Whoops! I don’t know how I missed this one, but apparently right now at Second Spin they’re offering free shipping on all orders with coupon code FSN7. But it’s only good through midnight tonight, and I’m sorry I didn’t post it earlier.
I’ve gotten a number of used CDs from Second Spin and have been very happy with them, and they offer used DVDs and games, as well. They’re a great way to save a few bucks if you don’t need something brand spankin’ new. (Translation: I would’ve give these as gifts to someone outside of the family, but I have no problem giving them to my kids. Then again, I’m sort of a meanie.)
I think we’d all be better off if we’d get over our aversion to giving and receiving a gift that’s not quite new. Half.com is one of my favorite resources for this.
My sister-in-law regularly gives my (younger) kids used toys and gifts from her (older) kids’ castoffs as birthday and Christmas presents, and I love that. They could care less, and she spends less money and gives something that’s outlived its usefulness in her house a whole new life at mine.
We also had a year where much of our extended family was pretty broke, so we all agreed to give each other used books for Christmas. It was great fun, and we didn’t feel deprived a bit.
I’m lucky with my side of the family that way, they have nothing against used or homemade gifts. My husband’s side is another matter . .
” . . like a record baby, right ’round” – one of those songs I’m kind of embarrassed to admit I like!
When my kids were younger they got many recycled gifts. And they never minded them – still don’t, although now it is harder to find used what they really want. Even among extended family we sometimes get gifts from “yard sale Santa”.
Last year in my stocking I got a stack of 4 or 5 books my SIL had read and enjoyed. I loved it. I got more books to read than if she had bought me one new book.