A quarter of adults set to buy pre-loved gifts for children this Christmas – Oxfam

A quarter of adults (24%) are set to buy second-hand gifts for children this Christmas, a new Oxfam survey has found.

A study of 2,000 adults who celebrate the festive season found a quarter (24%) will likely buy pre-loved gifts for children this year – with the most popular gifts being pre-loved books (34%), toys (30%) and board games (17%).

And with 50 per cent of adults expecting to spend between £10 and £60 per child, shopping second-hand could cut their costs dramatically, as well as helping the planet.

Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s Retail Trading Director, said: “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. The joy with pre-loved toys and books is that they don’t have to be new, to be new to that child.

“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. Plus, when you shop second-hand somewhere like Oxfam, you will find something for everyone in store or online – meaning you will not only tick off the children’s wish list but the whole family’s.”

The YouGov survey, carried out on behalf of Oxfam, found that helping the planet and saving money are key drivers for sustainable shoppers this year - with over of half of Brits set to buy pre-loved gifts saying the main reason is because it is better for the environment (57%) and cheaper than buying new (51%).

But Brits also think pre-loved presents are more thoughtful – with one in four (27%) saying the main reason they would likely buy a second-hand gift at Christmas is because it will be “unique”.

This attitude is reflected in how people feel about gifting or receiving a second-hand present under the tree, with six in ten (60%) saying they would feel comfortable receiving a pre-loved present for Christmas, while almost four in ten (38%) said they feel comfortable gifting a second-hand present to someone else.

For adults, the most popular choice of pre-loved gift is also books with nearly half (49%) saying they would likely gift second-hand reads this Christmas, while a quarter (24%) said they would likely gift pre-loved clothes.

Lorna Fallon said: “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.”

Make a small switch to second-hand this Christmas by visiting one of Oxfam’s 500+ shops across the UK or head to Oxfam’s Online Shop.

ENDS

For more information or interview requests contact: Oxfam Media Unit media.unit@oxfam.org.uk / 07748 761999

Notes to Editors

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,311 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 8th November 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
• Images and infographics here

About Oxfam 

Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.

Oxfam has more than 500 shops in the UK as well as the Oxfam online shop. By buying and donating through Oxfam shops or online, you can help to protect our planet, while helping raise vital funds to tackle poverty and injustice around the globe.

To find your local Oxfam shop click here or head to our Oxfam Online Shop here.