I’ve got all my Xmas presents from charity shops, people think it’s cheap but I don’t care because I’ve saved thousands
A THRIFTY mum has revealed she has spent just £30 on all her presents this year after scouring charity shops - saving herself a fortune.
Alix Shaw, 31, rarely buys anything new for herself or her son Casper, who she welcomed last year.
Alix, from Norfolk, reckons she’s saved thousands of pounds over the years with her frugal ways, despite people thinking her lifestyle looks ‘cheap’.
The mum used to shop on the high street, but as she grew up she turned her back on shiny new items, and decided to embrace pre-loved goods instead.
She said: “There used to be a bit of a taboo around buying secondhand.
“People still worry that they’ll look cheap – but there’s no shame in being thrifty.”
Now everything from her son’s toys, her wardrobe, homeware and Christmas decorations have all been bought second-hand.
Alix, who shares Casper with partner 31-year-old Tobias Geddes, a landscape gardener, said: “I have quite a big family, and used to get everyone a Christmas present, which could get really expensive.
“I would buy a mix of secondhand and new gifts, but have increasingly found that there are such amazing preloved things on offer.
She said: “If you just open your mind up to give secondhand shopping a chance, you’ll be surprised. You’ll find things you didn’t even know you wanted.
“It makes me so sad to think of things just ending up in landfill.
“People may not like the idea of secondhand shopping, but most things you’ll find are in perfectly good condition, cleaned and pressed.
"Everyone is happy to try clothes on in a high street store, or go to a hotel and sleep in sheets and use towels that other people have used – why is this any different?
“Not only am I saving money this way, but I am also being kinder to the planet.”
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