Buying second-hand could save you money this Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and so too is the annual worry about how much it’ll all cost.

According to Paragon Bank, the average household spends £534 on presents alone, with shoppers shelling out around £75 per person. 

And that’s before you factor in other expenses like decorations, food, travel and festive nights out.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that more people are rethinking how - and where - they shop this year.

Frugal shoppers buying second-hand 

One in five people (20%) plan to buy at least some of their Christmas presents on resale platforms like eBay, Vinted and Depop.

And almost half of these people said they’re doing this to save money.

But interestingly, it’s not the only reason why people are looking for pre-loved items.

A similar number said they’re buying second-hand so they can shop more sustainably.

And many also think it’s a good way to find rare, distinctive gifts that stand out from what’s on the high street.

So buying pre-loved is a win-win all round.

It’s cheaper, better for the planet and you’re more likely to find a memorable and unique gift.

Do you budget for Christmas?

We all know that Christmas can be expensive.

So it’s worrying that many of us are almost resigned to this fact and don’t really do anything to soften the blow.

For example, the Paragon Bank study found that despite the high cost, nearly three-quarters of people don’t save specifically for Christmas, and almost half admitted they don’t set a budget at all. 

Meanwhile, nearly a third said they do set a rough budget but often go over it.

You don’t want to start the new year dealing with a financial hangover, so it’s really important to spend these next few months getting on top of your finances and working out what you can afford.

Check out our guide to how to create a budget to get started.

We’ve also put together some handy tips on making sure your finances are ready for Christmas, so you can start 2026 in a better place.