Secondhand gifts have always gotten a bad “wrap.” At eveelife.com, where sustainability and green living are our focus, we think that’s just plain wrong and wasteful. Whether it’s the holiday season or a special event for a loved one, secondhand gifts offer a thoughtful and eco-friendly way to tell someone you care. If you’ve ever spent time at your local thrift store, you’ll know that there are some cool and eclectic finds that you can’t get anywhere else, and often in gently loved condition. So, if you’re in the mood for gift-giving, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’re going to explore our top 10 reasons why secondhand gifts are the way to go.
According to a recent survey by finder, Americans were expected to spend about $8.3 billion on unwanted presents in 2022. The most common type of unwanted gift is clothing and accessories. What do the 138 million U.S. adults who reported receiving an unwanted present do with these disliked items? While more than half of people either keep or regift them, 8% end up throwing them away in the trash. Imagine all those brand-new, unused items going to the landfill for no good reason. Overall, whether it’s buying a gift for that special someone or just purchasing items for yourself, it’s time to rethink our shopping habits. One study found that all this consumerism is responsible for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Need more convincing to support the art of thrifting for gifts? Read on to learn more about the 10 reasons to give secondhand gifts: helping the environment, supporting local businesses, spreading joy, and more.
By giving secondhand gifts, you’re helping to reduce waste and the demand for new products. This means you’re doing your part to preserve natural resources and decrease your carbon footprint. If you shop locally, you can avoid the GHGs produced by transport and delivery. By reusing items that are already in circulation, we can reduce the strain on natural resources and keep perfectly usable goods out of the landfill.
Thrifted presents can often be found at a fraction of the cost of new ones. This means you can stretch your holiday or gift-giving budget and still give your loved ones something special. You can often find high-quality, gently used items at a fraction of the cost of new ones, which can be a big help when you’re trying to stretch your dollars. Something we can all use these days with the rising cost of goods and services.
Many secondhand presents are purchased from thrift stores, consignment shops, and other small businesses. By supporting these types of businesses, you’re helping to stimulate the local economy and contribute to the well-being of your community. Check out this article with a list of the best thrift store in every state. Some of our favorites are The Bees Knees in Arizona, The Thrifty Owl in Idaho, and Second Chance in Maryland. Second Chance even sells items from repurposed materials from demolished homes and buildings. Another benefit to shopping locally, you avoid any delays caused by supply chain issues.
Gently used gifts often have a history and a story behind them, making them feel more special and meaningful. With stores like Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, ThredUp, and so many others, you don’t even have to go to a brick-and-mortar store to find the perfect used item. Imagine giving your best friend a vintage record player that you scoured the internet to find—it’s a gift they’ll never forget!
Giving secondhand gifts can also be a great way to declutter your own home. By passing along items you no longer need or want, you can create more space and reduce the overall amount of clutter in your life. Think Marie Kondo levels of organization. That sweater with tags still on that you never wore, that cute teapot that you don’t use, or those weights that are still collecting dust in your garage might be killing your feng shui. They might also be the ideal hand-me-down when wrapped in a little bow.
By giving used presents, you’re honoring the past and preserving something that’s been loved and cherished by someone else. Some items you find might be antiques that harken back to a different time of life. It’s a way to connect with history and pay tribute to the things that have stood the test of time.
Many thrift stores and consignment shops are run by non-profits, which means that when you buy from them, you’re supporting a good cause. Consider Goodwill, which offers job training, employment placement services, and community programs to individuals with challenges in finding employment. You can feel good knowing that your gift is making a positive impact on the world.
It’s hard to find something that’s truly unique and special when you’re shopping for brand-new items. Who wants to get yet another generic scented candle or set of socks from that big box store? With secondhand gifts, you have the opportunity to give something that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Giving secondhand gifts requires a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness. You’ll have to think outside the box and come up with unique gift ideas that your loved ones will enjoy. It takes time and careful consideration to find the right item, but it’s worth it in the end. Give that gift that tells your special someone, “I get you.”
The holiday season, birthdays, and graduations—they’re all about spreading joy and cheer, and there’s no better way to do that than by giving secondhand gifts. Whether you’re giving a vintage toy to a child or a beautiful antique vase to a loved one, you’re sure to put a smile on their face. Make it even more fun by adding a handwritten note explaining why you chose that particular gift for them.
So, when it comes time to pick a present, consider going the secondhand route—you’ll be glad you did! Not only are the gifts eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but they’re also unique, personal, and sure to bring joy to your loved ones. Don’t believe us? Just check out these other articles about the secondhand gift revolution from Honestly Modern and Fast Company.
Show your loved ones that you care about them and the world we live in. There are so many great reasons to thrift. Happy gift-giving!
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Published January 4, 2023 8:40PM
Eveelife is an eco-oriented lifestyle platform that helps consumers make more purposeful choices about how they live and what they consume. We do it by curating content and products that help them make more conscious, carbon-free choices while amplifying their EV ownership experience.
