How to Find and Give Used Items and Not Look like a Cheapskate

While so many of us seem to be tired of the materialism that has invaded this time of year, it seems few of us have had success in getting away from it. As the holiday season rolls around, with all the new "hot products" advertised, the pressure to spend, spend, spend seems to increase.

When it comes down to it, the problem is not that we want to spend a lot of money or place such a great deal of value on the latest gadgets or designer fashions. The problem is that we want to give something to our loved ones that will make them happy- something special that they will treasure. But throwing more money away on useless items that will be outmoded in a couple of years anyway is not the only way to achieve that.

This year, consider finding used items to give as gifts.

Benefits of Giving Used Gifts

One undisputable benefit of getting used gifts is that you can save money. Most used items are bargains waiting to be found, allowing you to stretch your holiday budget. Think of how nice it will be not to max out your credit cards but still give everyone on your list a nice present.

Giving used gifts is also the best thing you can do for the planet. They are already made, no new resources need to be tapped, plus you'll prevent these items from filling up a landfill somewhere. If you or your loved ones are concerned about going green or being environmentally friendly, then buying a used gift can be a way to honor this.

Another benefit is that your gift will be unique. They say "they don't make things like they used to," and that's the truth. A lot of older items were not mass-manufactured, coming from a time when craftsmanship was valued. Old items can be nostalgic, a collectible that is one-of-a-kind for a very unique present.

But Isn't Giving Used Gifts Tacky?

A lot of people are concerned about how they will look if they give a used gift. Sure, it would be tacky if you gave your nieces and nephews a bunch of broken hand-me-down toys from your attic or your own worn-out clothing from the 70s. But that's certainly not all there is to giving used gifts.

As mentioned above, they are not only an inexpensive option for you, but they are also environmentally friendly and unique gift items. Most people appreciate a used gift as much as a brand new one if you make certain that:

They are in very good condition. Though you will find shopping used venues that you can score a lot of items that were never used, even still in the original packaging, don't take anything that is falling apart and can't be fixed or polished up. If there is something great that just happens not to be working, try to have it repaired or clean it up well for the person ahead of time.

On the other hand, there are some antiques, some special hard-to-find nuggets, especially for collectors, that are acceptable even if they have some wear and tear or don't work. Weigh and consider each item carefully before purchasing. Do a little research on the item ahead of time.

Make sure that the item "fits" your friend. Put a lot of thought into the item and choose something that really suits them. You're not just scrounging for something to put into a box, you're looking for something thoughtful that will be treasured. Find out if your friend has a hobby, an affinity with a certain time period, or adores a certain product that's been around for a while.

Add a personal touch. If you purchase an old tea pot, put a bag of their favorite tea inside. If you purchase an old book, print out a nice bookmark with a favorite quote on it, or write an inscription to your friend inside. Add a personal note in the box about why this item made you think of this person and why you thought they should have it.

Where to Look for Used Items for Gifts

Keep your nose out of the malls, department stores and mega-marts this holiday season. Instead, look through thrift shops, garage sales, consignment shops, antique stores, flea markets, estate sales, auctions, and pawn shops.

Other places to find great used gifts is in local newspapers and consumer fliers where people put ads in when getting rid of their old stuff. Go through the ads, circling those you are interested. Keep a pad handy and make some phone calls. Ask about the item, what condition it is in, how often it was used, and if you can come by and look at it first.

If you're really strapped for cash, you can probably find some great used items for free. Look for swap meets in your area, or, if you can't find one, plan one yourself. Have everyone bring items they no longer use, and gather together somewhere, then "swap" for each other's stuff.

Try browsing ads on Craig's List at www.craigslist.org/about/sites. Click on your state, and then your local area for listings. Under the "For Sale" listings, you'll find two sections that may be of interest to you: "barter" and "free." Browse the listings for what people are offering, and post your own, so that you can trade or possibly obtain something completely free.

Another great place to find free stuff is Freecycle at www.freecycle.org. Freecycle is a free website where people post offers or wanted ads in their local forums. All listings must be 100% free with no strings attached. Just join your local group, and keep an eye on the offers, or post a wanted ad listing the kind of items that you're looking for.

And of course, don't overlook E-Bay.

