One of the best new things I found this year was local yard sale sites on Facebook. I have used several of them both to buy and to sell with no issues. I sold my old Nintendo Wii with several games for a really good price. No packing or shipping costs to bother with as the buyer came to pick it up. I purchased clothes, accessories and furniture. In some cases I made arrangements to meet the seller in a public area. In others I went to their home. Expectation is cash on delivery or pickup. Some sellers also deliver for free if the buyer is close enough, the item is big enough and they have incentive enough to get rid of the item. There are no fees as with online auction sites and no maintenance as with a retail website. Try it out for yourself but as with all internet commerce be careful and be safe. Meeting in a public place is usually the best way to go. In the event that you have to go to a residence consider not going alone.
Here are a few of the New England based sites:
General New England:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHsales/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NEOYS/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364418907021356/
Rhode Island:
Fall River RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/414949921965372/
Kent County RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentcountyyardsale/
Providence RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/providenceriindooryardsale/
Massachusetts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/525077990884078/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/488079204632543/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684728868217442/
New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHOnlineYardSale/
Vermont:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/386446478086932/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTOnlineyardsale/
Maine:
https://www.facebook.com/AugustaOnlineYardsale
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maineyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/304529732968073/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476282399076134/
Connecticut:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/194088927343890/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206000129422209/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175305839301627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/348489075226022/
Most of these are closed groups that require request/approval to join. The criteria is usually that you live in the locality. The links above are the more state generic. As you browse these sites you will get a feel for which ones suit you best. If you search for specific cities and towns, many have their own even more local pages/groups.
After you have gotten rid of all your unwanted/unneeded gifts you may want to spend your new found cash or some of your gift cards on a New Years celebration in New England. Here are some unique options:
New Years Eve at the New England Aquarium offers dancing with the Penquins at a Black Tie Affair.
You must be over 21. For men a Jacket is required and for the ladies cocktail attire is expected.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-2014-at-the-new-england-aquarium-tickets-6345713199?aff=zvents
Another option that is more family friendly and less expensive but no less unique is to ring in the New year at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brookline Ma
Consider the 4th annual, wildly popular, New Years Eve in RI at the convention center in Providence which features a masquerade ball from 9 pm to 3 a.m. With food, drinks, music, dancing, prizes and optional extras. Get your tickets to the event and much more
http://newyearseveri.com/
If you have more of a snowy venue in mind you might consider partying at Stratton in Vermont.
http://www.stratton.com/events-and-activities/events/2013/12/new-years-eve-celebration.aspx
This is of course a very family friendly set of events with kids crafts early in the day and a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks with a couple of special 21+ parties planned to start at 9pm for a fee.
Portland Maine is celebrating again this year.
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsPortlandMaine
Several venues are offering parties. Check out the venues and the ticket prices.
http://www.newyearsportlandmaine.com/venues.html
Not to be outdone, Hartford CT's First night has over 40 events to explore. These city sponsored events offer the most for a varied age and interest group. The Bushnell Carousel will be open as well as the ice rink in the park to name a few. You want to check out the options and come prepared.
http://www.firstnighthartford.org/
Last but not least, it needs no introduction, is of course the 38th annual Boston's First night. So much to do and see and so little time. Here is a guide to help you decide when and where to start.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/blog/2013/12/26/guide-first-night-events-2013-2014/
Who has not heard or seen on TV the great ice sculptures that can be found all across the city. Theater, dance, puppets, performers of every genre will be on display. Check out the FB page as well.
https://www.facebook.com/FirstNightBoston
Have fun, be responsible and safe into the New Year!
