Shoppers forking out on second-hand Christmas presents for two key causes
New research shows Brits will splash out an average of £110 on pre-loved gifts this Christmas, with nearly half feeling stressed about living up to gift-giving expectations
A recent survey of 2,000 Christmas shoppers has revealed that Brits are set to spend an average of £110 on second-hand gifts this festive season. Millennials expected to spend around £154 and Gen Z splashing out £130, both figures significantly higher than the national average.
This trend is on the rise as nearly half (47%) confess to feeling stressed about meeting gift-giving expectations. Gen Z were found to feel this the most (61%), compared to just a third of Baby Boomers (33%). What’s more, many say the pressure to impress with gifts adds to their anxiety over the festive season and with shopping for gifts particularly stressful.
One in ten plan to give more pre-loved presents than ever before, primarily for environmental reasons, and because it’s cheaper than buying new. However, four in ten confessed they simply love snapping up a bargain, with Gen X proving to be the savviest shoppers.
A spokesperson from CeX, which commissioned the research, said: “Attitudes towards buying second hand are really shifting. People are much more aware of the benefits to the environment of re-using certain items.
“Doing away with the stigma of thinking people always need ‘new’ at Christmas, will be beneficial both on an individual, and societal level.”
Interestingly, a quarter of parents believe their children won’t mind receiving pre-loved gifts, with 36% noting that many items are in excellent condition.
Despite 55% of people setting a spending budget, 42% confess they typically go over it, and 24% anticipate spending money they don’t actually have this Christmas.
Moreover, a third admit they spend as much time worrying as they do enjoying the festive season.
The spokesperson for CeX added: “Reducing the pressure around gift buying can help with the overall stress of Christmas.
“Considering warrantied, second-hand items for things like games consoles, phones and tech, can really help with this and also save you some cash.”
