Consider Giving Recycled Gifts
Contrary to popular belief, giving gently used items as gifts doesn’t have to be tacky. Sometimes, it can result in a deeply personal gift that comes with big impact and a small price tag. Plus, whenever you purchase a used item or give a gently used gift you’re doing something good for the environment. Sometimes all that’s required is a little creative thinking.
Here are some ideas:
- An old toy you used to enjoy as a child
- The first edition of a favorite book
- Antique postcards from a favorite place or hometown for a shadowbox
- “Lots” of DVDs or books of your child’s favorite character purchased on eBay
Last year, one eBay gift I gave was a collection of Family Circus books for my daughter. She loves reading them at her grandparents’ house, but since they’re out of print they can’t be found in stores. However, used copies are still available on eBay. I purchased a “lot” of about 10 books for around $15. That’s a lot less than buying ten new books, plus she’ll love them!
When you shop for gifts on eBay, be sure to start early on in the season. You’ll need to enough to allow time for the auction to run its course and the item to be shipped. You can also use eBay to look for gift cards, holiday apparel from your favorite stores for holiday parties.
When you give “recycled” gifts, the key is to not pass them off as new. In fact, I love to call attention to the fact that items are not new by using recycled gift tags (as well as recycled gift wrap too).
Related Discussion:
Have you ever given a recycled gift? What was it? 
