28: Is It Okay to Give Secondhand Gifts? Why Thrifted Gifts Are the Most Eco-Friendly Choice

Some of the most meaningful gifts we give (and receive) aren’t new. They’re secondhand.And yet… so many of us still hesitate.In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes digs into the cultural stigma around secondhand gifts, why it lingers, and why it’s slowly shifting. This episode explores what makes a gift meaningful in the first place — and why secondhand gifts, whether thrifted, vintage, or passed down, often hold the most heart.Sarah shares listener stories, practical ideas, and her own real-life secondhand wins — all to help you rethink what gifting can look like this season. Whether you’re new to the idea of secondhand gifting or already a Buy Nothing pro, this conversation offers encouragement, inspiration, and lots of doable takeaways.TakeawaysCultural stigma around secondhand gifting still exists — but it’s shifting.Intention matters more than whether a gift is new or used.Thrifted and pre-loved gifts can dramatically reduce waste and carbon emissions.Creativity thrives when you step outside the “brand new” box.Secondhand gifts often carry memory, story, and connection.Online marketplaces and local thrift shops offer incredible gifting potential.Community spaces like Buy Nothing groups can spark beautiful gifting moments.One Small ShiftThis year, choose to give one secondhand gift. Let gifting be less about “new” and more about meaning.ResourcesIs It Okay to Give Secondhand Gifts? (blog post)Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Kids (blog post)How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post)A Very Big List of Sustainable Canadian Brands (blog post)Support the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.