For the Trend Setters …
Fashion lovers will be delighted by a well-chosen second-hand find. A high-quality pair of jeans, a wool jumper, a leather jacket or a smart dress shirt make great investment pieces that are guaranteed to be welcomed in most wardrobes and don’t have to be brand new. Charity shops and online platforms like Vinted have plenty of great finds. Just take a moment to check the condition of each item before you wrap it up!
If they enjoy a touch of luxury, you could also look at vintage or designer pieces such as handbags, jewellery or watches. The Handbag Clinic and Depop are good places to start.
For The Music Lovers...
Music fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to second-hand gifts. Pre-loved CD’s, cassettes, and vinyl’s can be bought from record stores, charity shops, on online marketplaces such as eBay and at vintage record fairs. Oxfam’s online shop also has loads of physical media music to buy.
If you’re spending a little more, used and refurbished audio equipment like record players, CD players, DJ decks, or headphones can make amazing gifts.
For The Bookworms …
A second-hand book is a great way to pass on your favourite stories. You can buy them from charity shops and from some specialist online retailers such as World of Books and Awesome books. Many independent book shops also have a pre-loved section where you can find some real bargains.
For the avid reader in your life, try looking for a second-hand or refurbished e-reader.
There are also some pre-loved book subscriptions out there such as Bury me in Books and Gently used book club.
For the home decorators …
Charity shops and boot sales are full of home décor treasures like vases, artwork, photo frames, ceramics, quirky ornaments and other trinkets that are bound to suit any interior décor style.
In South Yorkshire, we have YORRR Shop which sells loads of preloved treasures including lots of home decorations. They are based in Doncaster, and you can find more about them on their Facebook page.
For the Gamers …
Bring back nostalgia by gifting a retro games console and games. You can buy second-hand and refurbished ones online and in some stores such as CEX, eBay, and Back Market. You could also buy console accessories such as controllers and headsets.
If they prefer tabletop fun, try a Boardgame. You can find many pre-loved ones in charity shops and online. Just make sure that all the pieces are there before you gift them!
For the Little Ones...
Don’t forget that you can buy second-hand gifts for the children in your life too! You can find toys, books, games and clothes which many children have outgrown in charity shops and online in places such as Facebook marketplace (these can be collected locally for ease.)
Boutique Baby Sales happen all over the country and have lots of pre-loved items for sale that would make great gifts.
Be sure to check that everything is clean, safe and complete before gifting and remember that children are usually far more interested in the fun of the item than whether it came brand new!
For the Film Buffs…
Get them a film in their favourite genre or a classic you think they’ll love on Blu-ray or DVD. Also look for memorabilia and artwork for their favourite films. Both of these can be found in charity shops, vintage shops, and online marketplaces such as eBay and Music Magpie. Oxfam also have a dedicated section on their website for film collections and memorabilia.
These gifts will have lots of charm and character behind them and are better than buying new for our planet – and our wallets too!