When it comes to gift-giving, buying preloved items requires a bit more thought and preparation. Monica Marriott-Mills, a TikTok influencer on secondhand style, shares her tips and tricks. She starts by making a profile for each person, noting their likes and interests. This helps her stay focused while shopping at charity or antique shops. According to a report by resale app Vinted, more than half of people under 45 buy secondhand items monthly or more.

Unlock the Magic of Secondhand Gifts

Buying Secondhand: Affordable and Thoughtful

Buying secondhand often means being able to afford a gift that might be out of reach otherwise. For example, a sewing machine can cost £135 new but can be found on eBay for as little as £10. This allows you to give a meaningful gift without breaking the bank. When shopping for kids' gifts on eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace, you can find a variety of options. LOL dolls are £25 new but can be bought in great condition for £4. Larger items like play kitchens can be found on Facebook Marketplace for £10, while brand new they cost between £60 and £200. However, with larger items, it's important to check the seller's location as they may be collection-only or the postage cost could cancel out the savings.

Early Bird Shopping for Homewares and Electronics

If you know someone is in the market for homewares or electronics, keep an eye out at charity shops, junk sales, antique shops, car boot sales, and flea markets. Marriott-Mills recommends finding out the delivery days at secondhand furniture stores to get first dibs on the bargains. At her local British Heart Foundation store, it's Tuesday, so she goes there first. You can also shop online on platforms like eBay and Vestiaire Collective. If you can't get out, many stores have websites.

Filtering for Designer Goods

On Vinted and Depop, you'll find pages of designer stuff. By adding "new with tags" to the search bar, you can filter for brand new items. For instance, a Ralph Lauren beanie hat costs £80-£110 new but can be found on Vinted with tags for £25. This allows you to give a designer gift at a fraction of the cost.

Checking for Safety

When buying electronics or lighting, try them out first to ensure they are safe and in working order. Use the Electrical Safety First Product Checker and look for a legitimate safety certification label. For toys, check for loose parts, damage, and general wear and tear. Many charity shops sell battery-operated toys that may not have been checked. Look for signs of battery corrosion, which could be a safety risk. If possible, test the toy at home and keep the receipt for a 28-day return period. On online sites like Vinted and eBay, sellers should state the toy's condition. If it doesn't work as described, you can get your money back. Be vigilant about recalled toys and look for markings like the Lion mark and CE mark. It's also important to disinfect toys, either by washing soft toys or wiping down wooden or plastic toys with soapy water.

Avoiding Scams

Buying online comes with the risk of being scammed, but there are ways to avoid it. Start with reviews - if a seller has few or bad reviews, be cautious. For designer goods, use websites like LegitGrails to authenticate them. Look for sellers who upload the original receipt and learn about hallmarks and engravings for jewellery and crockery. Depop, eBay, and Vinted also have buyer protection guarantees.

Presentation Matters

Many secondhand gifts don't come with original packaging, but with a little effort, they can still look great. Cardboard gift boxes can enhance any gift. Look at what you have at home - a shoebox wrapped carefully can make a great hamper, and old perfume boxes are perfect for knick-knacks or stocking fillers.