Savvy shoppers buying Christmas presents second-hand

Buying Christmas presents isn’t cheap, but there is one great way to make your budget go further - getting them second-hand.

New research from CeX shows that one in 10 people plan to give more pre-loved gifts this Christmas than in previous years.

Many are drawn to this option because it’s cheaper than buying new.

But buying second-hand can also be better for the environment, reducing waste and extending the life of products.

And for 41% of shoppers, it’s simply because they love a good bargain.

Kids happy to get pre-loved gifts

Many of us will be only too familiar with the pressure and expense of buying presents for children.

And if the kids in your life are particularly hard to please, you might be sceptical about buying them second-hand presents.

But one in four parents are confident their children won’t object to getting pre-owned items for Christmas.

And more than a third say that most of the items they buy second-hand are in excellent condition.

So if you’re buying Christmas presents for children this year, getting pre-loved presents could be a great option if you want to keep costs down.

Young adults spending the most on pre-loved gifts

On average, British shoppers plan to spend £110 on pre-owned Christmas presents.

But it seems younger adults are especially keen on buying second-hand.

Millennials plan to spend the most, with an average outlay of £154, while Gen Z shoppers expect to spend around £130.

“Attitudes towards buying second hand are really shifting,” said CeX.

“Doing away with the stigma of thinking people always need ‘new’ at Christmas, will be beneficial both on an individual and societal level.”

Where can I buy second-hand goods?

There are lots of places to look at if you’re interested in snapping up some second-hand Christmas gifts.

Charity shops

Charity shops offer all sorts of items at knockdown prices, from clothing, books and records to homeware, toys and pieces of furniture.

And as well as getting some huge bargains, you’re also supporting good causes.

Pre-loved sections at retailers

Several big clothing stores have embraced the growing popularity of buying second-hand by adding sections full of pre-loved items.

Primark, for example, has its Wornwell section in select stores.

Online marketplaces

Platforms like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and eBay make it easier than ever to buy and sell second-hand goods from the comfort of your home. 

Vinted is popular for clothing, footwear and accessories, offering a simple, fee-free platform for individuals. 

Facebook Marketplace connects local buyers and sellers, making it ideal for larger items like furniture, while eBay offers access to a global audience with options for auctions or fixed-price sales on everything from tech to collectibles. 

But with Christmas just over a week away, you might have to act quickly if you want your item to arrive in time.