Part-Time Student Finds Unique and Affordable Gifts
A 30-year-old part-time student, Emily Nuttall, has shared her secret to saving money on Christmas presents – shopping second-hand. Last year, Emily swapped new gifts for pre-loved items and managed to save £100. This year, she expects to save a total of £300 by shopping mainly in charity shops. Emily believes that gifting second-hand items adds more meaning to the presents and allows her to give back to the charities that have supported her.
Reducing Stress and Finding Personalized Gifts
Emily, who lives in Guernsey, finds that shopping in charity shops reduces her stress during the expensive holiday season. As a student on a zero-hour contract, she has faced financial challenges, and buying second-hand allows her to stay within her budget without compromising on the quality of the gifts. Emily's family and friends appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the second-hand presents, as they are more personal and often spark memories and conversations about their lives.
Impressive Savings on Unique Gifts
Emily has already made some fantastic finds this year. She purchased 10 fidget spinners for just £10, while a single spinner usually costs £3.50. She also bought a special Peter Rabbit outfit and toy for her baby cousin, which would have cost around £40 in a regular store, but she got them for just £8. Additionally, Emily found a Harry Potter Lego set for only £10, saving significantly compared to the cost of a new set. Overall, she managed to buy a scarf, a top, a butterfly ornament, a toy, and three fun packs of cards, all for just £10.
Shopping Second-Hand for a Wider Circle
While Emily's current gifts are for four people, she plans to buy presents for 14 more family members and friends. She estimates that she won't spend more than an additional £50 on these gifts. Emily believes that gifting second-hand is a normal and meaningful choice, and she intends to continue doing so in the future.
Supporting Mental Health and Charity
Emily emphasizes that not feeling pressured to buy expensive gifts is crucial for her mental health and financial well-being. As a student on disability and sickness benefits, she appreciates the affordability of charity shopping and the opportunity it provides to give back. Her story aligns with a recent survey by mental health charity Mind, which revealed that while many people shop in charity shops due to the rising cost of living, only 13% consider gifting second-hand presents. Mind encourages the public to shop at their stores this Christmas, as they offer high-quality items that make perfect gifts for loved ones.
Tips for Shopping Second-Hand
Emily shares her top tips for buying second-hand Christmas presents. She suggests choosing gifts that match the recipient's personality or have special meaning to them. Starting early and keeping an eye out for gifts throughout the year helps spread the cost and ensures a greater selection. Emily also advises regularly checking charity shops, as new stock arrives frequently. She emphasizes that the thought behind the gift matters most and encourages shoppers to explore unique and interesting items that charity shops offer. For inspiration, Emily recommends browsing sites like John Lewis and then searching for similar items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy.
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