I’ve made hundreds selling my Christmas presents on eBay – I’m not fussy but I’d prefer money for my bills

WE’RE all guilty of returning the odd present or regifting a not-so-personal gift set, however, one woman has admitted to getting rid of the majority of gifts she receives.

But rather than regifting unwanted presents, Phoebe Millican, 23, from Kettering, sells hers on for a profit.

Ever since she was able to open an eBay account at the age of 18, Phoebe has been making cash off her gifts.

But the Senior Development Technician doesn’t feel an ounce of guilt as she feels the gifts would otherwise be wasted.

Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Phoebe says: “I began selling my gifts as a way of making money but also to prevent items from being wasted that I knew I wouldn’t ever use. 

“I appreciate the thought behind some of the gifts but there were people out there that would definitely appreciate them more.”

Rather than shopping for items to replace the gifts, Phoebe put the money she makes off her presents towards the cost of living.  

She says: “I don’t spend the money on anything specific, it  just goes into my bank account to help towards my bills and mortgage.

“Any sales I make from this year’s presents will most definitely go towards things such as petrol and the food shop but also my electricity bills.

“It’s a much better use of the present and I haven’t been caught out yet so people are never offended.

“My mum is probably the only person that knows I resell gifts and I never resell any of hers.

“As people don’t realise that I am reselling any gifts so I still get plenty of presents.”

Phoebe, who makes up to £40 from each of the gifts that she resells, says that while she sells many of her gifts she doesn’t consider herself difficult to buy for.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fussy, it’s more so that people that haven’t seen me for a while don’t necessarily know what to get me,” she says. 

“I’m often given things I’d never use because they’re just not me so why not make a bit of cash off them?” 

Phoebe says that when it comes to what she actually wants for Christmas she goes for practicality over luxury.

“Depending on who’s asking, I normally ask for slightly more expensive household essentials or particular skincare products,” she says. 

“For example, last year I asked for tea bags and fabric conditioner!”

Phoebe says that anyone with presents gathering dust should consider following her lead.

“Instead of leaving a gift you know you’re not going to use to gather dust, popping it on eBay will enable you to gain a little money that could help a lot!” she says.

“In total over the last four years I have been old enough to sell my Christmas gifts on eBay, I’d say I’ve made just over £150 which is not to be sniffed at!”