MUGI – My Unique Gift Idea

Makeup: Keep in mind that makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria and a number of contagious diseases. The killer deal which you found just might come with pink eye and cold sores. Instead of buying makeup used, try making your own beauty products.

Pet supplies: Stains and odors continue to ferment even if they are sitting around in storage. If cleanliness is an issue, just say no.

Vacuum cleaners: These are among the list of heavy-duty household appliances which tend to see a lot of use and abuse. Also, they can cost more to fix than if you bought them new.

Hats: Before they’re resold or donated, hats are likely not cleaned. If you buy a used hat, you don’t know if you’re also getting skin infections along with it, hair products, old sweat stains, and other puke-worthy remnants.

Shoes: If you get used footwear, there’s a good choice that they’re already molded to the last owner’s feet. Poor-fitting shoes are uncomfortable and can cause all sorts of health problems, as well.

Undergarments and Swimsuits: This is a no-brainer, but I’ll say it anyway: Never buy used swimsuits or undergarments.

Wet suits: Over time, wet suits lose the ability to keep you warm. If you’re a scuba diver, or the last owner was one, the constant change in water pressure will eventually wear out the suit and cause it to be more likely to tear.

Mattresses and bedding: Just think about it: You could be sleeping with other people’s mold, mites, bacteria, and bodily fluids. Besides, even the really good mattresses are only supposed to last seven to nine years, and it’s difficult to know for sure how old a used mattress may be.

Photo light bulbs: There are not the ordinary light bulbs which you use at home. I am talking about the light bulbs which are used with photography equipment. They are relatively expensive.

Cribs and children’s furniture: If there’s a chance that you will put your children at risk by buying used, just buy new. Used children’s furniture, especially cribs, can be a safety hazard because you cannot be certain of a potential recall or if the crib happened to be installed correctly.

Car seats: Even if a used car seat looks decent, damaged car seats are not uncommon. Considering that safety technology improves with every year – and the fact that car seats can go for as little as $45 – buying new is always the better option.

Speakers and microphones: Speakers and microphones are sensitive audio equipment which do not stand up well to blasting and mishandling. Like cameras and laptops, the damage might not be obvious, but their performance would be severely compromised.

Camera lenses: The Single Lens Reflex is the most expensive part of a camera. It also affects the quality of your images. Any damage to the lens, however slight, will show up in the photos.

Bicycle helmets: Most times, a crash would only crush the foam inside the helmet casing, so the damage to the helmet may not be visible. But since helmets are meant to protect against only one accident, buying new would definitely be a safer bet.

Tires: Sometimes it is hard to tell if used tires were once part of a totaled wreck. If they’ve been in an accident, they are bound to be unstable and unreliable. Putting your safety at risk for the sake of saving a few bucks really does not add up.

Laptops: Because of the portability factor, laptops are prone to all kinds of abuse and other problems. When you buy a laptop used, unless it is refurbished, you have no idea what it has been through or when important parts will die on you. You also do not get the warranties and tech support which come with buying new.

Digital and video cameras: Like laptops, used digital and video cameras are likely to have been dropped and banged around too many times to count. It may not be obvious, but once the damage really kicks in, it will be quite expensive to repair. If you are sure that you know what to look for in a digital camera, you can get a great new camera without breaking the bank.

Software: Most software comes with a serial number which you register with the company when you activate the software on the computer. If the serial number on your use software has already been registered, you cannot use it again.

DVD players: While it is smart to buy used DVDs, this does not apply to DVD players. DVD players have lasers which will eventually wear out. The cost to repair or replace may cost more than the player is worth.

Plasma and HDTVs: The cost for replacing or fixing the parts on plasma or HDTVs is rather high. Sometimes, it can even cost as much as buying a new TV. Considering the repair costs, you would want to get an extended warranty, but that is not an option if you buy your TV used.