SHOPPING for second-hand goods is an easy way to save cash and the environment.
The pandemic has encouraged 12million of us to buy a “pre-loved” item so far this year, according to a study by eBay. Remember, when it comes to gifts, it is the thought that counts.
Save a few pounds with my favourite places to shop for pre-owned items.
CLOTHES: Never Fully Dressed sells some beautiful clothing but it can be rather expensive, although good quality.
If you head to the brand’s page on Depop, an online marketplace, you can browse all the items that have been sent back by customers in return for loyalty points to spend on new stock. A dress I liked on its website is £49 but via Depop I can get it for £26.10. It also has sample sale products. See depop.com/neverfullydressed.
If you are a lover of vintage clothing, you should definitely check out ASOS Marketplace. You can access hundreds of vintage garments.
JEWELLERY AND WATCHES: If you usually prefer a rummage at a car boot sale or in a charity shop but can’t get out at the moment, check out ebaystores.co.uk/British-Heart-Foundation-Shop. It has some really beautiful second-hand jewellery and watches for great prices.
TECH: For consoles, phones, tech and games, Cex (uk.webuy.com) is a good place to start. Musicmagpie.co.uk now sells refurbished items, too.
HOMEWARE: Oxfam has some lovely items for around the house at onlineshop. oxfam.org.uk/shop. I like the glassware. I saw a pair of pretty champagne flutes for £7 and crystal decanters that would make excellent gifts.
FURNITURE: While it is unlikely you will be buying someone furniture for Christmas, I wanted to let you know that Ikea is launching a “buy back” scheme.
It means shoppers can trade in unwanted furniture for a gift card. The furniture will then be put back into stores for other shoppers to buy at a lower price.
Products described “as new” and without scratches will be eligible for a voucher worth 50 per cent of its original price.
This goes down to 40 per cent for items that are “very good” — so minor scratches — or 30 per cent for “well-used” with several scratches.
You will be able to buy a piece of second-hand furniture in the “As Is” section in store.
Currently it is only in Ikea’s Edinburgh store but should be rolling out soon.
- Prices are correct at time of publishing. Deals/offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
ORDER the Air Wick Essential Mist set in lavender and almond blossom from homebargains.co.uk for £8.49, down from £20. A scent-sational gift.
SAVE: £11.51
Cheap treat
GET two bottles of wine from a selected range at Iceland for a tenner. Includes Hardys Stamp shiraz cabernet, usually £5.95 a bottle.
SAVE: up to £1.90
