Dear Family and Friends,

I won’t be giving any new gifts this year. Which is weird to some. There is an unspoken taboo that you can’t give a gift that is used. The thought that you grabbed something off your shelf, slapped a bow on it and gave it as  a gift is so offensive, the presents have to be new in package, just to prove you didn’t do that. People even buy Tiffany boxes empty for top dollar, just for the illusion that the jewelry being gifted is new. But you know what is more offensive than getting a used gift? The thought of loved ones going into debt to buy gifts for me, or the expectation that I do the same. Lets give the planet, our wallets, and our expectations and break and just not do the thing where we go out and drop 3-4 figures at the shopping mall.

I’ve given up completely on giving NEW gifts and here’s my top 5 reasons why:

1. Eco Friendly! Buying used means you aren’t creating a demand for new goods to be manufactured. Less consumption is a great thing!
2. Unique! Some things you just can’t buy new. So that vintage aloha shirt or dress from 1960 is certainly used, but you can’t buy one new if you wanted to. No one else at the Tiki bar will have the same shirt as you!
3. Thoughtful! If you’re buying vintage and used things, you have to try a little harder. You can’t just grab some soap baskets on deep discount and decide later who is the stinkiest of all. You have to think about what that person might like out of the limited stock you will run into. You may even have to stalk their social media for ideas.
4. Economical! If I buy used gifts, I can average about $10 per gift instead of $50+. If I have ten people to shop for, I’ve already saved $400. Time is money, and I certainly don’t want my loved ones slaving away for hours to buy me a gift. I bet yours don’t either.
5. High End! That’s right, if you accept gently used gifts, you may find yourself in a sweet pair of lulu lemon leggings or Ralph Lauren (new old stock) sheets! I can’t afford designer brands off the shelf, but sometimes I run into a dazzling deal on my treasure hunts! If you can get over the fact that its gently used, you maybe be getting a Hermes Paris scarf!

Now, all things considered vintage gifts can suck just as hard as new gifts. My advice is to not expect anything from your Christmas gifts. If you really want something, go buy it. Save up for it. Don’t put pressure on your loved ones to fulfill your Christmas destiny, and don’t feel like you hvae to fulfill theirs. Just keep it simple, inexpensive and thoughtful and your gift, new or used, will be from the heart and that’s what its all about afterall.