A mum-of-two saves £5k a year buying nearly everything second hand - including her Christmas gifts. Jess Potter, 36, says its easier than you think to find quality gifts second-hand.
The mum-of-two switched to second-hand living to keep costs down four years ago and now buys almost nothing new. Savvy Jess and partner Davey Brown, 36, say they save an average of £5,000 per year after changing their buying habits.
They say it surprises some people because they assume second-hand means bad quality - but that's actually not the case. With Christmas around the corner at a time when people are already feeling the pinch, she suggests giving second-hand gifts a try.
This year she bought a silver moonstone necklace with a pendant for £8 - which would have cost £30 new - which she will give as a gift to a family member. In previous years she bagged a pink leather Warehouse cross body bag for £10 which would have been £80 new, a Harrods lambs wool scarf £12 which cost £40 new, and a wrought iron bed for £400 which cost £1200 new.
Jess shared some examples of other things you can buy second-hand for under £10 - that make the perfect Christmas gifts. These include a bluetooth keyboard, a Himalayan salt lamp, a microscope, a kids' indoor trampoline and a neck massager.
Jess who lives in Grangetown, Cardiff, said: "Some people will always have something against second-hand items, but some things don't carry that ‘used’ stigma. For example, vintage jewellery or handbags always go down a treat at Christmas!"
Jess, who runs Used and Loved, a second-hand selling website, with Davey, has recently opened a Christmas section on the site, bringing together different second-hand finds they spotted online on various different sites. Currently listed are Dyson hair dryers and Bose wireless speakers for less than half price.
She has shared her top tips - including starting your charity Christmas shopping now. She said: "You can’t just nip into town on Christmas Eve and do a last-minute scramble, second-hand shopping takes time.
"Allow for deliveries and the Christmas rush too."
She added if you see something you think is right you should grab it then and there. She said: "The beauty of used items is they are one of a kind - buy it before someone else does!"
Jess emphasised high quality second-hand products are often better than budget items sold new for the same price - so don't rule something out because it's been used before. But she reminded shoppers to be cautious over what they buy, saying they should always read the description of items online before making any decisions.
She warned that too many of the same perfectly presented item on sale could be a red flag. But while there are risks, Jess pointed out the rewards of shopping second-hand can't be overlooked - not just saving money, but saving the planet.
She said: "When you buy a new product you're paying for it to be manufactured, often with plastic, and then shipped all the way from places like China. Many new items are designed to break within a few years and as they frequently can't be recycled so end up in landfill".
One of Jess' biggest tips when it comes to second-hand Christmas shopping is presentation. She said if you take your time to wrap your gift beautifully, it can make all the difference to how people feel when they receive it.
"If it’s wrapped nicely, it can help give a good impression of the quality of the item. You can buy vintage fabric and wrap the gifts using the gorgeous Furoshiki method.
"You could even shop around and re-kindle your gift with some second-hand original packaging."
Jess shared her list of items you can find online that might not have thought of buying second-hand - to prove that there is more choice out there than you think.
1. Unused make-up, including high-end brands such as Charlotte Tilbury
2. Electric multi cookers and other kitchen appliances
3. Jewellery such as an 18ct gold necklace
4. Vinyl rack and other storage
5. Designer gear such as a Gucci belt
6. Retro bags
7. Balance bike and other exercise equipment
8. Changing robes
Find their Christmas Gift guide on Used and Loved for more: https://usedandloved.com/items/second-hand-christmas-gifts
