Have a Charity Shop Christmas

For a couple of months now I have been trying to be more sustainable and Eco-friendly. When Molly was born we would go to second hand sales specifically for baby and children’s items. We got quite a lot of really good bits for very little price. I always shop in charity shops, I love it. Shopping second hand has so many benefits, not just to you but to the shops you buy from and the charities they support. An post on Huffpost back in 2016 said that the average household spends around £500 at Christmas and that one in four families will go into debt during the festive season. I feel that number has risen quite a bit over the last 2 years and It’s ridiculous!

Shopping second hand at Charity shops means you can buy gifts for your family and friends, that are still personal,practical, and in really good condition. Each item will have their own history and also won’t cost the earth. It also means you’re giving the items a second life and preventing waste – saving them from landfill. It is the most ethical and economical way to gift. You can find the most beautiful toys, books, clothes and so much more. Some of the items I have found for Molly I am in love with!

Now whilst not everything may be perfect, I don’t buy anything that’s broken, or missing pieces. The photos above are only a few of the items I have got for Molly from Charity shops. Since taking the photos I have found more books, A wooden bead maze roller, more wooden blocks and a few items of clothing. Each item cost less than £5 each!

If you’re still not convinced ( I can’t change everyones minds ), Charity shops also have a range of “new items” that you can buy. Cancer Research being a charity very close to my heart, is one that we support all the time. You can either pop into the charity shops, or some even have online shopping! Cancer Research were very kind and sent me two items to share with you…

So, I will admit. I currently have these Christmas Tree & Reindeer Tea Light Holders either side of our TV because I love them that much. For just £4.99, their rustic and minimal silver style would compliment any table or mantel place this festive season.

This ceramic reindeer Salt & Pepper Set is so beautiful. They cross both scandi with traditional festive decor and would fit perfectly on the dinner table Christmas day. They would also work wonders as a secret Santa gift! Currently retailed at £5.99.

There you have it, Charity shops sell more than second hand items, all supporting amazing causes! We have had a sort out of Molly’s things and have given loads to charity shops. This is to make way for new items she will be receiving for her birthday/Christmas. When things get thrown out by hundreds of people, at around the same time, it creates an exponential amount of waste. Most of that waste will just end up in landfill, damaging our planet.

If you are planning a clear out, I urge you to donate unwanted items to your local charity shops this festive season, even if you think nobody would ever want what you’re getting rid of, you never know! One mans trash is another mans treasure and we need to stop the taboo and negativity around shopping second hand. We, as a family will be shopping second hand from now on as I blooming love what you can find!

*Some of the items featured have been sent to us for review*