Giving Second-Hand gifts

   Believe it or not, you can give a beautiful gift for less than $10 - and it can be a fabulous gift that looks like it cost $100!
   First, though, let me tell you when it isn't appropriate. When buying for someone you hardly know, like a co-worker's baby shower or best friend's cousin's housewarming, you'll generally want to stick to their registries. Some people are offended (and sometimes understandably so) by the idea of recieving second-hand gifts. If you are a proud thrift store enthusiast, like me, your friends and family will know that and will love that about you, and those with whom you are very close will find it fun that you put thought enough into their gift to search numerous places to find the perfect item.
   When I had my bridal shower, some of the gifts I got included a unique collection of elephant figurines (I collect them like mad), a set of vintage 1960's chinaware, cafe-themed kitchen decor for my cafe-themed kitchen, a variety of picture frames and albums, countless board games, and over 20 cookbooks. All of these gifts were second-hand, and all of them were from family and close friends. More than all of the items off my registry, I have to say I think I love these gifts best; not just because they are from family, but that my family thought about me when choosing things that, for the most part, can't be bought new, and things they knew I would love.
   Of course, you shouldn't present a second-hand gift that is broken or has the price written on it in magic marker. You should only consider gifts that are clean, intact, and in keeping with the tastes and interests of the person to whom you are presenting the gift. A few gifts that work generally for all people in almost any occasion, and which can usually be found pretty easily at thrift stores include:

          picture frames
          crystal and glassware
          books
          collectables corresponding with recipient's interests (like me and my elephants)

   Depending on who is getting the gift, how well you know them, and the nature of your relationship, you can find many other items at the thrift store that would suit your friend or family member perfectly.
   It is important to mention that the packaging is just as important as the gift, and that sometimes just a gift bag and some tissue paper won't do. Consider a beautiful gift box, using fancy hankies or scarves as padding. For one of my best friend's showers, I gave her a collection of stemware which I had bundled together with a beautiful ribbon and presented in a basket in colors matching her themed decor. There are virtually limitless creative ways to wrap and present gifts, and for some tips I recommend  http://www.thegiftedblog.com/ , http://agiftwrappedlife.blogspot.com/ , http://blog.paper-source.com/tag/gift-wrap-ideas/ .
   Lastly, consider making a gift that would typically be expensive out of something you thrifted. Consider furniture, like a converted sideboard or mirror or art piece. I will have posts detailing how one can flip thrifted furniture finds into gifts coming up in the near future.
   In conclusion, please remember the following when thrifting:
    1.) Know your audience - Be sure the recipient is not someone who would be offended by recieving a second-hand gift, and be sure they are okay with a gift that is not from their registry.
    2.) Only present gifts that are clean, intact, and practical.
    3.) Make your gift look less cheap - Present gifts in unique packaging.
    4.) If you feel uncomfortable giving a thrift-gift, never feel like you have to - If your budget limits you, remember gift cards in any denomination are appropriate, and many discount, outlet, and department store clearance sections sell great items for all occassions at reasonable prices.
Happy thrifting!