We’ve all been there – the excitement of unwrapping Christmas gifts, only to find something that we don’t want or need. It’s a common occurrence, with research suggesting that nearly two-thirds of people receive at least one unwanted gift during the holiday season. And while it may feel awkward or even guilty to admit it, the truth is, these unwanted gifts often end up unused and forgotten by Boxing Day.
But what if there was a way to turn these gifts into something useful and even profitable? According to Aimee McBride, a fashion lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College, there is a simple solution – sell them. In fact, reselling unwanted gifts on platforms like Vinted can not only reduce waste and avoid awkward conversations, but it can also earn you up to £1,000 in the run-up to the New Year.
So, how can you turn those unwanted gifts into cash this Christmas? Aimee shares her top tips and insights on how to make the most out of reselling.
Honesty is the Best Policy
When it comes to reselling gifts, Aimee emphasizes the importance of being honest and clear about the condition of the item. She says, “There is no shame in selling a gift that you know you are not going to use. In fact, if the item is still in its packaging or has the tags on, it can actually work to your advantage. Items listed as ‘new with tags’ tend to sell faster and for more money, so being upfront about the condition can really pay off.”
It’s understandable to feel a bit guilty about reselling a gift, especially if the person who gave it to you might find out. But Aimee reminds us that platforms like Vinted are public, and there’s always a chance that the person could stumble upon your listing. By being honest about reselling, you can avoid any potential awkwardness and make the whole process feel more comfortable.
Sell Smart to Make More Money
Timing, pricing, and consistency are key when it comes to reselling gifts. Aimee advises, “If you know you are not going to use something, sell it straight away while people are actively looking for gifts. The run-up to Christmas is when demand is highest, and buyers are ready to spend.”
When it comes to pricing, Aimee suggests looking at what similar items have actually sold for, rather than just what people are asking for. Checking sold listings can give you a better idea of what buyers are willing to pay, and it can help your items sell more quickly.
Aimee also recommends listing items little and often, rather than uploading everything at once. This keeps your account active and makes your listings more visible to potential buyers.
What Gifts Resell Well?
According to Aimee, some types of gifts tend to perform better than others on resale platforms. She says, “Nothing is worse than getting a gift that you don’t like or won’t use. Instead of letting it sit and take up space, you can rehome it and use the money for something you actually love.”
While many people may think of Vinted as a platform for selling clothing, Aimee points out that unused beauty products, such as serums and perfumes, also resell well. Accessories like jewelry and handbags are also popular items, as jewelry can be a tricky gift to get right, and people often gift what they like rather than what the receiver would actually wear.
Kids’ toys are another category that tends to do well on resale platforms. With many children receiving duplicates or toys that are not right for their age, reselling them allows parents to use the money for something their child will actually play with. Aimee notes that many of the toys listed are brand new and unopened, but they sell for a fraction of the original price.
How Much Can You Make?
Aimee believes that reselling can add up quickly, but it’s essential to understand how and when you will be paid. She says, “Lots of people make a few hundred pounds easily in the run-up to Christmas, and if you have higher-value pieces, you can make up to £1,000 from selling personal items or unwanted gifts.”
It’s worth noting that there is a £1,000 tax-free trading allowance in the UK, so if you are just clearing out your wardrobe or reselling a few gifts, you usually won’t come close to that amount
