giving gifts from thrift stores?

[goodaim]

Hello again! Okay, this may sound like a silly question, but I was wondering how many of us here find items at thrift stores - whether they be like-new or vintage - that make perfect gifts for the folks in their lives.

I've often picked up books for my husband and daughter - we're all big readers - but have usually presented them as a "just thought you'd like it" sort of thing. But sometimes I'll give them books as stocking stuffers (no, our stockings aren't that big - if the book doesn't fit, I just place it next to their stockings). I figure it wouldn't be right if I wrapped up books and presented them as new if they showed even slight signs of wear and tear.

Yesterday, however, at the SA I found a hardcover book in perfect condition for $2.00; the book came out just last year. I knew my husband would enjoy reading it, so I bought it.

I was figuring on using it as the usual stocking stuffer, but then wondered if it would, indeed, be okay to wrap it up as if I'd gotten it, say, from Barnes and Noble. It really is in good enough condition to look as if it's brand new. Father's Day isn't that far away and it's hard to shop for him for that holiday - he doesn't go for most of the "he-man" gifts that are marketed for Father's Day, and his wardrobe is pretty complete at this time.

This almost seems sneaky in a way, but heck, as far as I'm concerned, shopping at thrift stores is a way to beat the system. (like yesterday, when I wore Talbots jeans and Talbots top - combined cost of $7.00 for both).

Maybe doing this for my husband seems sneaky, since he deserves to get nice gifts from his wife after all.

So, is it okay to wrap up a "like-new" gift? Like I said, this probably seems like a silly question to most of us here! Maybe I'm worried about coming across as "too cheap"? Ha - my husband already knows that! 

Aimee

[Jay2TheRescue]

Hello again! Okay, this may sound like a silly question, but I was wondering how many of us here find items at thrift stores - whether they be like-new or vintage - that make perfect gifts for the folks in their lives.

I've often picked up books for my husband and daughter - we're all big readers - but have usually presented them as a "just thought you'd like it" sort of thing. But sometimes I'll give them books as stocking stuffers (no, our stockings aren't that big - if the book doesn't fit, I just place it next to their stockings). I figure it wouldn't be right if I wrapped up books and presented them as new if they showed even slight signs of wear and tear.

Yesterday, however, at the SA I found a hardcover book in perfect condition for $2.00; the book came out just last year. I knew my husband would enjoy reading it, so I bought it.

I was figuring on using it as the usual stocking stuffer, but then wondered if it would, indeed, be okay to wrap it up as if I'd gotten it, say, from Barnes and Noble. It really is in good enough condition to look as if it's brand new. Father's Day isn't that far away and it's hard to shop for him for that holiday - he doesn't go for most of the "he-man" gifts that are marketed for Father's Day, and his wardrobe is pretty complete at this time.

This almost seems sneaky in a way, but heck, as far as I'm concerned, shopping at thrift stores is a way to beat the system. (like yesterday, when I wore Talbots jeans and Talbots top - combined cost of $7.00 for both).

Maybe doing this for my husband seems sneaky, since he deserves to get nice gifts from his wife after all.

So, is it okay to wrap up a "like-new" gift? Like I said, this probably seems like a silly question to most of us here! Maybe I'm worried about coming across as "too cheap"? Ha - my husband already knows that! 

Aimee

although I have given thrifted items as gifts, I usually wrap a gift in a thrifted item.  My favorite item to wrap things in is a nice, shiny chrome breadbox.  Put the gift inside, and then top with some ribbon and a bow.

-Jay

[genuineimitation]

i did a LOT of christmas this past year from the thrift store. my kids were thrilled - they knew we had little money, and they just really wanted to open packages! some people appreciate it - like my family - others don't seem to get it. I gave this incredible gift once to a dear friend. i immediately told her it was thrifted.. and i could see her face changing to disappointment. she thought i was being cheap: i was thrilled to have found this one-of-a kind item that was so great and special for her. now i'm embarrassed i gave it away to her! you never know how it's going to go.. but i believe in being honest about it either way. with my luck, the recipient would ask where it came from so they could get another just like it

[valleythriftshopper]

I normally don't give used clothing items as a gift unless it is appropriate (vintage item or something really hard to find), but I find plenty of clothes with the tags still attached.  I just sent two b-day gifts this week from the SA.  One a cute new lightweight fleece hoodie with the Kohl's tag still attached for a friend who is a runner & can wear it jogging (I suppose if she took it to Kohl's to exchange that might be a problem unless it is fairly new!).  The other a pretty art pottery bowl with a little humming bird on it for my Dad who has hummingbird nests in the rose bushes outside his home in CA.  I wish it was marked I was really curious who made it. 

When I find books for people at thrift I usually just give them to the person & not save them as a gift, unless it was a first edition of a special book or something that made it out of the ordinary. 

[valleythriftshopper]

i did a LOT of christmas this past year from the thrift store. my kids were thrilled - they knew we had little money, and they just really wanted to open packages! some people appreciate it - like my family - others don't seem to get it. I gave this incredible gift once to a dear friend. i immediately told her it was thrifted.. and i could see her face changing to disappointment. she thought i was being cheap: i was thrilled to have found this one-of-a kind item that was so great and special for her. now i'm embarrassed i gave it away to her! you never know how it's going to go.. but i believe in being honest about it either way. with my luck, the recipient would ask where it came from so they could get another just like it

People should be gracious about receiving any gift! 

