Do you think they are saying something about themselves? I was wondering what other peoples take on this is....
thanks for your honesty!
2007-05-01 10:35:36 · 16 answers · asked by karen h 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I agree with Terry G on this one. It depends on what it is. Nothing puts a smile on my face faster than a nice piece of antique jewelery, or actually antique anything.
But when it comes to clothing or shoes, etc. I think it is crass.
2007-05-01 10:50:50 · answer #1 · answered by Sr. Mary Holywater 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes I buy used gifts, like Amazon or something- but only for close friends and family. It would have to be something that I know they would love, or perhaps is hard to find new. Buying a used gift for anyone else I think would be very inappropriate. Even if you think it's the greatest gift in the world, their very likely to criticize your good intentions. I don't think that you are saying, "Here's a used gift, I'm cheap and lazy," more like, "Here's something that I knew you would love," but it can be hard for some people (the gift receiver) to get past the fact that it is used! But hey why are we buying those whiners gifts anyway!!
2007-05-01 17:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by Billiebaby 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I definitely believe it's the thought that counts. If they are able to find a used item they know the recipient would enjoy and that would be outside of their budget to purchase new, then I think it could be a wonderful idea to purchase something used as a gift. However, if they're just doing it to get a discount on something cheap they were going to purchase anyway, then it's exactly that - cheap! It's still all about the thought...
2007-05-01 19:46:11 · answer #3 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the people involved. My husband buys brandnew because he has little gift giving imagination. I gave my mother an antique stained glass angel for Christmas one year that I found in a thrift store for $2, and she was thrilled. Now, that same Christmas my cousin gave me a pilled, ratty sweater from her closet and I was not thrilled. I just try to think about the givers intent.....Some used gifts are great and some are just plain tacky....Use good sense.......
2007-05-01 18:16:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dad bought me a used car once. That was nice. However if you are just talking about regular gifts from friends, then I would rather buy a cheaper gift new for the person than get a used gift.
2007-05-01 17:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's a listing:
Some people are natural perservers, and eco-friendly and like to re-use things, which I do respect.
Maybe they can't afford it.
They are stingy to everyone including themselves.
They love to garage saling and don't think twice about giving gifts like that.
They don't think you will ever find out the gift is used, but you will.
Does it say something about themselves?
Yes, it comes from the heart, because they thought of you.
2007-05-01 20:27:05 · answer #6 · answered by DREENA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what it is. If you see something at a yard sale that you know for a fact the recipient would love, buy it.
A friend went to the yard sale, bought a huge amount of baby clothes, went home and washed and fixed them, and wrapped them up for a preggers friend's shower, she even bought newborn, and the next size up. Thrilled does not describe the reaction, the preggers boo hoo'd and cried, and hugged her., she did not have to buy any clothes for the baby for a long time.
A friend bought me a chenile bedspread, for a buck. It had a hole in it. I will be making stuffed animals out of it.
Another friend trolls the sales for items to add to her, and her friend's collections. She collects angels and snow people.
Another friend saw a set of arts and crafts books, 17 in the set. She called me, and asked if I wanted them. They were 5 bucks. Yes, and I gave the friend the 5 bucks. Me and my angel/snow people friend spent hours reading them. I will sell them this spring at my own yard sale.
Another buys books, reads them herself, takes them to work, loans them to coworker's and friends. She is a one woman book club.
So, yes, as long as the recipient thinks it is OK, it is OK. It says that the giver is thrifty, knows her friends and what they like very well.
I collect heirloom Christmas ornaments, among other things. If somebody sees some name brand or heirloom quality ornaments at a yard sale, they better call me, or buy them and give them to me, 'cause if I found out later, that they passed it by, I would be dissappointed!
2007-05-02 05:25:17 · answer #7 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think it should matter how much something costs. People should give others gifts that reflect how they care about the other person and as long as it comes from the heart and is sincere. why should how much they spend have anything to do with it anyways. thats very superficial, dont you agree?
2007-05-01 17:39:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on what it is. If it's an antique, a piece of art or a hard to find book, then I see nothing wrong with that. In general, I would think it was rather odd.
2007-05-01 17:39:24 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well my mom loves what she calls "treasures" and so whenever i happen upon a "treasure" be it an old teapot or a bear i know she doesnt have i grab it and if i only pay 50 cents for it who cares. the look on her face when she gets it makes it priceless. ther is nothing wrong with something gently used.
2007-05-01 18:16:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