This year at Salvos Stores, we’re encouraging you to make the ‘Preloved Promise’ and introduce secondhand gifting as your newest Christmas tradition.

Buying secondhand Christmas presents for your loved ones might seem a little unconventional, or even slightly challenging. Even avid thrifters who are confident kitting their own homes and wardrobes out with preloved pieces, often feel like it's sometimes ‘safer’ to buy new for those around them.

However, it’s actually a lot more common than you might think. In fact, a 2020 survey revealed that almost half of consumers were planning on buying secondhand gifts over the Christmas period!

Overconsumption is always a major issue, but the Christmas period really emphasises the scale of its impact on both the environment and everyday consumers. Estimates of how much the average Australian spends on Christmas gifts each year range from $374 to $726. This doesn't even account for other Christmas expenses such as food, wrapping paper, or holiday outfits.

Alongside the thoughtfully selected gifts that will be truly appreciated by Australians this Christmas, an estimated 20 million will end up unwanted or unused, with a large percentage being sent straight to landfill.

It’s difficult to guarantee that every Christmas present you buy will be a success, we all have that one person in our lives who is impossible to buy for! But there is an approach to Christmas gifting that involves just as much meaning but a little less waste, cost, and consumption.

Shopping for preloved Christmas gifts benefits the environment by contributing to the circular economy and reducing waste. It can also lead to more unique, thoughtful, and impactful purchases.

Secondhand gifting can often be seen as ‘cheap’ when it is actually quite the opposite. Presenting a friend or family member with a one-of-a-kind vintage or preloved gift that you have thoughtfully picked out for them is sure to delight. And, if you shop from a charity retailer like Salvos Stores, is made even more meaningful by your purchase’s contribution to improving the lives of those who need it most.

We know that it can be tricky to figure out where to start with shopping for secondhand gifts, particularly if you’re new to thrifting. So, if you’re in need of some inspiration for what exactly a ‘preloved gift’ could look like, we’ve put together a few ideas…

Preloved Gifting Ideas

For the bookworm...

We have hundreds of vintage and new release books available both online and in store at Salvos Stores. From Blinky Bill to Jane Austen, there’s something for every kind of reader.

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