Green Gifts for Christmas: Shopping Secondhand for Unique, Inexpensive Presents

Posted by Carla Marie Boulianne Dec 16, 2008

When I wrote "Eco Friendly Christmas Gift Giving (Shopping Used)" and "Environmentally Green Holiday Gifts (Shopping Local)", it was based on my personal experience giving used presents last Christmas. My friends and I were about to embark on a "No Shopping" month, where we only purchased essential items. I felt guilty that we were delaying the commitment until January.

I wanted to model a lifestyle of sustainability to my three children, growing up in a rapidly changing world of diminishing resources. So I set out to purchase all my gifts locally, selecting gently used items, and using no new packaging materials. The year was a great success. My friends and relatives received carefully selected power tools, jewelry, vintage clothing, books, toys, electronics, dvds, and cds." Everyone was thrilled with their gifts as each unigue Christmas present required careful consideration of interests, hobbies, and passions.

Little did I suspect that my personal experience shopping used would become so relevant with the growing economic recession. KQED/NPR reported Peter Jon Shuler recently featured my article in a segment on "Holiday Giving in a Recession." Shopping used is gentle on the environment and your pocketbook. My Christmas purchases cost a tenth of what they did a few years ago.

Whether shopping for a cheap Christmas gift or eco friendly present, I hope my tips for selecting used gifts will transform your holiday shopping this season. I proudly sport the new moniker of "used gift maven." You can too!

Shop used to conserve resources and the cash in your wallet. The Earth has enough stuff.