Millions of parents and relatives are set to opt for pre-loved items this year, according to Oxfam’s study.
Books were the most popular gift to go for, with a third (34%) of shoppers choosing that present. Toys and board games were the second- and third-most favoured second-hand gift to purchase for 30% and 17% of present buyers.
The main reason leading to the sustainable shopping behaviour is it being better for the environment, something that 57% believed.
Another incentive for over half of Christmas shoppers was the fact that charity shops and other second-hand retailers offer better value.
There were more sentimental feelings attached to not choosing to buy brand new, with a quarter (27%) saying the fact the present is unique is the main reason.
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Earlier this month, YourMoney.com rounded up the best festive spending tips, from budgeting wisely to applying for the best credit card for your Christmas outgoings.
‘Shopping second-hand is a wonderful way of celebrating Christmas’
Lorna Fallon, retail trading director of Oxfam, said: “Shopping second-hand is such a wonderful way of celebrating Christmas, especially with children. You can find anything they might possibly want – from a cuddly teddy to a board game or new adventure book. The joy with pre-loved toys and books is that they don’t have to be new to be new to that child.
“By shopping pre-loved, you are not only saving some precious pennies at a time of year when they are needed most, but you are finding something unique for your child that is also better for the planet.
“Plus, when you shop second-hand somewhere like Oxfam, you will find something for everyone in store or online – meaning you will not only tick off the children’s wishlist, but the whole family’s.”
Fallon added: “Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming at times, but second-hand shopping offers an alternative where you can find a real range of thoughtful, unique gifts [that] help reduce waste and conserve precious resources at the same time.
“By swapping just a handful of presents this year for a pre-loved gift, you can help to stretch the Christmas budget, while also helping to raise vital funds to tackle poverty and inequality across the world.”
