Would you give used garage/rummage sale item as a gift to a loved one? Would you tell them?

Depends on what the item is, if it’s a toaster probably not, but some rare hard to find item sure I would have no problem telling them where I got it.

I had a friend, once (we’ve lost touch, like you do after making drastic life choices), whose favourite poem was Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shalott”.

I came across in my travels an ancient copy of Tennyson’s complete works. The cloth book cover was tattered, the spine had been broken, it was turning to dust. But the pages had that magical vanilla smell that old books get, and it so happened the break in the spine was right at The Lady of Shalott.

I bought the book, placed a ribbon to mark the page, wrapped it in a scrap of purple (her favourite colour) satin, and in the twine binding tied a homemade quill pen (not properly aged… it was for show, mostly).

It was a Tuesday present. It’s a thing. Everyone gets birthday gifts, and gifts are expected at holidays… but Tuesdays are just so Tuesday that I think if there’s any time you should give someone a random present, it should be on a Tuesday.

Anyway, TL;DR – eff yes I’ll give an old thing as a gift, if it’s just right for the recipient.

I’m a sucker for old clocks, particularly striking, key wound mantle clocks. When I come across one in reasonable shape, I’ll have it repaired and give it to someone who matters at Christmas or as a wedding present. Lots of brides and grooms have probably been insulted at receiving a beat up (but functioning) old clock as a wedding present, but you can get away with damned near anything when you’re old.

Yes, sure, why not? I have always worked on the premise that it is the thought that really counts. If a gift is given with love and grace, it is a lovely gift, whatever it may be.

Yes I would, and no I wouldn’t tell them. But I would make sure the darn thing worked properly as some people sell worthless junk as good at yard/rummage sales.

It depends what it is. If it’s an antique, or something that can only be found used, and I know they would love it, sure I would. My dad gives used books to people all the time. His business is buying and selling used books. He knows my husband loves cars, so he has given him very specialized car books often that are used.

If the item was perfect for them, and it was cheap, I would buy it, then take it home and research if a new version was available. If so, I’d buy the new version to them, perhaps even giving them both with an explanation.

There are some things you can add value too. I once bought a vintage pottery vase that I knew my sister would love. It was cheap, so rather than wrapping it and giving to to her, I took it to the florist and had an exotic arrangement put in it and delivered to her work for her birthday. At the time it was $25–30 total, and better than anything new I could have given.