There are many reasons why you might wish to focus on eco-friendly gifts...  

• You’ll probably save money.

• The person you’re giving to might especially appreciate your eco-awareness.

• You might feel that the person you’re giving to could use a nudge in the direction of frugality and/or environmental sensitivity.

• It’s fun to figure out how to (re)use things in different ways.

• It may be easier to come up with a used gift than something new.

Such a gift can be something used... Though some people are squeamish or contemptuous about used clothes in particular, and may be inclined to be affronted by any obvious, at least, gift that isn’t new, many aren’t - and those who are may be retrainable! Consider that it’s often impossible to tell that a used item is second-hand... Which means that you have the option of giving used items to these folks and either not telling them... or telling them, and letting them be amazed.

We happen to love the challenge (and cost-saving, and resource-saving) of shopping in What will make the receiver’s Christmas (Hanukkah, etc.) meaningfulWhat will make the receiver’s Christmas (Hanukkah, etc.) meaningfu stores and yard sales... as the British so aptly term them, "jumble sales". (I also find it fascinating to pore over the cast-offs of a civilization - and it’s very amusing to run across archaeological evidence, as it were, of my own past!) Shopping "new" means crowds, hype, and big bills... shopping "old" means discovery, amusement, often incredible bargains, often directly helping other people out, and (usually) not that many people around. If you get excited about a find and you can’t think how you could use it, chances are you can think how someone else can!

One real rummaging benefit relating especially to clothing... Trendiness is the tyrant of mostly the young - since styles change so rapidly, the range of them is great! Clothes in perfectly wonderful shape get jettisoned regularly, to offer themselves up to the discriminating shopper who chooses them based on inherent qualities rather than fashion claims.

Uncle John loves sturdy corduroy and the color green... period. Aunt Mary could care less about what’s in Vogue magazine... she’s stuck in the 1940s - and she looks great! And probably your toddler doesn’t care what it is, as long as it doesn’t have buttons. ...You may find that there’s plenty of scope for your sleuthing abilities at your local Salvation Army store.

As to that idea of second-hand being inferior as a gift, consider this:  By the receipt of pre-owned clothing and whatnot, my goddaughters know that I've been thinking of them all year as I wend my merry way through the rummage stores and yard sales, looking for items that I hope would be just right for those I love (special gifts).

But a conserving gift might be new as well (purchased or not)...

Items bought in bulk and packaged yourself in reusable containers instead of tons of cardboard and plastic. Food gifts made up of scrounged nuts or fruit. Low-wattage fluorescent light bulbs. A charcoal starter, so your barbecuing friend doesn’t have to stink up the neighborhood with lighter fluid. A Happy Baby Food Grinder, so your new-mother daughter doesn’t spend a fortune on baby food. A push mower! ...Anything that "saves" - especially if it’s in a way the receiver isn’t aware of - might really hit the spot.