Could second-hand presents make Christmas jollier?

As Christmas approaches, many people are starting to think about what gifts to give their loved ones. Traditionally, Christmas has been a time of buying new things, but this year, a growing number of families are choosing to give second-hand presents. This shift is largely due to concerns about climate change and the impact of consumerism on the environment. In the UK alone, over 100 million bags of rubbish are sent to landfills each Christmas. With the pressure to keep up with trends and buy the latest items, many are realizing that a more sustainable approach could actually bring more joy to the holiday season. Becky Davies, a 29-year-old mother of two from Cardiff, is one of those who has embraced second-hand gifting. She believes that over-consumption takes away from the true spirit of Christmas. 'You feel less stressed than being surrounded by all that over-consumption; it can make you feel guilty,' she explains. For Becky, the joy of Christmas comes from creating memories with her family rather than from expensive gifts. She sets a budget of £80 for each of her children, aged six and four, and they are aware that their gifts are second-hand. 'They learn about recycling in school, so understanding how we do our bit for the planet is important,' she adds. Another advocate for second-hand gifting is Sophie Jenkins, a 31-year-old from Swansea. Initially, she turned to pre-loved items to save money, but she has since discovered the benefits of sustainable shopping. 'My children don't notice a difference between brand new or second-hand, and I have saved hundreds,' she says. Sophie shares her thrifting adventures with her 17,900 TikTok followers, but she has faced criticism from some who believe she is depriving her children of the joy of new gifts. 'I do feel like a change is coming, but some have called me a bad mother and said I'm taking the joy away,' she explains. However, Sophie believes that the true joy of Christmas comes from experiences and time spent with loved ones, not just from material possessions. Amy Greenfield, the owner of a pre-loved children's store called Eto in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, has noticed a significant increase in customers looking for second-hand gifts this holiday season. She believes that shopping second-hand helps people feel less guilty about their spending. 'We want more people to shop pre-loved. Especially for children, they grow out of clothes and toys so quickly,' she says. Amy's store offers affordable options for families, and she emphasizes that shopping second-hand can alleviate some of the stress that often comes with the holiday season. She also provides a sustainable alternative to popular trends, such as the Christmas Eve box, which allows customers to fill a box with gifts for just £5. Amy encourages everyone to think carefully about their spending and reminds them that they don't have to buy the latest items to have a meaningful Christmas.