Quarter of British adults to buy second-hand children's gifts this Christmas, study shows

A fresh study has uncovered that this festive season, a quarter of UK adults are looking to wrap up second-hand treasures for youngsters. In the research conducted by YouGov for Oxfam among 2,000 festive celebrators, a not-so-insignificant 24% disclosed plans to select pre-loved presents for children.

Top picks for these sustainable goodies include books at 34%, toys grabbing a close second at 30%, and board games selected by 17%.

The YouGov survey reveals that two major factors are steering these shoppers - with 57% being driven by environmental concerns and 51% looking to keep their wallets feeling a tad heavier.

Oxfam’s retail trading honcho, Lorna Fallon, chimed in with some inspiring words: "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."

And Fallon doesn't stop there; she points out the trifecta of wins with this approach: "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."

Brits seem to be on board with gifting items with past lives, valuing thoughtful uniqueness with 27% indicating that's why they'd gift a second-hand item. Over half (60%) wouldn't mind being on the receiving end of pre-loved gifts while a considerable 38% feel all right about passing them on.

For grown-ups eyeing more sustainable presents, books take the top spot for pre-loved gifting, with nearly half, 49%, considering passing on second-hand reads this Christmas. Meanwhile, a cosy 24% are looking to wrap up pre-worn apparel under the tree.

Ms Fallon commented: "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 which 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."

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