Secondhand for Christmas?
Shpock: Secondhand is the solution to Christmas financial pressure
Monday, November 19, 2018 — Do children appreciate the gifts we buy them during the festive season or are they a waste of money? According to a representative study by YouGov, 31% of British parents say their children lose interest in the gifts after just one month and one in five parents (22%) feel their children don’t appreciate the gifts that they get. Shpock asks if second hand gifts is the solution needed and details five tips for you to celebrate Christmas on a budget.
Financial Burden
December 25th is just around the corner and every parent is in buying mode. However, with this comes the pressure to buy their child the exact gift he/she wants. 29% of British parents state that it’s difficult to find the perfect gift for their child. There is also a strong financial burden with one in four parents (26%) revealing they cannot afford all the gifts their children would like. However, 16% are willing to cut other household spending to do so.
Second-hand Solution
For some parents, buying and selling second hand gifts offers a more cost effective way of keeping their children happy. 30% would buy a second hand gift to get their child the gift they want. Shpock offers the perfect platform for parents to get ideal gifts at a better price or to sell on unwanted or unappreciated gifts that their child is no longer interested in.
“There are thousands of ideal Christmas gifts for kids on Shpock at a fraction of the cost on the high street. Many of the toys have never been used or even opened and allows shrewd parents to save a little on their Christmas spending”, explains Conor Gannon, Shpock spokesperson.
5 Tips to Enjoy Christmas on a Budget
Plan Ahead
Use lists and/or organiser apps to plan your Christmas effectively. Set aside a strict amount of time and budget for food, decorations and gifts so you never overspend or last minute panic buy.
Shop Savvy
Rather than splashing out on new things, finding bargain second hand gifts in your area can really boost your bank account as well as help contribute to the environment.
Sell Online
Using Shpock to sell things you no longer need can save up some much needed cash ahead of the big day. Electronics, clothing, toys or furniture; what you sell might actually be the perfect Christmas gift for someone else.
Create Your Decorations
There are hundreds of videos with Christmas decoration ideas online that you can try out to brighten up your home. Getting your kids involved can make it a fun festive activity for the whole family
Try Out Local Events
Check your local paper for free and low budget fun activities for all the family. Christmas markets and town centres often have free shows, carol services and special Santa meetups. Staying cosy at home with hot chocolate and a festive movie can be just as fun as a big night out.