Christmas shopping doesn’t have to mean overspending, panic-buying or piles of packaging. Some of the best Christmas gifts are hiding in your local charity shop - designer knitwear, vintage jewellery, classic board games and books, often for a few pounds.
This is Thriftmas: giving second-hand, vintage, upcycled or re-gifted presents instead of buying everything new. It’s cheaper, more personal and better for the planet - and every pound you spend in a charity shop goes to a good cause.
Here’s how to shop for Christmas in charity shops: when to go, where to go, and what to look for.
What is Thriftmas (or Re-Giftmas)?
Thriftmas means giving Christmas gifts that are pre-loved, vintage, refurbished or upcycled instead of brand new. Thriftmas shoppers find their presents at:
- charity shops and charity superstores
- independent second-hand and vintage shops
- flea markets and car boot sales
- kilo sales
- clothes swaps
- online second-hand marketplaces
Re-Giftmas is the same idea applied to things you already own: passing on items you don’t use, as long as they’re in excellent condition and right for the person.
Why buy Christmas gifts in charity shops?
- You save money. Branded and vintage pieces can feel luxurious at a fraction of the new price.
- Your gifts are unique. Nobody else will unwrap the same thing.
- You support a good cause. Your money funds the charity’s work and keeps high streets alive.
- It’s better for the planet. Buying pre-loved keeps good things in use and cuts waste.
When is the best time to shop for Christmas in charity shops?
Right after Christmas
It sounds mad, but the best time to shop for next Christmas is straight after this one.
January is decluttering season. People clear out cupboards and wardrobes, and many donate presents they didn’t like or that didn’t fit - often new, sometimes still in the box. Charity shops are full of good stock in the weeks after Christmas, and fewer people are shopping for gifts.
Pick up anything great you see and put it away for next December.
All year round
Charity shop bargains don’t follow a calendar. Donations arrive every day, and the best pieces sell fast. The earlier you start looking, the more chances you have to find the right present at the right price.
Keep a list of who you’re buying for and pop into charity shops whenever you pass one. By the time December arrives, most of your shopping is done.
At the very latest: early November
If you’re starting now, aim to have most of your Thriftmas shopping done by the end of November. That gives you time to visit several shops, and to clean, repair or wrap what you find. Leave it to mid-December and the best finds will be gone.
Pick the right area for the gifts you want
What’s in a charity shop depends on what local people donate - which depends on where the shop is. Choose your area based on what you’re looking for.
- Wealthier areas tend to have higher prices, but far more designer and branded pieces. If you want a pair of quality leather boots or a designer blazer for someone special, this is where you’ll have the best chance.
- Family neighbourhoods tend to have great selections of toys, games, puzzles and children’s books.
- Student and city-centre areas are often good for vintage clothing, records and quirky homeware.
- Charity superstores have the most stock under one roof, and are worth a trip for homeware, furniture and bigger gifts.
Planning a day out? Group several shops in the same area into one trip. In London, start with our guide to the best thrift stores in London.
What makes a great second-hand Christmas gift?
Good quality
Look for:
- natural fibres like wool, cashmere, cotton and silk
- real leather
- solid wood
- strong stitching
- reputable brands
- items in excellent condition
Clean and presentable
Wash, polish, lint-roll and press everything before you wrap it.
In working order
Test anything that needs to work, like electronics, kitchen appliances or tools. If the shop offers a warranty or a returns policy, check it before you buy.
Matched to the person
A thrifted gift works best when it’s clearly chosen for the person - their favourite author, a band they love, a colour they always wear.
Buying second-hand gifts online
Vinted, eBay, Depop and Facebook Marketplace give you huge choice, but you can’t check items in person. To buy safely:
- ask for close-up photos
- check for wear, stains, scratches and flaws
- confirm measurements, as vintage sizing varies a lot
- read seller reviews
- use buyer protection when it’s available
- order early, in case you need to return something
Don’t leave online orders until mid-December. Postage gets slow and busy.
Shopping for Christmas in charity shops in person
Nothing beats hunting for presents in person. You see and touch the item, prices are lower, and you’ll find things you’d never think to search for.
Many charity shops also sell Christmas cards, decorations and wrapping, so you can pick up the finishing touches while you’re there.
Ganddee maps charity shops, vintage shops, kilo sales, markets and reuse centres across the UK, with opening hours and routes - so you can plan your Thriftmas trip in minutes.
Don’t forget Re-Giftmas
Re-gift things you own but don’t use, as long as they’re in perfect condition. Good candidates include:
- unused candles
- unopened beauty products
- books you loved
- board games
- scarves, bags and accessories
- quality items you never reach for
Swap instead of Secret Santa
Instead of buying a new Secret Santa gift, ask friends or colleagues to bring something they own but no longer use, then swap. Read our guide to running a sustainable gift swap.
Second-hand Christmas gift ideas
Fashion
- vintage knitwear
- scarves and accessories
- leather bags and boots
- designer jackets and blazers
- retro sportswear
Homeware
- decorative ceramics
- glassware
- framed art
- vintage Christmas ornaments
Books and music
- classic novels
- vinyl records
- art and coffee table books
Toys and kids’ gifts
- puzzles
- building sets
- picture books
- board games
DIY and upcycled gifts
- painted furniture
- framed thrifted prints
- upcycled jars
- embroidered or altered clothing
Charity shop Christmas FAQs
Is it OK to give second-hand gifts for Christmas?
Yes. Second-hand gifts are increasingly popular, especially when they’re good quality, clean and chosen with the person in mind. Many people value a thoughtful vintage find more than something generic and new.
When is the best time to find Christmas gifts in charity shops?
January, when people donate unwanted presents and declutter after Christmas. After that, shop all year round. If you’re starting late, aim to finish by the end of November.
Where are the best charity shops for designer gifts?
Shops in wealthier areas usually get more designer and branded donations, though prices tend to be higher. Family neighbourhoods are often better for toys and games.
Can I donate unwanted Christmas presents to a charity shop?
Yes. Charity shops welcome unwanted gifts in good condition, especially new items. Read our guide to charity shop donations before you drop them off.
Do your Thriftmas with Ganddee
Find charity shops near you, plan your route and discover the best places for second-hand Christmas gifts across the UK.
Download Ganddee for free and have a more thoughtful Christmas.
Related guides
- Charity Shops 101: 5 Top Tips for Scoring Second-Hand Gems
- Which UK Charities Offer Home Collection for Donations?
