A MUM is saving big this Christmas by snapping up second-hand toys and gifts.
With festive costs soaring, Lauren Ralph has ditched the high street and turned to to stretch her budget further.
Lauren Ralph managed to get everything from her daughter’s Christmas list – including Disney dolls – using VintedCredit: Jam Press/Lauren Ralph
“I already use Vinted regularly, so it felt like a natural step to buy presents there too,” the 28-year-old said.
“Buying second-hand means my budget stretches so much further, the kids can get more things, and I can even pick up items I wouldn’t normally consider because they’d be too pricey brand-new.”
Lauren, from Belfast, is a seasoned picking up essentials like wellies, pram suits and clothes for herself and the children, while also selling items she no longer needs.
She said: “I’m also a regular seller there, so it’s a platform I use both ways.
“I genuinely encourage people to shop second-hand more often, it just makes sense.”
Sharing her finds on social media, Lauren revealed she’d bought two princess dolls for £8, including postage – normally £16 each on the high street.
The dolls arrived in perfect condition and were even bigger than expected.
Her haul also included a £1 , , a ballet dress, a Disney CD player, and an Ultimate Disney CD.
Lauren said: “I’ve found some incredible pieces on Vinted, especially vintage toys you simply can’t buy anymore.
“The best find ever has to be the Fisher-Price Snap Dolls.
“It’s honestly the best toddler toy we’ve ever owned.
“I’ve also managed to pick up lots of Little People sets that are no longer sold, like the Klip Klop Castle.
“I’ve found amazing pieces from other brands too, like the LeapFrog Ice Cream Cart, and even a huge Hatchimals set that my daughter plays with every single day.
“Alongside the bigger finds, I’ve picked up loads of smaller bits too, including Disney plush dolls, clothes for her Build-A-Bears, dress-up costumes, and puzzles.
“It’s been such a great way to source unique things she loves.”
Opting for has already saved Lauren roughly £100, just on the items featured in her video.
She said: “Buying second-hand has made a huge difference to my budget.
“Shopping on Vinted means I can get quality toys, clothes, and essentials for a fraction of the price, and it allows me to buy more for the kids without overspending.
“I also save by shopping in bundles to reduce shipping costs.
“For example, the haul featured in my video would have cost around £140 without shipping, but I only spent £43 including shipping.
“Overall, it’s been a really practical way to stretch our further.”
Lauren saved hundreds of pounds buying items secondhandCredit: Jam Press/Lauren Ralph
Social media reaction
Lauren’s post went viral, racking up more than 55,000 views, with other parents sharing their successes.
One person said: “All for buying 2nd hand!! Couldn’t do Christmas buying all new.
“Plus, it is good for sustainability…”
Another shopper added: “We love books in our house but I can’t justify some of the prices for brand new books.
“All the books I’ve bought for Christmas have been bought second hand.”
And one person commented: “Majority of our gifts are second hand, some brand new and even when brand new I try to get it on sale.
“I love shops and Vinted. I even got loads of brand new toys from charity shops for 1 or 2 quid.
“I’d rather buy second hand, better for environment and I can stretch the money further and spoil them more.”
One user added: “Yes!!! we buy so much second hand stuff for our kids!!”
‘Normalise buying pre-loved’
Lauren said the response had been amazing.
She added: “Lots of my Vinted find videos tend to do really well because so many people relate. It’s nice for others to see that they’re not alone in shopping second-hand.
“It definitely helps to normalise buying pre-loved items.
“The response to this video in particular has been amazing, with so many parents sharing their own bargains and stories.
“I love being able to share relatable content like this with my followers, and it’s so encouraging to see how open everyone is to second-hand shopping.
“Personally, I bought nearly everything second-hand for my first baby, including the cot, pram, bath, and highchair, and it’s still being used by my second.
“I remember a lot of people turning their noses up, thinking I should want everything new, but we saved so much money, and no one even knew it was pre-loved.
“It’s wonderful to have found my people online who share the same mindset.
“If anyone wants to see more of my Vinted finds, I’ve compiled them all into a playlist on my @bylaurenralph under ‘Vinted Toy Finds’.
“I really hope people watching this will consider more pre-loved items coming up to Christmas!”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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