Second-Hand Nature: A Common Sort Gifting Guide

Countless hours of thought and focus go into the perfect gift for a loved one, and that’s 

not even engaging with the high-ticket price tag that often accompanies those coveted items. 

with the holidays coming straight at us it raises the question, is a second-hand gift considered 

less of a gift because it’s been loved before? Well with a thought like this, it diminishes the 

gesture that’s being offered. Being granted the fabulous opportunity to sit down with one of the 

most well-established Buy-Sell-Trade intrapreneurs in the city of Toronto, Nicole Babin, owner 

of Common Sort, who has agreed to give her authentic response of how second-hand gems are 

the gift that keeps giving.

A Little History of Common

A little bit of background to start off with. Common Sort is an iconic buy-sell-trade store open to the 

public that has been around for just shy of 20 years. Nicole (who has lived a life that would make every teenage 

girl envious) has single-handedly mastered what second-hand should be. an operation that benefits both her 

small business and her community, and one that serves customers of all ages and backgrounds.

This Business started with the simple yet powerful thought. Selling clothing on the side 

to scrape by and have a cute handbag could turn into something that thousands have dreamed of 

doing, but the difference between those who merely dream and Nicole, is that she took action. 

While her company started with a passion for fashion, its grown to serve a deeper purpose. 

Providing stylish clothing for those who may not afford new items, such as new mothers looking 

Second-Hand Nature: A Common Sort Gifting Guide.

for a blouse for dinner or possible a teenager needing a fleshy studded belt. Common Sort Exist 

for those who need it, appreciate it, and celebrate it.

To better understand the ins and outs of Buy-Sell-Trade stores, we enlisted the owner of 

one of Toronto’s top thrift stores. Alongside Nicole Babin, we have August Gunson, acting 

manager of one of the three Common Sort locations and is a buyer with an eye for what people 

want. These two vintage Vixens offer an insightful yet tasteful perspective on the impact a store 

like Common Sort can have.

What makes second-hand gift-giving so special? "A second-hand gift can be 100 times more unique 

than one that’s fresh off the rack. It speaks volumes about how you see that person and who they are to you. If 

you’re gifting something that was specifically asked for, it sucks the fun out of it. It’s supposed to be more 

thoughtful than an Uber gift card,” Nicole explains.

How do you address any stigma surrounding the idea of a second-hand gift? August shares, “When 

considering a gift for someone that’s second-hand, obviously there should be some boundaries. I wouldn’t be 

thrilled if I got a pair of underwear from the Salvation Army for the holidays. But I personally don’t think there 

should be any second thoughts around a second-hand gift. For people like myself, just about everything I own is

second-hand, apart from some things. A gift that’s being passed on for a second chance of appreciation should 

be recognized for what it is and appreciated for its intent. Some people will forever be stuck in their own ways. 

You can’t really force the acceptance of second-hand onto everyone. The stigma can come from generations 

before us, who used donation services as a second garbage bin. People who appreciate second-hand can relate to

the fact that one diva’s trash is another diva’s treasure.”

What advice would you give to someone looking to give a second-hand gift that feels meaningful and 

thoughtful? After a brief pause, Nicole thoughtfully responds, “When you’re buying someone a gift, especially 

if it’s second-hand, you want to play to the character they are and how you authentically see them. A generic 

Second-Hand Nature: A Common Sort Gifting Guide.

gift can be nice in that moment, but if there’s no sentimental value, it’s practically worthless.” She further adds, 

“It’s important to know who you’re shopping for. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what would mean the 

most to them.”

Behind the Scenes:

Here at common sort the process seams seamless, clients bring in their clothing with the chance to trade 

in for some new goodies, or for a cash price of a quarter of what they price things at. But more often than not 

the service that is provided for us as common sort fans go underappreciated. At this store things are hand-picked

by the buyers on duty to provide good quality, lightly used Gems for a fraction of the price. This second-hand 

store is perfect for the ones who are shopping for others this year. Having the advantage of having hand selected

gems for you to pass on as gifts this year takes half the uphill battle of picking out that perfect gift. The goal of 

Common Sort is to make stylish finds accessible either for yourself or for the ones who matter most to you this 

holiday season.

 All in all, a second-hand gift feels like second nature to many, as it reflects a shared value: cherishing 

and appreciating pre-loved items. This mindset is what the world is shifting towards. While DIY gifts hold a 

special place, the luxury of buying a new gift is often overlooked. For some, second-hand is the only option, 

and for many, it’s something to celebrate. Hopefully, our readers now recognize that a second-hand gift is truly 

a gift that keeps on giving.

Sincerely, your 20 something Fashion Diva