6 Tips to Buy Used Holiday Gifts (& Not Get Caught)
Introduction
Each household is expected to spend $1536 during the holiday season this year according to a 2018 survey by Deloitte with gift purchases taking up 34% of this spending. You can get creative and stay in budget by following one simple strategy: buying used gifts. Secondhand gifts save money, reduce waste, and keep you from regretting purchases that the kids grew out of or lost interest in. Here are six tips to ensure you get your money's worth when buying used holiday gifts.
1. Ask Questions
The most important thing to do before you buy used gifts is to make sure they’re good quality. If you're buying online, always ask for additional pictures if the toy has a defect such as a dent or a stain. Be wary if the seller doesn’t describe it in detail or provide pictures.
Key Points
- Request Detailed Photos: Ensure the item is in the condition you expect.
- Inquire About History: Ask about the item's history and usage.
Image Description: Infographic showing tips for asking questions when buying used gifts online.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Around
Don't want to pay full price on a product? Check out online marketplaces like Facebook or eBay. Competitive pricing may get you the best possible deal. Be specific about what you want and the condition you want it in and don’t just take the first offer that comes your way.
Tips
- Explore Multiple Platforms: Compare prices on different websites.
- Set Alerts: Use alerts to get notified of new listings.
Image Description: Infographic showing the benefits of shopping around for used gifts.
3. Know Where to Look
For big items — outdoor play homes, for example — search first on places like local Facebook sales pages, eBay, or Craigslist. But don't stay confined to your computer. Look into brick-and-mortar stores or sales. Garage sales can be gold mines. Check out any of them that you pass by. Don’t be afraid to purchase new and excellent-condition clothing and shoes from consignment stores that have quality control in place.
Places to Explore
- Online Marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist.
- Consignment Stores: Goodwill, Savers, secondhand children shops.
Image Description: Illustration showing various places to look for used holiday gifts.
4. Know What Used Gifts to Skip
There are some things you just don’t want to take a chance on like boxed items. These are toys like puzzles, games, and building sets that you need to have each piece of in order to make them worthwhile. Avoid anything that can get moldy. Plastic baby dolls with a feeding component or bath toys — which get wet — may be a health hazard.
Tips
- Avoid Incomplete Sets: Skip puzzles or games that may be missing pieces.
- Beware of Mold Risks: Avoid items that can harbor mold, like certain bath toys.
Image Description: Infographic showing which used gifts to avoid due to risks.
5. Double-Check Everything
Though it's exciting to jump immediately on sales, take the time to make sure an item is in the condition you expect before wasting the time and money to order it or go pick it up. Check the product for stains, rips, tears, missing parts, weird smells, and so on.
Checklist
- Inspect Thoroughly: Check for physical defects or missing parts.
- Test Functionality: Ensure the item works as expected.
Image Description: Illustration showing a person inspecting a used item before purchase.
6. Shop Smart & Safe
Whenever you buy from another person online, you should follow some safety measures. Never wire someone money. Instead, use third-party money-transfer systems like PayPal if you pay online. If you can’t resolve a dispute with a seller, most forums or your credit card company will help you if you have been genuinely misled.
Safety Tips
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Prefer PayPal or similar services.
- Meet in Public: For in-person purchases, meet in a safe public area.
Image Description: Infographic showing safety tips for buying used gifts online.
