A Second Hand Christmas

As we know, Christmas is just around the corner. One of, possibly the most, key parts of Christmas is the presents. You may have got your gifts in July, or starting to panic as it creeps up on you week by week. I believe in second hand shopping, I think that there are too many new things being produced when we have plenty and you can get presents that are way more meaningful when you go looking for it second hand. Here are the reasons why you should shop second hand like me for Christmas.

1. The thrill of the shop – Going second hand shopping is always a mission: finding a good location with good charity shops or second-hand shops; to give your-self time so you can look through things in detail; or to find your best shopping companion and make a whole day of it. Second hand shopping allows you to explore new areas you may never have gone to before, find great shops you will always come back to or recommend with a friend. And the best joy is when you find theitem that makes you so excited. It’s exactly what you’ve been looking for, or its better than you could have ever imagined. 
2. Only Yours – We all know that when you go to a mass chain shop and look for clothes or trinkets that they are all mass produced. There are other ones all over the world, and it doesn’t feel as special as you would want it to. There is little to no chance of that happening when it comes to second hand shopping. Anything you find is yours and only yours. It feels unique, special and you appreciate it hat extra bit more. You can give a completely one of a kind gift to the one of a kind person you love.
3. Sentimental value – When you find a gorgeous item in a second-hand shop, it creates a brilliant sense of value to the gift. You can think of its history, what it meant to the previous owner and what it will mean to the next person. The receiver of the gift creates its new story for the item, and may even like it more for this reason!
4. Money saver – A great thing about second hand shopping is the money you save. Buying new good are usually overpriced for what they are actually worth and could take the joy out of buying presents for people. In second hand shops you are sure to find a great bargain for the things you buy. You could even buy way more things for the same price of one singular item at a typical shop, spoiling the ones you love whilst not breaking the bank!
5. For good – Most second-hand shops have a great motive behind it, whether its an individual business, or most commonly, for charity. Supporting charities and local businesses is fantastic no matter how you do it, so why wouldn’t you want to shop from them! Not only are you getting fantastic, one of kind things for your-self or other people, you are helping others whilst doing it. 
6. Saving the planet – We all know that climate change is killing the planet, and we need to act now more than we ever have before. One of the biggest causes of climate change is fast fashion and buying from big conglomerate companies only helps this. The consumerist mind is killing the earth. We all think that the best stuff is the new stuff, all mass produced and made of plastic that ends up wasted, in the country side or in the oceans. We need to stop buying new products and recycle and upcycle what we already have! There is certainly enough on this earth to provide for everyone. By second hand shopping, you’re not only finding great gifts, but you are doing your bit to help the future of the planet.
7. Spreading the word – Finally, once you have discovered the fun and beauty of second-hand shopping you can share it. It helps everyone in the long run, not just people but the earth! I have had many fun memorable times going second hand shopping with friends and got so many bargains- there are no limits. Whether you are looking at antique stores, vintage clothe shops, charity shops or second- hand stores, there is something for everyone. Change the way you shop!

TIPS – I have found in London that there are many good ways to second hand shop, for example Brick Lane has amazing vintage clothes shops. For charity shops, I have found if you go to popular places like Oxford Street you can find designer brands for very cheap, or less popular places like Dalston or Hackney there are your more typical charity shops with great thing and great prices.