Tips for Used Gift Shopping

Start your holiday shopping early, and shop often. New merchandise is always moving in and out, new ads are always going up and one-of-a-kind, beautiful items can be snapped up in a blink of an eye.

Get friendly with shop owners. Find out when they receive or put out new merchandise. Tell them the kind of things you are looking for, and leave a phone number. You might get lucky and they'll contact you if something they think you will like comes in, and possibly be willing to hold it for you.

Keep cash on hand when you go to thrift shops, garage sales and flea markets. Many of these venues don't accept credit or debit cards. Keep bills in many increments and wear a lot of pockets that day- it might save you even more money. If you go to a garage sale and someone wants $70 for that antique dresser, and you pull out a wad of twenties, it might be hard to chew them down. Pull out exactly $50 from your breast pocket and offer it straight up, and you might just have yourself a deal there.

Don't buy appliances or electronics without testing them first. Ask the person you are purchasing them from if you can plug them in and try them out.

Be extra careful with sizes. When purchasing clothing or shoes, you probably won't be able to exchange the item. If a garment is big, alterations may be possible, however if something is too small, there will be nothing you can do about it.

Gift Ideas You Might Consider

Going used item shopping is a little like treasure hunting- there are no limits to what you might find. Consider some of these ideas, but always keep an open mind.

For Literature Lovers: a copy of their favorite book, perhaps a children's book they loved as a child, old issues of their favorite magazines and newspapers

Clothes Horses and Fashion Hounds: costume jewelry, clothes, accessories, shoes, boots, hats handbags, or luggage.

Collectors and Hobbyists: bottles, dolls, models, weaponry, stamps, post cards, antique automobile parts, famous brand containers with labels (Coca Cola, Campbells Soup), antique cameras, gardening tools or decorations, type writers or sewing machines.

Electronics Junkies and Tinkerers: radios, old video game systems and games, old computers and computer parts, old appliances, VCRs, telephones.

Fans: memorabilia or merchandising, such as posters, lunch boxes, collectible toys, posters, etc., for people with a favorite entertainer, cartoon character, or famous individual.

Cooks and Kitchen Lovers: vintage kitchen decorations, cooking utensils, old cook books, trays, serving sets, vintage appliances, cookie jars, kitchen gadgets, cast iron and copper cookware or flatware.

Home Decorating Enthusiasts: furniture, lamps, lamp shades, tapestries, china, silver candelabras, framed mirrors, figurines and brick-a-brack.

Art Lovers: framed artwork, sculptures, statuary, frames, or folk art pieces.

Crafters: fabrics, textiles, tools, buttons, beads, paper, or old model and craft kits.

Music Lovers: old phonographs, out-of-print LPs, instruments, concert posters and programs, old sheet music or song books.

History and Culture Lovers: Old letters and diaries, old newspapers and magazines, wartime memorabilia, medals, antique weaponry, old maps and charts, objects from other cultures and countries.

Occult Enthusiasts: tarot cards, astrology charts, or mystical items.

Sports Fans: old fashioned sporting equipment, old logos, helmets, autographed balls, uniforms, caps or trading cards.

Sentimental Gifts: Music boxes, snow globes, holiday ornaments and decorations.

When to be Careful

Always be wary of toys, especially for young children. Many old toys had lead paint or pointy parts that no longer meet standard safety requirements. Giving them as collectibles to go on shelves is nice if that's the kind of thing your friend likes, but should probably not go into the hands of children unless you do some research on them first. If it is a newer toy, even if it is still in the box, check to see if the item has been recalled.

Likewise with other baby items, such as cribs or bassinets. Some do not meet current safety standards, and older products might not be sturdy. And always be wary if giving a used car seat, no matter how great the condition that it is in- even if it was never used. Car seats have an expiration date, because the heat and cold make the plastic expand and contract, after a while making them dangerous. Contact the manufacturer to ensure they are not expired.

China or flatware is something you might want to warn your friend about, as older products are not usually dishwasher or microwave safe. Make sure there are no nicks, scratches or cracks in them. If that Asian painted plate is specifically for decorative purposes, let them know- or even better, include a plate hanger as part of the gift.

Clothing or fabrics should always be washed or dry cleaned before wrapping them. Even if they still have the tags on them and were never used, they might have been lying around for a while and gathered dust mites or be a little musty.