Shopping Secondhand This Christmas? You’re Not The Only One

Is this the end of our consumption era? Perhaps not, but it’s a step in the right direction. With festive budgets tighter than ever, Brits are turning away from glossy store windows and online shopping to a more wallet-friendly alternative: pre-loved gifting. But how much are we really investing into the secondhand shopping space this Christmas? Let’s find out.

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Secondhand Christmas: Inside This Year’s Shopping Habits

UK shoppers are set to drop more than £2 billion on secondhand Christmas gifts this year. The estimate, which comes via research conducted by Vinted and Retail Economics, is thought to highlight a major behaviour shift in Brits as they embrace pre-loved marketplaces.

‘With secondhand shopping continuing to increase in popularity, we expect to see further growth in sales across multiple categories as consumers continue to reap the benefits,’ notes Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics. ‘The cost-of-living crisis, environmental concerns, and the increase in accessibility of second-hand items are all contributing to second-hand’s growth, and consumers are likely to continue embracing this space into 2025.’

The research also suggests that up to 84 percent of UK shoppers are likely to shop secondhand this year, accounting for 10.2 percent of total UK Christmas gift sales – which are expected to reach a whopping £20.5 billion in 2024.

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And, as expected, the group driving much of this change is shoppers aged 18 to 45. Vinted and Retail Economics shared that 53 percent of those aged under 45 are buying secondhand items once a month or more, compared to 43 percent of all consumers. Alongside the perceived benefit of saving money, the survey also indicated that ages 18 to 35 are more likely to enjoy the experience of finding the right secondhand item and the reduced environmental impact, while those aged over 35 are particularly interested in finding unique, nostalgic or rare items.

The types of gifts we’re buying secondhand have broadened, too. Vinted noted books, music items and luxury brands as among the top-rated categories, with its survey highlighting that 54 percent of consumers are comfortable buying secondhand clothing gifts and 62 percent are happy receiving secondhand gifts.

‘We would really encourage people to think about giving secondhand items,’ commented Adam Jay, CEO of Vinted Marketplace. ‘Choosing to buy a pre-loved or second-hand item from a secondhand platform like Vinted doesn’t diminish the spirit of giving, and a thoughtful second-hand item can be wonderful to receive. The research shows clearly that secondhand is growing in popularity as a way to gift and this is very encouraging. Using a secondhand platform like Vinted is a fun and accessible way to find unique gifts while making a better choice for the planet, your wardrobe and your wallet.’

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Tips For Shopping Pre-Loved This Festive Season

Feeling inspired to shop secondhand this Christmas? We’ve got you. Below, we share our top tips for finding the perfect preloved gift for festive season:

1. Start Early

Begin your search for secondhand gifts well in advance of the holiday season, ideally a month or two before. This allows you to avoid the last-minute rush and gives you access to a wider range of items available throughout the year, especially as many people declutter before Christmas.

2. Be Open-Minded

When shopping secondhand, flexibility is key. Instead of fixating on specific brands or items, remain open to discovering unique alternatives that may not have been on your original list. This mindset can lead to finding hidden treasures that could make perfect gifts.

3. Utilise Online Platforms

Leverage online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay and, of course, Vinted. These platforms often have a variety of items at lower prices compared to new products. Additionally, using filters and specific search terms can help you find exactly what you’re looking for more efficiently. You can find some of our favourite resale platforms here.

4. Inspect Items Carefully

Before purchasing, thoroughly check the condition of items. Look closely at photos and descriptions to avoid buying damaged goods. If you’re buying toys or games, ensure they come with all necessary parts and instructions. Clean and disinfect items as needed before wrapping them for gifting.

5. Enjoy the Process

Treat your preloved gift shopping as a fun experience rather than a chore. Take your time browsing through shops or online listings, and don’t hesitate to haggle on prices if appropriate. Involve family members in the decision-making process to make it more enjoyable and collaborative.

Featured image: Katie Azi, Unsplash