[Other People s Junk]

I say if a thing is worth [fill-in-the-blank], then it doesn't matter how much you paid for it!  So if it's a like-new book, it doesn't matter that you paid only $2 for it, as new books cost a fortune. 

Generally I only give gifts to my immediate family, parents and MIL, but they all are aware I regularly buy them thrifted items.  I have gifted many a thrifted book! 

Also, I'm like Jay- I like to present the item/s in a thrifted thing and go with the gift basket look.  For my Mom's birthday I used a thrifted yellow Pyrex bowl, and she LOVED it.   (So did I- it was squared off at the top, I hadn't seen one like that before!)  But now that I think about it, I did use a metal breadbox once as well!  It was olive green with funky 60s/70s flowers on it... FUN!

[Silversuess]

I personally think giving thrifted items away as gifts (be it birthday, holiday, whatever..) is totally acceptable IF you are aware beforehand whether or not the intended recipient is cool with thrifty things. My own parents, for example, are not really the kind of people who appreciate what a thrift store might have to offer. Even though they feel this way, I'm fine with that as well. Everybody has their own preferences as to what they like and will accept as new and/or unused. My parents happen to not have the same views as I do- it's ok!!

I wish more people would give thrift stores a chance. Like I said, and everyone here knows, they have a lot to offer! You never know what you'll come across. It's like being an explorer and searching for the perfect treasure.

While I do think that thrifted gifts are fine (being sure as to who you give gifts to will be ok with a thrifty present), there are also a few exceptions. Thrift stores do in fact offer unique and hard to find items. I've seen violins, guitars, countless books that are now out of print, vintage clothing and accessories, and lots more. Many people would probably appreciate receiving a unique gift that really fits their personalities, despite it being secondhand.

All in all, I believe thrift gifts are great. They allow you to recycle, save tons of money, and find items unique of most people. Just make sure you know your recipient well enough before spending money(as many stores do not allow returns).

So go ahead with your gifting and good luck!!!

[ChrisMiss]

I give thrifted gifts quite frequently.  Christmas was almost all thrifted.  It was totally fine with the people receiving the gifts. 

It's not the price of the gift, it's the thought that really counts.  Most see that you were thinking of them when you saw the item and just had to get it for them. 

[hollidais]

I also give thrifted gifts all the time.  My kids appreciate the thrill of the hunt where gifts are concerned.  Both of them are collectors so Thrifting helps to add to those collections. 

I like to recieve thrifted gifts as well.  To me it says someone was thinking about me and what I really like.  Thrifting is always tthe quickest way to shop and it takes some thought.

Hollidais

[valleythriftshopper]

Vintage/thrifted gifts are great for people who have everything already.  I am trying to put together something for my sister's 10th anniversary.  It is the tin anniversary so I was psyched to find a cute vintage heart shaped tin for .89 cents today!  I filled it with monogramed mens hankies for my BIL who likes cloth hankies.  I was also lucky to find some nice ones a while ago with his monogram on them.  I found this card on Ebay, I think it is the cutest I have ever seen!  http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj292/thriftshopper/kitties.jpg

It's really cute on the inside too.  They are both cat people so I hope they like it as well as I do.  I have another week to find more goodies to add, its a challenge but fun hunting too!

[valleythriftshopper]

I also give thrifted gifts all the time.  My kids appreciate the thrill of the hunt where gifts are concerned.  Both of them are collectors so Thrifting helps to add to those collections. 

Hollidais

My daughter has a snowglobe collection & we have found a few nice ones at the SA (they are hard to find!).  They are expensive to buy retail & even on Ebay.  I got this one recently of Broadway/NYC (with the twin towers) for $3.99 & couldn't wait for a special occasion, she was thrilled. 

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj292/thriftshopper/globe.jpg

We were in NY for 2000 New Year (long island, not the city) so this was great & it plays the New Year's song Old Whatever (can't remember the correct name).  I looked at these on Ebay & the bidding for the one listed went to $50!

[alexandra]

I use thrifted items as hostess gifts a lot.  I'll bring a tray of cookies on a nice sliver-plate piece and tell my friend to keep it.  I'll put flowers in an old beer stein, or a round candle in a footed sugar dish.  I have a friend who collects teapots and I'm always looking for vintage or at least old-style beauties.  Another friend likes old teacups and saucers.  Old hankies are great for making pillows, nestling jewelry in, etc.  Old pots make excellent planters -- especially the old enamel style.  I've thrifted some decent photographs and other types of art that were given as gifts and very much appreciated.

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[goodaim]

I thank everyone for all the replies - much appreciated! Seems like there's many who happily use thrift stores to find nice gifts, and there are happy recipients too! And I like the idea that several mentioned, to give a gift inside another item - bowl, breadbox, etc.

I think I will go ahead and give him the book as a present - will say I got it on sale. I will scan it closer first for any signs of prior usage.

Thanks again and happy thrifting!

good aim

[Big Daddy Audio]

The last major thrifted gift I did was for my eldest daughter two Christmases ago - a whole bunch of Nancy Drew books, which essentially completed her collection.  It would have been cost prohibitive to buy them all new.

See you next time
bye for now

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Just found a gift for a friend today, actually. One of my friends like kitschy western things, and I found a 50s spelter type clock on a wooden base with a spelter detailed horse, (reigns, saddle, etc.). The clock also has some little cowboy oriented things molded into it-- a cowboy hat, badge, etc. It's clearly either for a mantle or a very large wooden cabinet television set.

She'd totally have bought it if she'd seen it.

And now, it's going to be a nifty present.