Hear me out: Gifting pre-loved pieces to your loved ones is more thoughtful than buying brand new

Make it a gift that keeps on giving.

Once a practice that brought me joy and fulfilment, gift-giving has started giving me something else: an inescapable ‘ick’. In this era of overconsumption, seeing piles of parcels showing up on my doorstep now brings an overwhelming sense of anxiety. The fresh packaging and that brand-new smell that once felt alluring is losing its sheen. 

This year, more than any other, it feels as though the trend of towering masses of presents under the Christmas tree is due for some bucking. It feels empty, almost soulless, to deliver love in this way. In an effort to bring back the joy of gifting, I’m turning away from the shiny and new and embracing pre-loved purchases instead.

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

I remember a time when receiving an op shop find as a gift was almost insulting. ‘I’m only worth this much to you?’ was the prevailing attitude (in my teenage mind, at least). My underdeveloped brain struggled to grasp that something secondhand, often picked for my interests and tastes, held so much more meaning than a surf shop accessory. 

There was a distinct moment when I felt the switch. As an early-twenty-something with a longing to get out there and see the world, I received a stack of vintage records showcasing some of the best tunes Europe had to offer (that is, circa 1963). A half-joke and half-serious gift from a friend, the original intention didn’t actually matter. What I had received was so much more than a musty set of vinyl, it was a way to travel via my ears and scratch my wanderlust through sound. I felt deeply understood. It was maybe the best $10 this friend had ever spent.

The pre-loved magic

Beyond a few random ‘I must get this for [insert name]’ pre-loved finds on eBay, I’m relatively new to the other side of secondhand gifting. My friend and vintage collecting queen, Gaby Dillon, absolutely lights up at the topic. She’s an expert at sourcing thoughtful gifts that will make your family and friends feel seen in the way that I had upon receiving those vintage vinyl records.

“Gifting pre-loved is kind of magic, I think,” she says. “It involves a whole lot more thought because you’re searching for a treasure that connects you to someone you care about, and you’re also searching your brain for memories or reminders of what they’re interested in.” 

Proving just how thoughtful pre-loved gifting is, it’s not a solution you can turn to at the last minute. It takes time. As Gaby highlights, “It’s not as straightforward as buying new, but it’s really satisfying and so special.” With time, the searching and scrolling will reveal hidden gems best suited to your loved ones. These need to be selected with careful consideration, marking the type of gifter I want to be.

I’ve been keeping a growing list of all my loved ones, noting their every eccentric hobby, passion, and mention of a particular designer or kitchenware essential. Collected throughout the year, it’s proven a helpful companion for my gift searches on eBay. I’ve perfected narrowing my searches with keywords, filtering by colour and size until I find a gift that’s just right.

How to give a gift they’ll remember

Still stuck on where to start? Sometimes it takes a few ideas to get the search going, so eBay’s gift guides are a great place to gain some inspiration. 

For the interiors obsessive: I firmly believe there have never been complaints upon receiving a vintage coloured glassware set. Feeling the pull towards amber, pink or that distinct jewel-tone green, I collect tumblers, carafes, wine glasses and more (and then add a few for me, too).

For the fashion girlie: Here’s your opportunity to gift Anna Quan knitwear, Bassike essentials and Christopher Esber pieces you wouldn’t dream of gifting brand new. This is called bang-for-your-buck, making a huge impact on their wardrobe while also being a win for your wallet.

For the one whose hobbies are podcasts, scrolling and streaming: Trust me when I say a curated DVD collection of Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni’s favourite flicks is a treasure worthy of praise. Start with Showgirls, then move to Girl, Interrupted, before stashing the Sex And The City box set in there, too. Hint, hint, to any gift-givers looking my way. 

Let me leave you with this parting note: The Australia Institute estimated the approximate value of unwanted or unused presents received at Christmas (by adults alone) in 2023 was $921 million. Beyond thoughtfulness, opening ourselves up to the world of pre-loved gifting means far less waste, investing in the circular economy and delivering some kind of high-five to the planet. A little thought goes a long, long way.

Start browsing for pre-loved gifts on eBay.

eBay is not endorsed by or affiliated with any of the brands referenced in this article.