Is it inappropriate to buy someone a used item as a gift?

General
1

My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years. We don’t live together and neither of us has a lot of money. We are both aware of our financial situations.

His birthday is coming up, and I want to buy him a decent phone because his current one is really bad and failing.

I can scrape together around $250 for a phone, which would let me get him a Pixel 6 if I buy a used one. However, I worry that it might be rude or inappropriate since it’s not new.

What do you think? Would it bother you to receive a used gift if it’s still in good condition? I’m also open to suggestions if there’s a better idea!

2

As long as it’s in good condition, he should appreciate you saving money on it.

3

Cale said:
As long as it’s in good condition, he should appreciate you saving money on it.

That’s true! I think I’m overthinking it.

4

Briley said:

Cale said:
As long as it’s in good condition, he should appreciate you saving money on it.

That’s true! I think I’m overthinking it.

Your awareness shows a lot of maturity in your relationship.

Love has no price, so what you do or buy from the heart is what matters.

5

Briley said:

Cale said:
As long as it’s in good condition, he should appreciate you saving money on it.

That’s true! I think I’m overthinking it.

A used flagship phone will likely be better than some of the lower-end models.

6

@Jonas
Lol. I have an A54, my wife has an S23. I can’t really distinguish between them. The price difference is definitely noticeable.

7

Quill said:
@Jonas
Lol. I have an A54, my wife has an S23. I can’t really distinguish between them. The price difference is definitely noticeable.

I went from a budget phone to a flagship and noticed mainly the camera quality improvement.

8

@Jonas
Mid-range phones today are still excellent devices.

They often come with several years of OS support, while older flagships may not.

9

Briley said:

Cale said:
As long as it’s in good condition, he should appreciate you saving money on it.

That’s true! I think I’m overthinking it.

Yes! Used is fine as long as it’s in good condition!

10

It really depends on the person.

Some in my circle see thrift gifts as normal, while others see used gifts as tacky.

As for phones—tech makes me hesitant to buy secondhand. There’s just too much chance things could go wrong.

11

@Hale
I understand that perspective, but I have experience in phone repair, and I’ve had success buying used phones. YMMV, of course!

12

Briley said:
@Hale
I understand that perspective, but I have experience in phone repair, and I’ve had success buying used phones. YMMV, of course!

I haven’t bought a new phone since my first Nokia. Refurbished is the way to go for me.

13

@Kumi
Refurbished options are usually the only way to afford quality devices nowadays.

14

Briley said:
@Hale
I understand that perspective, but I have experience in phone repair, and I’ve had success buying used phones. YMMV, of course!

What does YMMV mean?

15

I LOVE getting used things. It means less waste in the world.

But why not ask him? Sometimes it’s okay to verify if a gift will be appropriate for someone.

When I give known gifts, I usually present them the day before the event so they can enjoy it fully on their birthday.

16

@Aria
I would ask him, but he always tells me not to worry about buying anything!

17

Briley said:
@Aria
I would ask him, but he always tells me not to worry about buying anything!

Maybe you could casually mention that you are considering getting a used phone for yourself and ask how he feels about it.

Sometimes even frugal people have strong opinions on used tech.

18

@Arley
I use that tactic sometimes, it can be effective!

19

Briley said:
@Aria
I would ask him, but he always tells me not to worry about buying anything!

He might actually appreciate that you didn’t overspend.

20

Briley said:
@Aria
I would ask him, but he always tells me not to worry about buying anything!

You could also buy a new used phone and offer your old one if it’s still good.