A study of 1,000 shoppers in Wales who celebrate the festive season has found that 46 percent are planning to give second-hand gifts this year. Of those who are planning to give pre-loved, 92 per cent say they are looking to save money during the cost-of-living crisis.
Oxfam Cymru, which commissioned the research conducted by OnePoll.com, found that as well as saving money, nearly a third (32 percent) of people said they plan to purchase pre-loved presents because it’s more environmentally friendly, with nearly a quarter (24 percent) agreeing that there’s a ‘feel good’ factor to second-hand shopping.
With pre-loved gifting becoming increasingly common, a whopping 63 percent of Welsh shoppers say they think it’s more acceptable than ever to give second-hand gifts with over half (54 percent) adding that if they need a Christmas present, their first instinct is to check if they can get it second-hand.
Books, toys and games, jewellery, DVDs and video games are among the top items savvy Welsh shoppers say they would consider buying second-hand.
Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru, said: “Across Wales, savvy shoppers are unwrapping the magic of pre-loved present buying. Conscious consumers clearly know that second-hand does not mean second-best, with charity shops being the perfect places for people to find unique, thoughtful gifts while simultaneously looking after their pennies and the planet.
“Not only are people shopping smarter and more sustainably, but when they shop with Oxfam, they’re changing lives too, with pre-loved purchases spreading joy while supporting communities in need around the world.”
The study also found exactly a third of those polled are planning to make second-hand gifting a tradition with their loved ones each Christmas, with well over half of respondents (60 per cent) saying it’s a good lesson to pass on to future generations.
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents admitted being able to find quality items that are second-hand was a pleasant surprise, with nearly a fifth (18 percent) adding that they enjoyed the ‘hunting’ aspect of searching for the perfect gift.
Furthermore, four in ten (43 per cent) of all respondents say would be grateful to be given a pre-loved present on December 25.
Phil Broadhurst, manager of Oxfam’s Swansea Castle Street store, said: “I think sometimes people used to not admit that the gifts they were giving were from a charity shop, but now people are proud of it and want people to know that the gifts they are getting are second-hand. We now have labels and bookmarks which people can slip into their presents which say “Proud to give pre-loved”. There definitely is a wider community of people who now want to celebrate a greener Christmas.”
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For more information please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450