Gift shopping is not always the easiest thing to do for a few reasons. Sometimes you might be unsure about the gift choice because of how personal a gift is. You naturally want a friend and family member to be happy to get, and most importantly, can you afford a particular you know they might like?
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Thrifting has become quite a trend. We have seen the boom of preloved and second-hand luxury and vintage boutiques on Instagram. But of course, not all of them are legit. The holidays are the most expensive time of the year, and this can cause financial strain when the new year starts.
Mandy Bork wearing green Zara top and pink Hermes Birkin bag in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
In a GlobalData survey, 47.2% of respondents said they planned to buy second-hand gifts for last year’s holiday season, and 60% believed that second-hand gifts are more socially acceptable than just a few years ago.
“When you have to make that December pay cheque last for what feels like an eternity, gift shopping at expensive retail stores that carry huge mark-ups will leave your bank balance high and dry in no time,” says Gumtree Estelle Nagel.
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Would you mind getting a Hermes Birkin bag for Christmas? Well, I know I would not. But for some getting a preloved gift might not exactly be met with all the cheers. Perhaps, what would work is a better understanding of what a loved one loves. If a Birkin bag would not tickle them, maybe a pair of limited edition second-hand boots, a vintage painting from the charity store, or something to do with electronics.
Flea and antique markets offer exclusive finds.
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“Toys and books are another massive treasure trove for second-hand buyers looking to grant their little ones’ holiday gift wishes without breaking the bank. Why spend hundreds of rands on a toy off the shelf when you can pay half the price or less on one that’s was used?”
Three tips to consider when buying a preloved gift:
Additional information and images provided by Tribeca PR
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