‘Second-Hand’ Xmas Presents??

[Smowball]

After being quite ill lately and having left my Xmas shopping much later than usual this year, I got to thinking - I was having a clear out months ago and in this clear out I ended up with a box of many unwanted, unused and many even unopened items. Included were a sports jacket/coat that teen smow bought then didn’t want - it still has the price tags on, a whole box of brand new, unwrapped nail polishes of every conceivable colour - there must be at least 20 of them, several books which have never been opened/read, and much more.
I was going to box up and take to local charity shop, and Mr Smow said why don’t you use some of those as Xmas presents? Not to save money, but because they would be perfect for certain people. The sports coat would be perfect for Mr Smows brother, the nail polishes for a friend who adores getting her nails done, and so on and so on…….
it makes sense, it’s giving them to people who would really like them,but a part of me thinks that it looks like I’m being stingy. ReLly not sure what to think about it tbh.
What do you think?? Or have you ever done anything similar?

P.S. hope you’re all having a good evening x

[albaqwerty]

I think it's a good idea Smow. Especially as you're matching the gift to the person x

A charity shop Christmas is a great idea, let's face it, we couldn't buy from them on-line during lockdown(s) could we? Don't think it would dent the profits of the 'fat cats' too much :-)

[Smowball]

Hey Alba, you ok?the more I think about it the more I like the idea. I’ve been thinking about previous years where I have to confess that I’ve sometimes ended up buying presents for people just for the sake of buying something, like a lot of us probably, and just to say that I’d actually got them something, rather then actually thinking more about what I was really getting. Even in my garden, this year I’ve grow 8 or 9 avocado plants straight from the stone, and some are about 2 feet high now, and I bet a couple of people would love one as a gift as so much time and love went into growing each one x

[Sparkles62]

I think it's a great idea to use them as Christmas Presents Smowball.
I have a look in the charity shops every January.
They are usually well stocked with unwanted presents that people have donated.
I have picked up many presents for birthdays and the next Christmas before now, at very low prices,usually around £5. Quite often the same gift sets are still on sale in Boots etc at the full price.

[Redhelen72]

Lol @charity shop Christmas, my presents from MIL for the last 25 years (when I get one) have often been from the CS - there was the address book with someone else's details in.
The personalised 'silver' photo frame with someone else name on it.
The free gift from a perfume but no perfume
Lol I can laugh about it now but it hurt at the time

[Smowball]

Hi Sparkles.
RedHelen - I shouldn’t laugh but…….. :) lol

[lankeela]

If people are either that tight or just don't care what they give why bother giving any presents at all? Just let people know that this year you are not doing Christmas, and if they really feel the need tell them to make a donation to your favourite charity instead. I can't stand presents that people have obviously not thought about, especially toiletries when most of us only use certain brands and I am actually allergic to certain things. Apart from my dogs who get treats I haven't given or received any Christmas gifts now for about five years.

[Redhelen72]

Smowball, there are so many more - like the tray of smellies that were so old that the bath balls had faded to a mucky colour and the cream actually smelt off!
I spend so much time choosing presents for her - contacting deli's to provide bespoke hampers 'I am a diabetic you know' cashmere jumpers and silk shirts that she gives to the thrift shops totally unworn.
The one year I didn't send her anything she bleated to the husband so much!

[Smowball]

RH - sometimes you just have to laugh lol x