Used for the New Year
~ By Peggy from Light Green Stairs
Maybe “used” is a word that needs a makeover in our minds. How about slipping it into “recycled?” Or just leave it alone and learn to accept “used” can be good.
I had a revelation, the kind you have after feeling troubled for no apparent reason, a few days ago while sitting in a restaurant. I had been shopping for a Christmas gift for my brother-in-law. The store where I was shopping sells used CDs and DVDs alongside new ones. I immediately put back all the interesting used CDs I came across, even when a new option wasn’t available.
Give a used gift? Unthinkable, horrible, cheap, a cause for shame. And how surprised and hurt would the gift recipient be? I might as well get him carrots.
I’ve bought used CDs before for myself. I’ve also become a member of PaperBack Swap. Yet, other than an occasional antique gift, I never thought about giving anything used. It just isn’t done, is it?
Upon the revelation night, my mind became awash with images of all the used gifts I had decided not to buy in the past. I saw “5 used available” links on amazon.com. I saw library discard deals, used CD stores and estate sales passed by for the mall.
All of these thoughts brought up a self-confession. Despite my efforts to be greener, I am still a perfect consumer. I was ashamed of the fact that I was ashamed to give a used gift. My feelings are not surprising given the way everything shiny and new is marketed.
What is it about tags with the price removed that makes an item so glossy-special? Do we really like UPCs that much? (I did see a giant UPC tattooed on a guy’s neck on a plane once, but that’s another topic.) Can’t we give “used” a little relief from its second-banana role to “new?”
I had more questions than answers:
- What is wrong with giving someone a used gift?
- Should I pay more and support wasteful spending if a used option is readily available?
- Will the gift recipient think I’m cheap or trying to pull one over?
Below is one solution that answers the questions above with “Nothing, No and No.”
This January, tell your circle of friends, family and co-workers that they will receive only used birthday gifts and you would like the same or nothing. That means you might give a designer purse from a thrift shop, a used book without coffee stains, a still-hardy vintage kitchen utensil, a groovy garage-sale jewelry find from the 70s, or a gently used and charming lamp from an estate sale. Recycled gifts don’t have to be trendy bracelets made of reclaimed tea tins or purses made of candy wrappers.
Emphasize you are buying used and you expect to receive the same or nothing. This may seem a little drastic, but explain your reasons. You will avoid the shame you may feel for giving a used gift and hurt feelings on the part of the gift recipient.
Once you remove the stigma of “used,” you may begin to see shopping in a whole new, adventurous and reusable way. Go ahead. For 2008, become a used rebel and bring some charm, originality and fun back to shopping.
Please visit Peggy’s blog, Light Green Stairs for more green-friendly tips and advice.
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POSTED IN: Earth Friendly Gift Guide, Holiday, Recycled Goods, Save Money, Shop Green
10 opinions for Used for the New Year
Kate
Dec 27, 2007 at 11:56 am
My father was an antiques dealer. I was converted long ago.
Check out my guest post « Light green stairs
Dec 27, 2007 at 2:33 pm
[…] out my guest post Posted December 27, 2007 Today at Tree Hugging Family, I have a post about giving used gifts. Please check it […]
Jennifer
Dec 28, 2007 at 2:46 am
Excellent post Peggy. I think it’s easy to feel bad in a world so obsessed with new this and new that. I like that you discuss how to tell people what you’ll be doing. About two-three years ago I decided that I didn’t want to do adult Christmas gifts anymore (people were just getting people stuff to just get them stuff — wasteful) and it was hard to bring it up to the family and friends; I thought they’d all be mad.
But everyone was relieved and fine with it. Well, except my in-laws but it’s not like they ever listen to anything I said before :) Thanks for filling in :)
Peggy
Dec 28, 2007 at 3:15 am
Thank you Jennifer! I enjoyed writing the post for THF.
Kate, it’s great that you got to grow up around antiques!
Virginia Lee
Dec 28, 2007 at 6:34 am
One of the things I used to love about the annual church bazaar at my dad’s church when I was a kid was being able to get my hands on other people’s stuff! I used to do my Christmas shopping there when I was a kid for my whole family because I could afford things and they were neat. You could find books, paintings, awesome jewelry and more. So yay for used! It only makes sense.
Laverne Daley
Dec 28, 2007 at 11:08 am
Peggy. You made a believer out of me. Thanks for the post. Laverne
Peggy
Dec 28, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for reading Virginia and Laverne.
Noreen Crone-Findlay
Dec 29, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Some of my favorite gifts this Christmas came from second hand stores…. my daughter in law found a wonderful little trunk for my doll house at the 2nd hand store, and she found a fabulous ‘armoire’ for the dollhouse in the same 2nd hand store.
(I posted pics of it - it’s just incredible!-
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/tottie-tomato-birthday-presents-3
My sister in law goes to the most awesome 2nd hand store in the world, and always finds me amazing vintage treasures. She found me a teeny Weave-it loom that I am delighted with. It wouldn’t be Christmas without some fabulousity from her 2nd hand store. In fact, I found exactly the jewelry box that my daughter in law has been lusting after….. she’s thrilled!
So, second hand for Christmas? Oh you bet!
and Happy New Year! :o)
Amanda
Jan 2, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I have SLOWLY managed…after many examples and gentle explanations..to convince much of my family that Used doesn’t equal sub-par. In fact, many of them are beginning to make request of me for items they would like me to look for when I’m out thrifting.
It’s been a long, slow road.
I am loving the idea that I can request used or nothing…no more putting up with shiny, new junk. I would also add handmade to that request.
Used or handmade gifts only please.
Etsy: Source for Recycled Gifts
Apr 17, 2008 at 7:04 am
[…] too, at least I hope you think so. One thing I’ve talked about over at Tree Hugging Family is giving used finds as gifts. If you take a bit of care and plan ahead, it’s possible to find the perfect used gift for […]
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