Lauren Novak: Why everyone is getting second-hand Chrissy presents from me this year

It’s cheap, sure, but second-hand gifting is about so much more than saving dollars, writes Lauren Novak.

Would you buy someone a second-hand Christmas present?

I plan to. In fact, I’m a bit addicted to Op Shopping now that I’ve discovered the buzz of retail therapy without the guilt.

Last time I left a Vinnie’s store I was clutching a paper bag full of children’s toys, a Bluey lunch box, Christmas wrapping paper and that boon for any toddler parent – stickers! And it only cost me $23.

I’ve snaffled Country Road baby clothes and lift-the-flap books with all the flaps attached (a major coup for those who know).

My three-year-old loves puzzles and, at $2 second-hand, I can keep her challenged without breaking the bank or generating demand for yet more plastic toys.

If you haven’t visited a thrift store lately you’d be blown away by the amount of donated items that appear brand new or still have a retail price tag attached.

What’s the bet many were once shiny new Christmas gifts which then sat in a cupboard until a New Year spring clean?

We’ve all been guilty of it – our eyes too big for our wallets.

But the cost of living is soaring and more Australians are stressing about not having enough spare cash to buy presents this year.

Warnings about the environment and waste are increasingly hard to ignore, so why aren’t more of us buying and gifting second-hand to reduce both our costs and landfill?

If you’re worried your nearest and dearest will think you’re skimping, put your pride aside and channel your inner rebel.

The Salvo’s are a great place to find a Christmas bargain.

Many people plunge themselves into debt every December trying to keep up with the Joneses in department stores or online sales.

Charity leaders tell me stretched parents will still fork out $100 on new gifts for their kids because they don’t want to disappoint. And then, so often, we see once must-have items turfed by February.

It’s nice to have new things – I like them too – but we don’t need new every time.

Most kids (and many adults) wouldn’t know the difference between new and used-a-couple-of-times anyway. My kids don’t – it’s new to them.

If you haven’t already bought your presents this year, choosing preloved even comes with the bonus of knowing the cash you spend at a Red Cross or Save the Children store will help others who are struggling.

Adelaide charities have warned they are finding it so hard to raise donations they’ve resorted to asking staff. Surely we can help them out with a second-hand spending spree?

You could start with a Secret Santa – they’re supposed to be cheap pressies anyway.

Buying second-hand is a great way to save. Picture: Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

Instead of buying a bunch of plastic nobody wants for stocking fillers, search your local Salvos for copious unopened bubble wands, body lotions still in the gift box or scented candles that have never felt a flame.

If you need a last-minute item on the way to a festive event, swing by a Savers store rather than the servo. Their shelves are groaning under the weight of once-used Christmas-themed crockery, table decorations and costumes.

And if you want to deck your kids out in cute Santa onesies or Rudolph bibs skip the fast fashion and head to the Treasure Boxes Baby Boutique in Edwardstown. I snapped up a $2 T-shirt for my one-year-old son, festooned with T-Rex dinosaurs wearing Santa hats – and the Target tag still attached.

Yes, Op Shopping may require more running around than going to a one-stop shopping centre, and you’re not guaranteed to find an item you’re looking for. (Admittedly I’m yet to see a new smart watch at Goodwill.)

But that’s part of what keeps me coming back – who knows what bargain you’ll stumble across?

If, like most of us, you can’t ignore the forces of consumerism at this time of year at least you can walk away with a bigger haul for less.

So whether your motivation is to save your pennies, or the planet, challenge yourself to brave second-hand gifting this Christmas. You might be surprised how much joy it brings.