Thrifted Baby Clothes as Gifts: Yay or Nay?
By B
@pitsipeahie (5010)
August 21, 2024 12:49pm CST
I've been thinking about the idea of giving thrifted baby clothes as gifts, especially for special occasions like birthdays or baptisms. Personally, I think thrifted clothes are great for my own kids—some of the finds are amazing for the price and quality! But when it comes to gifting, I’m not so sure.
For me, it's a no-go on special occasions. We all have different values and preferences, and what might be okay for me might not be for someone else. But if it's just a random gift, not tied to any specific event, then I'm cool with it—as long as I know the person is okay with thrifted items. After all, it’s the thought that counts, BUT considering the recipient’s personality and preferences is key, right? It is always a good idea to ensure that the recipient feels valued and the gift aligns with their comfort level.
What do you think?
Would you gift thrifted clothes to a friend’s baby, or is it a no for you too?
7 people like this
5 responses
@AmbiePam (93974)
• United States
21 Aug
I wouldn’t take offense at a thrifted item as a present unless it came from a super rich person who only spent money on the finest things, but couldn’t be bothered to do the same to friends. If there are no marks, tears, stains, or other imperfections on the item, go for it!
2 people like this
@pitsipeahie (5010)
•
22 Aug
Good point! if someone who usually spends big bucks gives a thrifted gift, it might seem off.
1 person likes this
@grenery8 (11164)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
26 Aug
i agree with you on this. some people and for some big occassions simply like that smell of the new stuff and to be gifted a new stuff. if it was a casual meeting up and you wanted to gift people around, then it would be good. this occassion, it is no from me.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5010)
•
26 Aug
New stuff has that special touch for big events. Thrifted is cool for casual moments, but I'd pass on it for big/special occasions.
1 person likes this
@grenery8 (11164)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
29 Aug
@pitsipeahie exactly. and, i also think it shows, in the eyes of the host, an effort, in a way for gifting them a really nice gift or present.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71841)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Aug
While you need to consider the other person when giving a gift, that only goes so far. You have to consider yourself, too. If you're on a budget like most of us are, you have to consider that, too. If a friend would rather see you go broke over a gift, then they're not a very good friend.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5010)
•
21 Aug
As much as there are thrift stores, stores that sell budget friendly or affordable items that are new too are everywhere. There are sales or discount stores it won’t be impossible to find one. Nobody has to go broke gifting. Its a given to give whatever is within your means while still considering the recipient.
@RasmaSandra (80812)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Aug
I see no reason why not especially if you have to watch how much you spend,
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5010)
•
22 Aug
Hey, thanks for commenting on my discussion. 
Im okay with it so long as the person i’ll be giving it is okay with it too. If we share the same love for thrift items then its a go for me. But if I don't know the person well enough and have no idea how they’d take receiving a used item especially for a baby as gift on special occasions even if its in a 100% good condition, then I’d rather not. Not giving thrifted items doesn’t mean I have to buy expensive gifts or go broke gifting. Obviously, I’d spend and give what is within my budget. For sure, there’s always something out there that is practical and within my means that the recipient will appreciate too. Special occasions are ‘special’, gifts are special and some people just don’t feel that kind of ‘special’ with preloved clothes. I don’t blame them if that’s how they feel about it. Its just a matter of respecting differences and values. It may just be me, but as a giver, no matter how little the cost of my gift is, I still make sure that when I give something, I give it with you in mind. I have thought of you and considered you - your like or tastes not just myself and my budget or for the sake of giving without giving a damn to the receiver.
Im okay with it so long as the person i’ll be giving it is okay with it too. If we share the same love for thrift items then its a go for me. But if I don't know the person well enough and have no idea how they’d take receiving a used item especially for a baby as gift on special occasions even if its in a 100% good condition, then I’d rather not. Not giving thrifted items doesn’t mean I have to buy expensive gifts or go broke gifting. Obviously, I’d spend and give what is within my budget. For sure, there’s always something out there that is practical and within my means that the recipient will appreciate too. Special occasions are ‘special’, gifts are special and some people just don’t feel that kind of ‘special’ with preloved clothes. I don’t blame them if that’s how they feel about it. Its just a matter of respecting differences and values. It may just be me, but as a giver, no matter how little the cost of my gift is, I still make sure that when I give something, I give it with you in mind. I have thought of you and considered you - your like or tastes not just myself and my budget or for the sake of giving without giving a damn to the receiver.1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38748)
•
21 Aug
My daughter was invited to a baby shower. They had a registry for it online, but she made the registry herself. She wanted diapers, a stroller, and gift cards to a big local baby/childrens resale shop in their city. She thought she could do fine by shopping there, plus you can take the nicer baby clothes when you are done with them, and get credit for them to use on other clothes. My daughter used it when her babies were born--the things she got there were amazing. Lots of brand new items mixed in with the very slightly used, and lots of name brands, if that matters. But it saves a lot of money.
I thought it was a neat idea to just ask for gift cards from there! Smart new mama!
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5010)
•
22 Aug
That's such a smart approach! Gift cards to a resale shop are a great idea—especially when you can find amazing, almost-new items. Your daughter really knows how to get the most value!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38748)
•
23 Aug
@pitsipeahie
She knows how to be thrifty. All of my kids do...someone taught them that way, not sure who? 
A person never knows what they will encounter in life, knowing how to be thrifty and smart about spending unnecessarily is a good thing for us all.
A person never knows what they will encounter in life, knowing how to be thrifty and smart about spending unnecessarily is a good thing for us all.1 person likes this
