Yard Sale Shopping: Is Buying Gifts Tacky?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 May 2007 04:46 AM

We all know the controversy surrounding re-gifting. You know, when you get a gift and then instead of using it, you give it to someone else, passing it off as a gift you personally bought for the person. Some people say it is money smart to re-gift, while others say it is just plain tacky. Still others have an opinion somewhere in the middle, such as it is okay to re-gift if there is no chance that either the original gift giver, or the person you are giving the gift to, will ever find out. But what about buying gifts at yard sales? Is that okay?

I'm not sure where I fall in answer to this question. I think maybe there might be circumstances where buying a gift at a tag sale is okay. One example is if you have a frugal friend that doesn't mind in the least. In that case, you can be completely honest about where the gift came from. I once gave the gift of a large box of paperback mystery books to a friend who is an avid fan. She was thrilled and didn't mind in the least when I told her they all came second hand.

But what about a gift that you are passing off as new? There are plenty of items at yard sales that are brand new in the original packaging. So why shouldn't you buy and gift it? Does it matter that the spent some time unopened in someone's house instead of a store? Well, maybe. For one thing, you won't be able to take the gift back if the recipient doesn't like it, it is a wrong size, etc. For another thing, just because it looks new, doesn't mean that it actually is. Tags can be reattached to clothing, boxes can be re-taped to look professionally sealed, etc.

I learned this the hard way when I purchased a gift that the seller told me was brand new. When the gift recipient opened it, we found that it had very obviously been used (See: My most embarrassing frugal moment. It is in the Frugal Living forum).

What do you think? Have you ever added yard sale items to your gift closet?

Related Articles:

Yard Sale-ing Finds

Yard Sale Shopping Myth: Arriving Early

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 22 May 2007 08:03 AM

I have never used a yard sale item as a gift but I have definitly re-gifted before. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 22 May 2007 08:47 AM

And did anyone ever find out?

PatV (57) 26 May 2007 12:43 AM

I've used garage sale finds as gifts many times. In the "not new" category, you can often find collectibles. Also, look for things that reflect the interest of a particular person. Older people will appreciate memorabilia, some will enjoy retro items. Pretend like they came from a high priced specialty store. ;)

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 26 May 2007 07:40 AM

Retro items can be a great find as gifts, Pat! Hmmm, speciality store idea: A tag that says "Nana'a Attic. "

momof8ds (5) 01 May 2008 05:31 PM

I HAVE used yard sale or bargain bought items as gifts. For instance: I had a friend who wanted a Salad Shooter that was no longer being sold so when I found one, with all the extras,second hand, I bought it for her and gave it to her for her birthday. I have also found items like a milk glass creamer set and a lamp that I have and am going to give to someone who collects it. These are items that cant be bought new and I dont even try to claim they are new. I dont think you should be dishonest about it. Hey, everyone knows I try to save a buck but these items are more personal and I KNOW they will love them. It is a gift from the heart.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 01 May 2008 05:45 PM

Plus it takes more effort to find those hidden treasures!