Being frugal and money conscious is a choice for my family and I. However, I use a different mindset when giving gifts and feel the recipient should receive an item that is brand new and never used. It's one thing to find an outrageous sale to save money on a first-rate item that is pristine, but when you are trying to save money through buying a used item, the recipient may take offense to the obvious knowledge that you did not feel they were worthy enough of a brand-new, off-the-shelf item. Used items "scream" cheap when given as gifts. You can give a brand new item that you get for cheap, but it doesn't "scream" cheap. The value is still there.

I am obviously in the minority, but I try not to buy ANYTHING new. It is not a problem for me, as far as giving gifts..everyone who knows me knows that I detest the consumer mentality that "new is good, used is bad", when the truth is that the minute you take something out of its packaging (read..garbage) that this is now "used". I buy presents all year long at yard sales, pawn shops, thrift stores, consignment stores.etc. By doing this, I do not contribute to more landfill problems, exploitation of resources, workers, etc, AND I save enough money to buy people things they REALLY want..I got my 10 year old an electric guitar that retails for $600.00 for $70.00 including the amplifier...(!) He will be much happier with this , than a $70.00 "new" one.