Have you ever noticed that if you pay full price for a shiny new toy it often falls apart after fifteen minutes whereas if you go to a garage sale and pay $5 for a 1975 can of Tinker Toys it lasts forever? Toys really were built better back when we were kids. It's too bad that you can't gift secondhand items without looking cheap...Or can you?
Secondhand gifting is on the rise. Most people appreciate the vintage appeal and educational value of toys from the past as well as the lack of excess packaging. Really, who needs a toy wired to cardboard inside of a plastic bag which is in a box that is covered in cellophane? Whew! You can keep your trash can empty and your wallet happy by transforming secondhand items into unique and thoughtful gifts.
When it comes to secondhand gifting, presentation is the deciding factor for whether the gift comes off as cheap or charming. Giving someone a shoebox full of secondhand building blocks might raise an eyebrow, but stacking blocks inside of a decorative canister personalized with the child's name transforms a used building set into a creative gift. Use the following tips for giving secondhand gifts and be sure to see the photo album at the bottom of the page for educational thrift store finds that cost $2 or less.
- Be aware that some older toys may contain lead-based paint. Look for recalls and use a home testing kit such as Lead Check to be safe.
- Examine toys for any broken, sharp edges, faulty wiring, corroded battery compartments or any other safety hazards. Thoroughly clean toys before gifting.
- If you buy an item that still has the original packaging, use it to decorate your gift. For instance, cutouts from the original Cyclograph box are used to decorate the felt gift pouch in the photo above.
- Another option for using images from the original packaging is to make a decorative tag by pasting the cutouts to construction paper along with some information about the toy.
- Handmade fabric gift bags are reusable and add a personal touch. For an attractive, easy-to-sew pattern, see Better Homes and Gardens.
- Wrapping gifts in newspaper comics strips is consistent with the nostalgic feel of secondhand gifting. Ask neighbors and local businesses to save their funny papers for you.
- Collect sturdy containers such as cardboard school supply boxes, oatmeal containers and coffee cans to hold your secondhand gifts. Decorate the containers with scrapbooking supplies, wallpaper samples or fabric.
Still not up for secondhand gifting? See Educational gift ideas 2009 for new toy ideas.
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Comments
Great ideas, Starr.
Good Article Starr...I've done the comic page wrapping paper myself before...but I haven't thought of your other ideas ;)
Good ideas!!
This is a great article. I was really disappointed with the news that lead is in the Barbie toys. I've been saving my daughter's from years ago so that our two little grandchildren can have them. Now I may get rid of them instead!
Nice ideas!
I think secondhand gifts are OK as long as they are not used. :-)
What great ideas! Very cool, thanks.
Great ideas!
My daughter is still young and right now loves it when her older friends pass on their toys to her. Most of her toys are probably used and if I could find a way to buy more used books that I want (versus the stuff that is just available), I'd do that as well. Given all the current recalls I'm not sure how much more dangerous the older toys are than new ones, anyway. And I get heartsick if I go to a toy store and look at all the plastic stuff that's just going to end up in a landfill somewhere. Over the summer we bought a bag of used Playmobil toys and another one of Legos. I cleaned them up and am going to put them in homemade drawstring bags for Christmas (more money for books!).
I think your idea's are alsome and very thoughtful. You are a really neat person and I am sure a wonderful mommy!. You rock! Meow
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