I myself love scouring the conseignement stores and yard sales looking for a good deal. There have been times where I have found 'the perfect gift' for someone I am buying for, but always wonder if buying a second hand toy for someone outside my own family is acceptable. What are your thoughts?

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As long as it is clean and in good condition, I don't see anything wrong with it.

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I truly think it depends on the person you are buying for. Most people would be excited if you found the perfect present for them- but there are some people who get leery of presents without it box. I have no problem buying a gift like that for my family- but for DH's side- I would not even let that thought cross my mind (they are notorious for exchanging presents).

i would also say it depneds i know my sister or my one brother would not care at all but other family members would.

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I will do it for my family but for people outside my family I don't think I would do it. If you shop around you can get really good deals on new toys. I just bought my nephew a toy that retalis for $20 for $6 at Target on the clearance isle. And the good news is it hasn't been recalled. Way to much of that lately.

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I agree, it depends who you are giving it to. I have several people on my list who would be thrilled, and some that wouldn't be as appreciative.

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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 have consignment store toys ready to be wrapped up for DD.

If they are in good condition, Why not?

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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.

Hmmm....I was going to say, I wouldn't do it for outside our little home, but after reading the last post I will change that. I wouldn't give ordinary toys, and certainly no stuffed animals. But something like a guitar, or a really big item, would be different. I might get something like that if I knew it was something the recipient would love and couldn't afford themselves otherwise.

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