How to Shop for Preloved Items as Perfect Christmas Gifts

How to Shop for Preloved Items as Perfect Christmas Gifts.

Plan Accordingly

Shopping for preloved items usually takes a bit more thought and planning than grabbing something new, so it's worth setting aside some time to find that ideal gift. Monica Marriott-Mills, who shares her secondhand style tips on TikTok, kicks things off by creating a list for everyone she needs to shop for.

“I make a profile of sorts, with things they like to do, colours they like to wear or if they’ve mentioned something they want, like a photo frame for their wedding anniversary,” she says. “I note all of this down on my phone and look it up when I’m in a charity or antique shop, which keeps things focused.”

Marriott-Mills gets about half of her Christmas gifts secondhand, a trend that many in her generation are following. A report from resale app Vinted shows that over 50% of people under 45 buy secondhand items at least once a month, compared to 43% of all shoppers.

If you're short on time, online secondhand platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Vestiaire Collective are perfect for browsing and shopping from the comfort of your home.

Buying secondhand can also open up the possibility of gifting something you might not be able to afford new. For example, a beginner in sewing might love a sewing machine. While John Lewis sells a new one starting at £135, you can find similar models on eBay for as low as £10, or a "buy it now" option for £45.99, still in the original box.

Get Up Early

If you know someone looking for home goods or electronics, be on the lookout at charity shops, garage sales, antique stores, car boot sales, flea markets, and online marketplaces.

Marriott-Mills suggests checking which days secondhand furniture stores receive new deliveries so you can snag the best deals first.

“At my local British Heart Foundation secondhand furniture store, it’s Tuesday, so I try to go there first thing,” she says.

“I appreciate it is a privilege to go out first thing, but you could go early on a Saturday or try during your lunch break.”

If you can’t get out, many of these stores have websites.

Look For Gifts For Kids As Well

You can score a ton of secondhand toys on eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace—some are even brand new and still in their packaging, making them awesome gift options.

For instance, LOL dolls usually retail for around £25 each, but you can snag bundles on eBay for as low as £4 if you look around. If you're after something bigger, like a play kitchen, Facebook Marketplace has plenty starting at just £10. New ones can set you back anywhere from £60 to £200.

Just a heads up with larger items: make sure to check the seller's location since many are pick-up only, and shipping costs might eat into your savings.

Filter For Designer Goods

“You’ll find pages and pages of designer stuff on Vinted and Depop,” says Marriott-Mills. “Often people won’t even know if the gift is secondhand.”

You can narrow down your search for brand new items by typing “new with tags” in the search bar. For example, a Ralph Lauren beanie usually goes for around £80 to £110 when it's brand new, but you can snag one with the tags still on Vinted starting at just £25.

Make Sure They Are Safe

When it comes to electronics or lighting, it's a good idea to test them out first if you can, just to make sure they're safe and functioning properly. Luke Osborne, the deputy technical director at Electrical Safety First, suggests doing a few easy checks, like looking for a valid safety certification label on the product.

“First make sure the product isn’t subject to a recall by using the Electrical Safety First Product Checker, or listed on the OPSS product recall and alerts webpage,” he says.

“Also, check the product you’re buying is fitted with a three-pin UK plug, which should include a fuse – if the device comes with a foreign plug and adaptor, it may not have the protection afforded by a three-pin plug.”

When you're picking up secondhand toys, it's crucial to inspect them for any loose parts or signs of wear and tear. Charity shops often have battery-operated and electronic toys, but they might not have been tested for safety. Keep an eye out for visible damage, like battery corrosion, which could pose a safety hazard. If everything looks good, check if you can return it after testing at home—just remember to hang on to the receipt since you typically have 28 days for returns.

When shopping online on platforms like Vinted or eBay, make sure the seller specifies if the toys are in working order. If you receive something that doesn’t function as promised, you’re usually covered by their buyer protection policies and can get a refund.

According to Made for Mums’ handy guide on buying secondhand toys, be aware that some older toys might have hazardous chemicals like chromium, selenium, and lead. It's wise to stay informed about recalled toys, which you can easily find with a quick online search. Look for safety and quality marks on toys, such as the Lion mark and the CE mark.

Don’t forget to disinfect the toys! For soft toys, you can usually toss them in the washing machine—just check the care label first. For wooden or plastic toys, a simple wipe with soapy water should do the trick.

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Be Wary Of Scams

Shopping online can be a bit risky with the chance of getting scammed, but there are definitely some tips you can use to steer clear of trouble. “There are loads of ways to check if something is legit, and you should always start with reviews,” Marriott-Mills says. If a seller doesn’t have many reviews on a marketplace, or they aren’t great, be dubious. If reviews have reels of great reviews, you can probably trust you’ll get the item. “For designer goods, you can use websites like LegitGrails, which authenticates them,” she adds.

Keep an eye out for sellers who include the original receipt with their items; it’s a solid way to confirm authenticity. Also, getting familiar with hallmarks and engravings can help you determine if jewelry and crockery are the real deal. “I got my mum a silver plated bracelet and I know it’s real because of the 925 engraving,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to double check. At a car boot or antique store I literally stand there and Google them,” she says.

Depop, eBay, and Vinted offer buyer protection guarantees, which typically allow you to get a refund if the item you receive is not as described.

Present Them Well

Many secondhand gifts might not have their original packaging, but with a little creativity in wrapping, they can still shine under the Christmas tree. Cardboard gift boxes can really enhance the appearance of any present, but before you rush out to buy new ones, check around your home for what you already have. A shoebox wrapped nicely can serve as a fantastic gift box, and old perfume boxes are perfect for small items or stocking stuffers.

Preloved gifts are a fantastic way to show thoughtfulness and sustainability during the holiday season. By shopping secondhand, you not only save money but also reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy. Whether you're looking for unique items, designer goods at a fraction of the price, or vintage treasures, preloved gifts offer endless possibilities.

Additionally, the personal touch of finding something special for loved ones demonstrates extra effort and care. With proper planning and careful selection, preloved gifts can be both meaningful and memorable, making them a wonderful choice for this Christmas season.