Thrift the Season: Secret Santa with a Sustainable Twist

Now that the blockbuster Ads are out and the Warmageddon counter has reset I think it’s safe for us to use the C-word. Yep, Christmas approaches yet again, but before you set your Credit card alight, we’ve got some ideas to beat the Black Friday blues. First up, if your office, group, family, or friends runs a Secret Santa thing, then now is the time to suggest a little eco-twist on the theme this year.

This holiday season we invite you to join our drive to help all Secret Santa schemes become second-hand events. You don’t need us to remind you that waste drives climate change and if we know anything about Christmas It’s that it generates a lot of waste. So, let’s cut the cr@p this year and the easiest place to start is with your Secret Santa.

The rules are simple, it’s basically like any other year, except that everyone has to give something that isn’t new. Don’t panic, it's a lot easier than you think and honestly, we think your gifts will be better and mean more to the people who receive them.

We’ve got five great gift ideas to get you started but go your own way if you like. Just remember each present must be something pre-owned or pre-loved.

Gift idea #1: Books

Books can be a great choice for someone you know. There are second-hand books stores and listings everywhere, even Amazon sells used books these days. Of course, you can think outside of the box too and you may even find something a little bit special in your price range. Signed copies and first editions often cost less than a new book if you know where to look and there’s something really special about owning something unique like that. You can find signed copies and first editions for sale on many online marketplaces or use your Riloop account to run a dedicated search.

Gift idea #2: Upcycling

Making something artistic or creative from something else is another great idea for your second-hand Secret Santa. You could try decorating some old pottery, or maybe turn some old clothes into a cool new accessory. There are literally thousands of tutorials out there on how to upcycle everything from DVDs to furniture. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re a skilled maker or a have-a-go hero, the point is the thought and the effort behind the gift.

Gift idea #3: Vintage Vinyl

Even in the unlikely event the person you’re buying for doesn’t have a record player, picking up a classic LP can be a touching and thoughtful gesture. Scour their social media profiles and ask their friends for clues and then get hunting for a record you think they’d love. If they can play it then so much the better, but even if they can’t old vinyl LPs can be great display pieces and talking points.

Gift idea #4: Jewellery or accessories

Treasures and trinkets always make fun presents. Have a nose about online and in the local junk shops for anything appropriate. You can pick up cool costume jewellery, vintage watches, and all manner of shiny accessories online for pennies. You never know you might even get lucky and gift someone a lost heirloom. Once again, you can use your Riloop account to set up custom alerts and maybe find some diamonds in the rough.

Gift idea #5: Childhood memories

There’s no greater gift than nostalgia. We all love happy reminders from our past. Just find out a little about the person you’re buying for, and you’ll be able to find the perfect memento from their youth. Maybe you could find a newspaper from the day they were born or frame an old photograph of the town they grew up in. Perhaps you can find a copy of their favourite comic book, or a poster of their teen idol. The key is to get inventive and give them something that ignites hidden memories and if you’re lucky, fond early emotions from their youth.

In conclusion

These are just our suggestions and there are no rules to the game, other than don’t spend money on anything new. Secret Santa can be a fun bonding experience and there’s no reason to create more waste by joining in. So, if you like the idea, please help us spread the word and we’d love to hear your suggestions for the ideal pre-owned gifts. Remember, you can get ahead of the office competition by using your Riloop account to set up advanced searches and alerts. If you don’t have one yet, sign up here for your free Riloop account now.