Give the Gift of Secondhand

How to Give the Gift of Secondhand



Vintage beaded sequined dress



As many of you know, I am an avid thrifter. I love the joy of finding bold patters and retro styles after hours (yes hours) amid old clothing, shoes and accessories. I love looking at a piece and imagining its history and the new story yet to tell. I have learned and developed unique ways to acquire unique goods from secondhand stores and markets. I have even conducted thrifting tours, held workshops on how to care for secondhand merchandise, repaired, recreated and re-fashioned used items. Therefore, I would call myself an expert.

In my expert opinion, giving the gift of secondhand is a beautiful thing. It is the responsibility of the gift-giver to make sure that the recipient will appreciate said gift. If the gift is well-intentioned, takes the recipient back to fonder times, is something that they have always wanted or replaces something that was lost: mission accomplished. However, if the gift itself is in ruin, looks dirty and unhealthy, or is in bad taste: fail.

 

The key to successfully giving secondhand items (or any item for that matter) is to gift meaningfully. For example, one year, my brother bought me a few DVDs of VHS movies I used to watch as a child but could no longer play since we upgraded our hardware. I was so touched that he remembered! That DVD was maybe a few dollars but it was not a popular movie, nor was it something he picked up overnight. I could tell he put some thought into it and I was impressed.

 

While there are certainly plenty of items on the “never buy secondhand list” such as: infant toys, undergarments and surgical items etc. there are also plenty of items on the “something borrowed list”.

 

 

The best items to buy secondhand include:

 

1. Old instruments, vinyl and record players- for music lovers
2. Costume jewelry and jewelry boxes-for the fashionista
3. Aged cologne or perfume-for classic men and women
4. Home décor such as old mason jars, vases and mid-century modern statement pieces-for the artist or retro-inspired
5.  Antique artwork (especially originals), magazines/covers or posters-for the art lovers
6.  Old fabric and clothing patterns-for the designers or quilters
7.  Anything with great texture such as: furs, leathers, silk, chiffon, lace etc.
8. Great accessories such as purses, belts, sunglasses, hats, gloves, scarves and cufflinks-for those who care about the details and like designer labels
9. Crystal bottles and flasks-for the inner bartender
10. Cookbooks and/or fancy crystal dinner wear set, porcelain, copper, silver, bronze, gilded cookware or utensils-for the Top Chefs
11. Classic t-shirts from musical artists, historic events and sports paraphernalia-for the throwbackers
12. Vintage luggage and travel accessories-for the wanderlust individual
13. Gag gifts like ugly sweaters and novelty games are great for laughs-for the white elephant games or holiday gift swaps*

 

 

 

 

 

Consideration. Presentation. Effort.

 

Again, with any gift, the key is being considerate of that person's interests, wants, needs, character, and knowing how they might receive the gift. Two other important things about gift-giving that people often overlook is presentation and effort.

People will know if you spent weeks tracking down their favorite childhood toy on Ebay, or if you travelled to 8 different thrift stores to find that one special piece, or if you spent hours creating a collage and framing the artwork. People appreciate the length you go to show how much you mean to them. So, it is not enough to simply stuff a gift in a bag and hand it over; you have to dig a little deeper with secondhand items and tell its story. 

You may also want to write a heartfelt letter, make a photo collage of the journey, find an old photo of the same/similar item they loved, or make a mix CD explaining how and why you came to find that secondhand treasure. 

 

Here are a few ways to successfully pull off a secondhand gift.

 

1. Remix. Mix the old with the new.

• Get them something old such as an old clutch and place a new set of earrings inside. 

• You can get a set of old-fashion vases and place fresh flowers in them.

• Put his/her favorite scent into pretty vintage atomizers.

• Make flavored oils or jam and place them in old glass bottles or jars.

• Use old teacups to make scented candles.

• Put your friend's favorite adult beverages and mixes into an old trunk or suitcase as a minibar.

   

 

 

2. Re-fashion. Turn the past into something trendy and fashionable.

 

• Pull a few patches from old thrifted jackets, sew them onto an old jacket of his/hers.

• Get a retro-inspired beaded dress from the seventies, an eighties acid wash denim piece, or a nineties sweatshirt and pair it with new heels and go dancing at her favorite spot. 

• Take old shirts from different phases in your friend’s life and place them in elaborate frames and hang them up while they are out.

• Have an ugly sweater party or a throwback holiday sock hop where everyone wears vintage clothes and brings a nostalgic gift like a CD, twister game, oldskool hip-hop posters, jazzercise videos, tutus and tiaras etc.

 

 

3. Re-create. Make something new---upcycle!

 

• Find something cool and spray paint it, bejewel it or stud it out.

• Take an old puzzle and paint or collage over it with pictures and shared memories with friends.

• Turn and an old suitcase into a travel vanity by placing an old mirror inside, then stuff it with scarves, ties and hats.

• Hollow out an old book and make a book safe, then put in some vintage collectables inside.

• Remove the face on a watch or timepiece and place a photo of you and a friend or loved one.

• Turn your best friend into a Barbie doll ;)