How to Find Cheap Christmas Gifts
Recycle and Give Second Hand Gifts For Low Budget Presents
Nov 12, 2008
The cost of buying gifts for family and friends can soon add up. Add to this the cost of additional gifts to people such as teachers, neighbors and colleagues and the end result can represent a significant expenditure.
It is not always necessary to spend lots of money on gifts. While making gifts can be a good low-cost alternative to buying gifts, not everyone has the time, knowledge or inclination to create several different gifts by hand. There are some great alternatives that are both low cost and yet will be much appreciated by the recipient.
Recycling and Second Hand Gifts
Recycling and giving second hand gifts isn't simply a case of passing on cast offs. It involves taking a good look at things that most people have stored away at the bottom of cupboards and bookcases or in boxes in the attic and seeing if some of these items will bring pleasure to someone else. While someone might feel that there is a bit of a stigma in giving a used book or other item as a Christmas gift, this should be balanced with the fact that there would be no concerns at all in giving someone the exact same gift if it came from a second hand book store or an auction.
- Books - Books, for instance, are a great example. Many people have books that they are unlikely to read again – or sometimes even read for the first time! These would make great gifts and this is a good way of giving books a new lease of life.
- Clothes - Most people have a few items tucked away in their wardrobes that they are unlikely to wear again. Some of these would make great gifts. Someone with creative flair would be delighted to receive a bag of old clothes – particularly woolen sweaters that could be felted or cottons that could be used for patchwork.
- Toys and Games - Many families have a wide range of toys and games that are no longer used. These may not be in pristine condition, but they will certainly be fully functional. Young children will be just as delighted to receive a gift of used toys and games as they would new ones. Given the option of a box of second hand toys or a single new one, most youngsters would not hesitate to pick the large box!
Choosing Items to Give as Gifts
While this is a low cost solution to gift buying, it still entails a lot of thought. For this to really work people need to think about what items they have that they can give to others that will be appreciated. This can often take more time than just popping into a store and buying the first thing that comes to hand and certainly will take more thought than buying a gift voucher. The amount of time that goes into this, however, will be rewarded by the pleasure that it gives someone else.
Tips for Giving Second Hand Gifts.
Here are some tips to make the giving of second hand gifts extra special:
- Don't apologize! Making someone feel special is an important part of gift giving. Apologizing for giving a second hand present is unlikely to make them feel special!
- Share the story. If there is a special story behind a product, tell it! Perhaps a book was purchased for a special occasion or some clothes bought on vacation. These make lovely stories to go along side a second hand gift and make it that little bit extra personal.
- Present the gift with flare. Just because the gift was second hand doesn't mean to say that it should be poorly presented. Some nice wrapping paper needn't be expensive and can make the difference between a gift that looks like an after thought and one that looks like someone cares!
Low cost gifts needn't be gifts without thought. These can make very special presents that will be cherished for years to come.
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