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December 4, 2007
Some Used WHAT?
Do you believe a present has to be new in order to wrap and give it away?
I do not have this dilemma this Christmas, but the question did arise a few Christmas’s ago. I bought about ten used books for my mom. They looked new except a few may have had the previous owner’s signature inside the front cover. In my opinion, that makes the book even better and more unique, but some people may not like that.
I decided to wrap the books as if they were new and present them to my mother. She received other gifts from us that year, but I think it was those books that gave her the most pleasure. Even though some said 1989 or 1990 on the cover, the stories were no less good. In fact, she is still working on reading them to this day.
Photo from 2005
I recently bought something from ebay which will be a Christmas present. It is new, but I just wonder if it would matter if it wasn’t.
Does it matter to you what the item is if it is used or not? Do you prefer to not get any used items or do you not mind the gift at all no matter where it was bought or who the previous owner was?
I would not want used lotion or make-up as things of this nature are personal and may or may not have touched skin; you never know. You may feel differently though if it is your favorite lotion or face cream and was discontinued. In my opinion, books are the exception to the rule, but you may feel otherwise.
I am wondering how you feel about used CD’s and DVD’s. Would it bother you if you received a movie or CD for Christmas and it was not shrink-wrapped? Answer honestly. You are under the cone of safety on this site which means no one is allowed to berate you for your answer.
Posted by tami at December 4, 2007 12:58 PM
Comments
I think a gift is a gift. It comes from the heart. But i know my sister gave my mom a winter coat for christmas that she could no longer wear..now that was tacky!
Posted by: deanna at December 4, 2007 1:19 PM
Dude, most of what I give is used. But it is also what I think someone will like. My Secret Santa likes cookbooks, so instead of buying a 20 dollar book, I am giving her one that I got at a used book store that is way neat. I see no problem with it.
Posted by: ellice at December 4, 2007 2:12 PM
Another great used gift we have given to the kids are games. With new PS2 and Xbox games going for $50 each, a $25-30 used one is just as good and plays just as well.
Posted by: Kevin at December 4, 2007 2:22 PM
I would be devasted if someone gave me something USED. The audacity! Just kidding. I don't care. I've gotten used things in the past, and also re-gifted items. Hey, if someone else doesn't appreciate it, there's always someone out there that will! I think the important thing is to give a present from your heart, something you know that person will love and appreciate.
Posted by: Stacey at December 4, 2007 4:28 PM
I forgot to mention: homemade gifts are pretty cool too.
Posted by: Stacey at December 4, 2007 4:32 PM
I am, in fact, giving a non-shrinkwrapped DVD as a gift this Christmas. I don't think it matters at all. Once, someone gave a gift to me that had been "won" at a white elephant party. Obviously, most people, including the person who gave it to me, thought of it as a gag gift but she knew I would like it and I did.
Posted by: Lori-Lyn at December 5, 2007 7:21 AM
I think it's OK to give anything as a gift (with wrapping and all) as long as you actually bought it. Regifting really irks me. LOL!
Posted by: Tammy at December 5, 2007 9:25 AM
No problems with used books, toys, CDs, electronic equipment etc as presents as long as in good condition. Used clothing though feels a bit... dunno, don't like the idea.
It's not the idea of used clothing itself for either me or the kids (in fact most of the boys' clothes are second hand from friends or from elder sibling!) ... but as presents... no. I think it's because we get most our used clothing free and we get it all year round, so it doesn't feel special.
Now books are special at any time :)
Posted by: Pewari at December 5, 2007 10:20 AM
I think it is perfectly fine to give a used gift or a gift that someone has given to you that you might not necessarily want to use or just not your style but you have a family member or a friend that you think may really like it. What difference does it really make where it came from. The thought is in the love of the giving. Some people have nothing and receive nothing. I'm not picky. If I like it I like it I don't care if it comes from Macy's or the Goodwill! I appreciate the fact that someone has thought enough of me to give me something and it doesn't matter to me if they bought it or passing it on from a gift that was given to them. The meaning of the thought and love is what matters the most!
Posted by: Becky at December 5, 2007 1:10 PM
I'm a strong proponent of used stuff. Shoot, what are antiques and collectibles, for instance? LOL I've given and received used CD's and DVD's, books, and other items.
I don't even mind regifting in some circumstances; if I truly don't like something or will never use it, I don't feel badly about giving it to someone I know will love and appreciate it. That said, I've never really received anything and turned around to regift it. I did, however, sell on eBay a Big Mouth Billy Bass a friend (!) gave us one year, many moons ago. LOL
Posted by: gw at December 9, 2007 6:29 PM