain bikes
- Paintball guns
- Telescopes
- Weight benches
- iPods and accessories
- Wii games
- Xbox 360s
- Foosball tables
- Karaoke Machines
- CDs
- DVDs
- Comic books
- Anime collections
- Used cars
- Vespa scooters
- Car stereos
- Computers
- Drum sets
- Fender guitars
- Synthesizers
Used Gifts Ideas for Guys
Swap meets, pawn shops, and yard sales are the best places to find used outdoor gear, secondhand sporting equipment, and low cost power tools for the man on your list. Check Craigslist for high end items like big screen televisions and pool tables.
- Tents
- Fishing poles
- Golf club sets
- Rock climbing equipment
- Ski gear
- Hunting rifles
- Watercraft
- Big screen TVs
- iPhones
- Pool tables
- Triathlon bikes
- Riding lawnmowers
- Snow blowers
- Power tools
- Pressure washers
- Motorcycles
- Classic cars
- Digital camcorders
- SLR cameras
- Gadgets
- Recreational vehicles
Used Gifts Ideas for Women
When thinking about used gift ideas for a special woman, the first thought should be jewelry. Antiques, collectibles, and designer accessories also make great used gifts. Women's consignment shops and local antique stores are surefire sources for gifts. Pawn shops are wonderful resources for diamonds and gold. Craigslist is a resource for exercise equipment. EBay can help you find that Coach bag or pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps.
- Heirloom broaches
- Diamond anniversary rings
- Pearl necklaces
- Black Hills gold jewelry
- Collectibles
- Vintage clothing
- Coach purses
- Manolo Blahnik heels
- Designer jeans
- Artwork
- Crafting supplies
- Commercial grade espresso machines
- Grand pianos
- Antique furniture
- Oriental rugs
- Garden tools
- Treadmills
- Exercise bicycles
- Major appliances
- China patterns
- Décor items
Shopping Secondhand for Christmas Gifts and Birthday Presents
Buying used gifts saves precious resources, reduces emissions, keeps more packaging and unwanted items out of landfills, and saves families money. Givers need not fear offending the recipient. There is a perfect used present for everyone on a holiday gift list.
For more on shopping green, read “Eco Friendly Christmas Gift Giving: Shopping Used” and “Environmentally Green Holiday Presents: Shopping Local.” Read “Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas” for more money-saving holiday present suggestions.
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