Thread: When (if ever) would you give a used gift?

I don't give used, unless it is a collector item. But, this year, I am giving my step daughter a book case full of used books. She has been buying used books in preparation for when she has her own class room some day. She is currently a Jr. in college, pursuing an elem. ed. degree.

So, this particular used gift is not far fetched. But I have been so excited about it, yet now, I am feeling like she may be disappointed that her "big" gift is used. I have a used plastic Little Tykes book shelf and it is going to be full of books. And when all is said and done, she will have over a $600 value of books that I have paid under $100 for. And I am only choosing books that are like new.

The books are all targeted toward grade 1, which is what she hopes to be able to teach. Of course, that may not happen, but I figure that worst case, she will just hang on to the books until she is a mom.

Do any of you have any creative ideas for me to complete this gift? I was thinking maybe a Borders or Barnes and Noble gift card? Of course, I have other little gifts for her...so not sure. I am just thinking that I want to "class up" this used gift!

Having a step daughter who is now a kindergarten teacher, trust me your daughter will LOVE and APPRECIATE this gift soooo much! i think the way it is will be an awesomely accepted gift, i dont think you have to "class it up". are you going to wrap it somehow, lol? maybe just put a bunch of presents in front of it, to cover it up somehow, and put a big red bow on it! in fact, between sd and i, we went on freecycle and found most everything she needed to set up her new classroom. she was always so excited to find something, ANYTHING to add! she found a great city job in a different state, (she grew up in a very small town) and this coming up spring, dh and i will be lending her our incubator and some of our chickens eggs so she can hatch out some baby chicks right before they leave for summer break. like she said, these kids think that their chicken and eggs only come from the grocery store, lol!

i think you are so thoughtful and i really do believe she will appreciate all you have put into this "big" gift for her. hopefully she will become the teacher she is looking forward to being and add even one more person to help teach our youth for the future.

I think your gift is perfect just the way it is and I am sure she will love it! .. It's something your giving her that comes from the heart and what more can you ask for?

I think its a wonderful gift! Since when has Christmas been about used or new? You are stressing over it.. relax.. the true spirit of Christmas giving is to give out of love... not if its new or used.. or cheap or expensive.. you put so much thought into this.. its a wonderful gift.

I have no issue with used if it is something that is truly wanted. My brother loves the mini series Band of Brothers.. I bought him the boxed (in a metal tin) set off of an amazon book seller.. used in great shape... its the thought behind the gift... not the price or newness..

She will be thrilled.. as will the kids in her classroom

I'm with everyone else! I think that is a terrific and thoughtful gift! If you can afford to add to it, then a book store gift card is a great addition. However, as is...that is a wonderful gift!

I think that is a great gift! Who cares if things are new or used it's the thought that counts.

As to when I would give a 'used' gift...my GF and I used to do that all the time...but they were collectables. We both collected 'depression glass' and when we would find a piece which would go better in the other's collection, we would wrap it up and it would be a Christmas or birthday gift.

That's a wonderful gift! I've bought lots of books off some ladies on this board and some of those are going in stockings and under the tree. We are avid readers here and our local Thrift store just had a book sale (6/$1) so I got my dh 300 hardbacks to add to his collection. I'm just hoping he doesn't visit our storage unit any time soon. Books are a great gift, or at least I think so. I typically even prefer the older worn "book smelly" type Great job!