Is it tacky to give a gift from a second hand store?

[hinodis]

I am in need of a baby shower gift. I was at a childrens resale shop and I found a carseat/stroller combination for $80.00. It looks like it was never used, the wheels are clean. I looked online and found out it is $269.00 to buy a new one. I also found some darling clothes I would love to buy. Would it bother you if someone got you second hand items for a shower gift? I can get the stroller and about 10 outfits for the baby at the resale shop or get her no stroller and maybe 5 outfits, or maybe a babyswing and nothing else. I have the stroller on hold.

 

[SGMCO]

The only caution I would have buying a used carseat is if
it had been in an accedent. This was a report that was on
our local news--it said that sometimes there is no way of
knowing if the carseat was in an accedent or not.
they also said to always go online to the manufactor website
and see if the seat has been recalled.
I hope this helps.

 

[mjkacmom]

I would say yes, especially the stroller/carseat (it's not safe to use a used carseat unless you know the owner). Many new parents put great thought and research into carseats and strollers - I wouldn't buy anyone a new one unless it was off the registry. As for the clothes, I remember having my first baby, and wanting everything new. Fortunately, with all of the clothes I got at the shower, dd never even wore much of the stuff twice! As a first time mom, I would've preferred a nice, new outfit, over 10 gently used outfits. BTW, the rest of my kids lived in hand-me-downs, and I bought lots of equipment at garage sales. But with my first....

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I would not want used gifts for my baby. Sorry but I would rather have nothing and just have you come and celebrate with me. I put a lot of research into what items I wanted. If I didn't get them I would have bought them myself. I also did not want any used clothing. Clothes are cheap enough to buy new. I also agree that I would never use a used carseat. Sorry but if you are going to spend $80 spend it on something the mother wants. I am not trying to be harsh, just honest.

 

[Acklander]

another one who thinks for stuff like that it's better to go with new. The only time I'd go with a gift from a second hand store is if was a one of a kind type thing that can't be bought. For example, when my sister got married, I found a book from the turn of the century on how to be a good housewife, which I gave to her at her shower. I knew she'd appreciate the humor in the out of date advice.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Since I just had a baby I have been in the of a lot of discussions about baby showers and the general consensus is that moms prefer gifts off their registry. I wouldnt want to give or receive used gifts at a shower but might not mind as much later privately. At the shower it just comes across as cheap and a little shoddy. i would be a bit offended. i might be abnormal but that is honesty for you.

 

[Hannathy]

It would depend on who you are to the person having the baby. If it is your best friend and you both like to garage sale or consignment shop then she would probably be OK with it, in fact would appreciate it. HOWEVER if it is just a casual friend or someone you work with then I wouldn't.

 

[tinkermom23]

I found a book from the turn of the century on how to be a good housewife, which I gave to her at her shower. I knew she'd appreciate the humor in the out of date advice.

Very cute idea!!!

I personally feel that the parents should pick out the carseat. There are so many options... and i woudl never buy a used carseat, no matter what. Although I have bought a used stroller, but that was my choice.

Have you thought about talking to the mom-to-be and ask her if she has bought a stroller.... then tell her about the one on hold. If she would like it, buy it for her and then at the shower, give her a few new outfits. Just my opinion!

 

[hinodis]

It is for my close friend's daughter. She has been shopping at garage sales this summer so I did not think she would be too offended. She is very young and unmarried, so I do know she needs all the help she can get. That was why I was trying to stretch my money for her. I can't afford to but the stroller new for her. Her Mom got her a crib and changing table.

 

[hinodis]

I would say yes, especially the stroller/carseat (it's not safe to use a used carseat unless you know the owner). Many new parents put great thought and research into carseats and strollers - I wouldn't buy anyone a new one unless it was off the registry. As for the clothes, I remember having my first baby, and wanting everything new. Fortunately, with all of the clothes I got at the shower, dd never even wore much of the stuff twice! As a first time mom, I would've preferred a nice, new outfit, over 10 gently used outfits. BTW, the rest of my kids lived in hand-me-downs, and I bought lots of equipment at garage sales. But with my first....

That is why all the clothes in the resale shop looked brand new!

 

[pearlieq]

Have you thought about talking to the mom-to-be and ask her if she has bought a stroller.... then tell her about the one on hold. If she would like it, buy it for her and then at the shower, give her a few new outfits. Just my opinion!

That's exactly what I would do too. It seems like the perfect solution for the situation.

 

[OceanAnnie]

It is for my close friend's daughter. She has been shopping at garage sales this summer so I did not think she would be too offended. She is very young and unmarried, so I do know she needs all the help she can get. That was why I was trying to stretch my money for her. I can't afford to but the stroller new for her. Her Mom got her a crib and changing table.

I'd ask your friend. I think it's wonderful what you are trying to do for her DD.

 

[hinodis]

I'd ask your friend. I think it's wonderful what you are trying to do for her DD.

I took your advice and I just got off the phone with her. She was thrilled about the idea. The baby's father was over there, Mom-to-be was at work. She asked his opinion and he was very excited about it. They are both young and still in college. We decided to leave it as a surprise for Mom-to-be. I guess maybe their perspective is a matter of need on this one. The young parents appreciate the help and support they are getting. I am going to go back and buy it for them.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I took your advice and I just got off the phone with her. She was thrilled about the idea. The baby's father was over there, Mom-to-be was at work. She asked his opinion and he was very excited about it. They are both young and still in college. We decided to leave it as a surprise for Mom-to-be. I guess maybe their perspective is a matter of need on this one. The young parents appreciate the help and support they are getting. I am going to go back and buy it for them.

I thought that might be the case when you explained the circumstances. I think it's lovely what you are doing. You are a great friend!

 

[Pigeon]

I wouldn't give a used car seat no matter what your friend said. You have no idea of its history, and if it's been in an accident, it is just not safe.

 

[lil mermaid]

I wouldn't give a used car seat no matter what your friend said. You have no idea of its history, and if it's been in an accident, it is just not safe.

I agree. In addition to what this poster said, it could also be expired.

I think it is really nice that you want to help them, but you can get a brand new carseat for $80 or less. I'd go that route.

 

[Liberty Belle]

It is for my close friend's daughter. She has been shopping at garage sales this summer so I did not think she would be too offended. She is very young and unmarried, so I do know she needs all the help she can get. That was why I was trying to stretch my money for her. I can't afford to but the stroller new for her. Her Mom got her a crib and changing table.

Then I would buy it for her, give it to her when you two are alone, and buy a couple of cute onsies or something for her to unwrap at the shower.

But like others said, you're not supposed to use used carseats.

 

[michellev]

I agree. In addition to what this poster said, it could also be expired.

I think it is really nice that you want to help them, but you can get a brand new carseat for $80 or less. I'd go that route.

I would too. A used carseat isn't a safe option. I'm surprised they even sell them used.

 

[HelenePA]

Used stroller YES, used clothes YES. Used carseat no way. Its just VERY unsafe. Like others said you just dont know. Heck she might be able to get a carseat FREE at the hospital when she delivers. I know all of them around here offer them to ALL new mom's. I was offered one but turned it down the nurses just about twisted my arm to take it even as an extra but I had NO room for another baby item!!

 

[aprilgail2]

I wouldn't give a used car seat no matter what your friend said. You have no idea of its history, and if it's been in an accident, it is just not safe.

I agree!
And OP- yes- it IS tacky to give a used thing as a gift no matter how polite the other person is being about it!