Goodwill Gift Cards!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Over the last ten years the practice of shopping at Goodwill and other secondhand shops has become more and more a middle class pursuit with little stigma.

Now in some areas, Goodwill sells gift cards to their shops.

Amazing Goodwill - Goodwill Gift Cards

Could GW gift cards be coming to your town? Would you like to receive one? Do you have friends and family you would feel happy to give them to?

Twenty plus years ago a workmate asked me a question that I know is commonly meant to be complimentary and to just be conversational, "I like those pants! Where'd you get them?"

"Goodwill," I answered.

She quickly looked down as an embarrassed look came over her face. Her mouth moved a bit before words came out. "They're nice," and she looked further away, to the side, not able to face me. I think she was embarrassed for feeling that she had embarrassed me or she was embarrassed on my behalf as I did not have the proper sense of shame and socialization to keep my second-hand purchase a secret.

Now, though, Goodwill has become so socially acceptable that I would not be surprised to bump into this woman and hear her happily tell about the bargain she found there. And now gift cards! GW has come a long way.

[LuxLiving]

Thanks for posting this. Who'dathunkit???

I would be happy to receive such a gift card (did you hear that Universe??) and I have one sister-in-law who would be thrilled. The rest of my family and Hubster's family? Not so much.

[kilcher]

Interesting idea. I like it. The only thing that worries me is that people wouldn't use them. I mean, once I give someone a gift it shouldn't bother me whether they use it or not, either way I'm out the $20 (or whatever). I just hate the thought that I might be throwing money away.

ETA: Weird. It says they're on sale at any Goodwill store but they're only redeemable at certain ones. That's stupid.

[simpleyme]

our goodwill is more expensive than walmart
my daughter needed a costume for a play we would have spent over 30 bucks at good will ,I put the stuff back went to walmart spent 12 for the whole outfit including shoes all new

when I was younger you could get a really good deal at used stores but I am guessing the more main stream it gets the higher the prices

[Gruntina]

umm I don't really like the idea of Goodwill giftcards! While I am all for shopping at Goodwill for bargain shopping it just seems wrong giving gifts.

I would feel if someone gather up things they no longer want and instead of dropping off at Goodwill, they just bring the bag over to my house and call it a gift.

It would have to be for an imediate family members or a friend who is known to like shopping at Goodwill already.

[Kirbycruiser]

I Totally agree with Gruntina! and Simpleyme, last couple times I went into a thrift store they were way overpriced compared to what I can buy brand new at walmart etc.

[madmike]

gift cards have become the easiest gift to give. it's crazy how it's showing at goodwill wild!!! What's next? Red cross gift cards?

[PrincessPerky]

I Totally agree with Gruntina! and Simpleyme, last couple times I went into a thrift store they were way overpriced compared to what I can buy brand new at walmart etc.

Ditto

[neguy11]

I do appreciate any gifts that I receive, but I would really not want a gift card to Goodwill. I don't buy a lot of clothes as it is and I just don't like buying second hand clothing. I will never give this as a gift, ever!

[Spud]

My one year old likes board books. A lot. I read ~10 of them/day to her. I am beginning to know them by heart. It was time for new books. On the advice of some moms on a mom msg board, I went to Goodwill. I spent $25 on books at $0.79 each. Fantastic way to save my sanity.

Best part - I can turn them back in to Goodwill for them to sell them to somebody else, and get a tax write-off for the donation.

And they did offer gift cards. I am thinking of putting a Goodwill GC on her Christmas list to be used for more books. It sure beats paying $6.95 new, or even $3.50 at the used book store!!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

This thread needs some positive notes.

I have found some good deals at Goodwill. There was the small recliner that was my favorite chair to sit in while nursing---$15. There was the Le Creuset sauce pan and the Le Creuset Dutch oven---$3 each. There was the set of carved horn birds---$1 each. The calico denim curtains that hang on my kitchen door---Under $1, but don't recall exactly. The silver cake server---$0.75. The large lamb shaped chocolate candy mold---$3. The dresser for my child's room---$26. The red FireKing large glass bowl--don't remember the price, but it was a deal.

The best thing is the scads and scads of books I bought for my child there--usually $0.30. One day I walked out of there with 60 books at thirty cents each, so just $18.

[LuxLiving]

I agree Joan - lots of goodies at great prices at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Disabled Veterans, other thrift stores. I agree some prices have gotten higher but still there is good value to be found there.

There must be, as I buy lots of items there and resell them at a higher price.

Also, lots of the clothes purchased at many discount houses DON'T LAST and are of poorer quality. At thrift stores I can often find quality goods at a decent price, that will stand the test of time.

[Gruntina]

After thinking some more... I can see this gift cards for Goodwill be useful for some programs like the Red Cross or something for those who are recovering from disasters like Katrina, domestic violence shelters, orphanage and the like. The amount on the card will go further with more clothing articles to purchase.

But not as a traditional gift giving card for like birthdays and Christmas and etc. for these goodwill gift cards.

[LuxLiving]

Gruntina, that is an EXCELLENT idea!!!

[marjorie]

Volunteers of America also has them. I added one to a friend's Christmas stocking knowing that it would probably be the only money she could spent without guilt, and on herself. She started jumping up and down- her budget was really tight, and she wouldn't allow anyone to help her, and would give away gift cards for stores like Kohl's, where she wasn't comfortable. She later said it was her favorite gift from her 4' stocking.