The first time I heard this term was when I was listening to a local radio show. A non-profit thrift store manager and one of the radio show personalities were clamoring as to how much fun “repurposed or recycled Christmas” was for their family.
My ears perked up and I listened closer.
Savvy shoppers call them “pre-loved treasurers” and they could be antiques, sought after collectibles, or unique repurposed decoratives. It could be a hard-to-find Blue Willow Plate, a breathtaking vintage photograph, or the favorite Cow Cookie Jar you loved during your college years. These gifts can be cool, thought evoking, good for a giggle, and just plain thrifty. But the premise is all the same; avoiding Big Box Stores and Malls, and even those last minute desperation Gift Card purchase to opt for a more eco-friendly gift giving venture.
Repurposed gifts are NOT re-gifted items. They are well thought-out purchases that fit the gift receivers personality, habits, tastes, and lifestyle...they just happened to be “previously owned” by someone else in the past.
Now before you get your grunders in a bunch, this does not mean you are to give opened soap, (yes, that did happen to me once) second-hand socks, or anything soiled or smelly. Com'on now...let's be real, folks. The desirable gifts are things that are still beautiful, useful, and have a memory or story to tell. You'll want to give things that make people's hearts sing, and the bonus is: you're helping to save the planet too. And doing it all while NOT going broke. Trifecta!
And it's not just for “big people.” Think “kids stuff” for a second-hand Christmas. On-line sites like Storkbrokers are full of brand new toys and items that can be purchased for a fraction of retail prices. Think about it :Mom and Dad score a little extra spending money by selling unwanted or unused toys, and parents on the other end score a hot deal without ever leaving the couch. Winning!
Buying Tip: Look for selling descriptions on items that include words like “NWT” (New With Tag”) or NIB (New In Box). I prefer to also know if this item is coming from a smoke-free and pet-free home before I buy.
So open your mind and consider a Second-Hand Christmas this year. It's a fun, eco-friendly way to put a new twist on holiday gift giving. And as long as everyone's game, it's a great way to save some dough, and help unique items live on. Happy shopping!
