AARP Hearing Center
Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks this holiday season, when everything from gifts to wrapping paper adds up?
One way that’s gaining popularity is gifting gently used items sold online and at thrift stores — or available for free from your closet. OfferUp, the secondhand marketplace, surveyed consumers and found 82 percent said they may buy more pre-owned gifts this holiday season, citing financial concerns and less stigma associated with this type of gift-giving.
“Shopping secondhand has become more popular than ever to save money on daily essentials, but many may be wondering if it’s OK to buy something used to give as a gift,” says budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. “There are a few items that are perfectly OK to give used, as long as you use proper etiquette.”
Here are five acceptable secondhand gifts and five to stay away from.
Regift these 5 items
1. Electronics and personal devices
Smartphones, tablets and computers are popular gifts to give during the holidays, but they can easily break the bank — unless you buy them refurbished. Many manufacturers and retailers sell refurbished electronics at a discounted rate.
You have to be careful when going this route to ensure you get a device that’s the correct model and in working condition. “The key to giving a used electronic is to make sure you’re buying a certified refurbished option from a reputable retailer that will come looking brand-new with an option for return and a warranty,” Woroch says. Secondhand marketplaces also sell certified refurbished/previously owned devices such as smartphones, she says.
How much can you save?
Depending on the product, you can save as much as 60 percent, Woroch says. The more popular and newer it is, the less savings there will be. A 10th-generation iPad costs $449 new, but you can save $100 by purchasing a certified refurbished eighth-generation iPad from Apple.
2. Toys for children
Unless the child is a super-savvy shopper, the recipient isn’t likely to tell the difference between a new or a used toy if it’s in good condition. That’s particularly true if it’s an item that requires you to assemble it, such as a bicycle, dollhouse or remote-control car. “Just make sure when buying a used toy to read the description for the wear and tear, or look at it in person if buying through a local listing site to make sure it has all the parts needed,” Woroch says.
How much can you save?
A couple of years ago, Woroch snagged a used Barbie Dreamhouse for $50 on Facebook Marketplace. A new Barbie Dreamhouse costs about $200.
3. Gift cards
Gift cards tend to top holiday lists, yet many go unused each year. An often-cited CreditCards.com survey found 47 percent of U.S. adults said they have at least one unused gift card, store credit or voucher, which adds up to $21 billion nationwide. If this sounds familiar, consider regifting one of your unused gift cards.
