If you want to save money at Christmas time, one woman has shared how Vinted is the perfect way to do it, admitting she spends only £100 on her festive gifts
Christmas is undeniably a very expensive time of year. There are presents to buy, many more mouths to feed if you’re the one with hosting responsibilities, and endless festive parties with colleagues, friends and family – so budgeting is key. Many people share hacks across social media on how to save money for December 25, but it can sometimes feel like an impossible task, so many people are looking for alternative ways to save their pennies.
That’s why Hayley Knight has been shopping second-hand for five years now, and says she’ll never look back as Vinted is the perfect place to buy gifts.
Hayley said: “I choose to shop second-hand because I want to, as much as I do it to save money. All year round, I try to live more sustainably and avoid unnecessary waste, so it’s even more important to me that I stick to this at Christmas, when consumerism and waste can get a bit out of hand.
“It’s more important to me that I give something thoughtful and unique, than spend a lot of money or buy something new.”
When it came to using Vinted specifically though, she said her friend had an “influence” on this.
“Most of them already purchased items from Vinted, so it definitely inspired me to do the same. I love the array of options available and how affordable everything is,” she added.
“I love that Vinted makes it easy to find second-hand or handmade items. I like the idea of ‘slow shopping’, including longer delivery times, unique, second-hand and less waste, and Vinted is ideal for this.”
And when it comes to things being not brand new, Hayley said she doesn’t mind as long as it’s in good condition and knows it’ll be well-received.
She explained: “I don’t mind at all if something has been used. As long as something is in good condition and feels right for the person being gifted, I actually like that something has been pre-loved, and is going to a good home to continue its journey.”
Hayley shared you can get some serious brands on there, too. And you can get some really niche items. She explained: “I used to have a skirt many years ago that I loved. It was from H&M and a very specific pattern; I literally wore it until it fell apart.
“I searched Vinted for it, and found it in my size for £5! I was thrilled. I also recently found a winter coat for £2, which was amazing!”
Hayley has a strict budget of under £100 for Christmas, and only spends on her close friends and family too.
She said: “I only buy gifts for close friends, I’m not close to my family, so buying for close friends at Christmas is very important to me. I prefer to put time and creativity into making or finding meaningful presents rather than spending a lot.
“I like to keep all gifts altogether under £100, and I also combine this with something I make, which is more personal, such as a painting, or a written poem. Though sometimes, I spend more if I find something someone would absolutely adore.”
Hayley also likes to decorate her tree with second-hand items as they “have more charm,” and she also “picks up little decorations or ornaments while travelling” so they’re more “personal”.
“I also have a small box of decorations from my childhood that I still put up, which makes things more special and nostalgic,” she said.
Hayley believes that, ultimately, “we need to take Christmas back to basics” and make it more about “connection, not consumption”.
“Christmas needs to be more personal, and gifts need to be more thoughtful. And Christmas needs to be kinder to the planet,” she shared.
