eBay reveals how the UK is set to shop differently this Christmas with pre-loved gifting on the rise 

From thinking pre-loved first, to cutting spending, shopping early and more from local businesses, new research unveiled by eBay UK reveals how our approach to shopping this Christmas will change  in response to the current economic climate. 

There’s no doubt that this year Christmas will be different for many families, with eBay’s new study of over 2,000 Brits revealing the changes that many will make when choosing gifts for their loved ones. With almost one in five (17%) thrifty shoppers putting shopping second hand first on their Christmas list alongside pre-loved or refurbished to make their money go further.*

With purse strings tighter than ever, 39% of shoppers admit that they will be cutting spending, with almost a third (29%) starting their Christmas shopping earlier to get the best deals. Of those surveyed 38% said that getting the most bang for their buck is one of their biggest priorities, with 28% of people determined to shop local to support small businesses.*

With pre-loved, price and quality front of mind, eBay predicts a rise in shoppers looking for pre-loved luxury gifts over new, after revealing uplifts in people searching for “vintage designer bags” and “second hand designer watches” – including a 25% increase for YSL handbags and a 12% increase in searches for Chanel handbags.** 


Kirsty Keoghan, Senior Director of Trading at eBay says: “We are expecting people to make the shift to pre-loved gifting this year and we want to celebrate it. From pre-loved authenticated  luxury handbags to signed vinyls of your loved ones’ favourite band – we are encouraging people to make their money stretch further this Christmas and lift the stigma around pre-loved gifting. After all, there is nothing better than receiving a unique and thoughtful gift someone has searched for that’s just right for you.’ 

When looking for unique gifting items, eBay is the perfect one-stop shop to find gifts for all price points and tastes from SMBs, social enterprises and sellers of pre-loved and refurbished items.

Pre-Loved Luxury Gifts 

With eBay shoppers can have peace of mind when shopping for pre-loved luxury handbags and watches, as its Authenticity Guarantee ensures that all items are checked and approved as authentic to give shoppers complete confidence. If shoppers are looking for a vintage handbag or a pre-loved designer watch, then look no further than eBay this Christmas.

Shop pre-loved luxury items with Authenticity Guarantee on eBay HERE. 

Gifts That Give Back 

eBay’s research found that over half (57%) of people stop to think if a brand gives back to society before making a purchase and 4 in 10 believe their purchases have the power to make a positive change***. Here are some gifts with a purpose that are available to buy on eBay… 

·       Face planter | 11cm hand-carved Soapstone plant pot | Ethical home decor -£18.00

o   This amazing hand-carved soapstone has been ethically and sustainably made by a small group of artisan carvers in Kisii, Kenya, and through the crafting, they have been contributing to improved housing, clean water initiatives, medical facilities and better education for children.

Thoughtful Gifting 

This year over half (65%) of shoppers want to treat their loved ones to thoughtful gifts that are tailored to them and the things that they love, prioritising a more thoughtful touch.*

Whether shopping for a music lover, film buff, a football fanatic who loves memorabilia or  looking for a keepsake for them to cherish forever, eBay has the ideal unique gift. 

Gifts Under 

eBay has a gift to suit every budget and occasion this Christmas, with lots of choice for gifts under £100, £50, £20 and £10. With 6 in 10 people reporting value for money as the most important factor when it comes to Christmas shopping  this year, eBay is the place to find high-quality gifts at bargain prices. 

·       Aroma Diffuser Electric Ultrasonic Air Mist Humidifier Purifier – £10.59

·       Well Behaved Women Quote, Marilyn Monroe Art Print  – £3.99

·       Large Rainbow Arch Pillar Candle – £9.50