From vintage websites to buying pre-loved, and the best Christmas deals, here’s everything you need to know
1STREAMLINE YOUR GIFT LIST.
When it comes to close family you can follow the ‘something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read’ advice. ‘I use this for my children,’ says Jamie-lee Birch from @savvyjamierose parenting blog. ‘It helps me stick to a budget and means a great variety of gifts.’
2 MAKE BUDGET FEEL BOUGIE.
Try some thoughtful wrapping tricks. Layers of tissue paper or a hand-tied bow make gifts feel extra special without spending a lot. UK consumers unravel 227,000 miles of Christmas wrapping paper each year, so try using brown paper and string for a vintage look, or wrap smaller items in an old silk scarf as part of the gift.
3 SEEK OUT THE BEST CHRISTMAS DEALS.
Look for discount codes online before buying. Search for the brand name and ‘discount code’ to find moneyoff codes. Sign up to newsletters (and unsubscribe later) to get 10% off first orders where you can, or use Google Shopping to let the search engine find the best offers.
4 START REGIFTING.
British shoppers spend an estimated £700m on unwanted presents each year with £42m worth of those chucked into landfill. Lifestyle blogger Kim John (lifecanbetoff. co.uk) believes regifting is the answer: ‘Tailor the gift with the same thought as if you’d bought it new (don’t just get rid of something you don’t want). The regift should be new, in its original packaging and beautifully wrapped.’
5 PASS ON TREASURED PIECES.
While it’s not yet socially acceptable to wrap up a pair of boots you no longer want and pass them on, pre-loved items you’ve cherished make lovely gifts. Jewellery is excellent for this, as is art.
6 GO REALLY USEFUL.
Gifts that will be used – such as food and drink or special toiletries – are often more appreciated than ornamental gifts that don’t serve a purpose and might not be to the recipient’s taste.
7 PAIR PERFECTLY.
Vintage influencer April Salsbury (@knackered_cow) believes that finding the perfect pairing for a pre-loved gift is the key: team a bestselling novel with a cashmere jumper you’ve loved, or a vintage wine decanter from a chari
