‘lockdown leftovers’?

CHARITY shops and auction websites could soon be flooded with ‘lockdown leftovers’, as many households have spent money on items during the pandemic that they’re now looking to get rid of.

Over recent months, UK adults have spent an average £770 each on dispensable items, according to Barclaycard Payments.

Men are thought to have shelled out more than women on such lockdown purchases, spending more than £1,000 typically.

Takeaway food and drink was the most popular discretionary lockdown purchase, followed by summer wardrobe pieces, outdoor plants and flowers, baking ingredients and spirits, the research found.

Fitness gear was also popular, as people have kept up their exercise routines at home, while some have bought new pets.

Some of the more bizarre items bought included an inflatable pub.

Families with children at home have been splashing out quite literally.

Barclaycard Payments quoted one family who invested £140 in a paddling pool and giant inflatables for their back garden, to help their eight and five-year-old children make the most of the summer.

Expressing feelings many families will empathise with, they said: “We felt it was really important to create opportunities for fun at home, being that our normal life of school, clubs and seeing friends and family was on hold temporarily.”

Not everyone is as happy with their pandemic purchases, however.

One in five people now plan to give away items bought during lockdown to charity.

With an average estimated value of £65.90 per donation, this could give the charity sector a much-needed boost, after many fundraising events have been cancelled due to Covid-19.

Selling items no longer wanted on auction websites could also help some people fill gaps in their budgets.

Kirsty Morris, managing director for account development at Barclaycard Payments, says: “For those looking to offload some of their lockdown leftovers, there are plenty of resale sites, or local social media pages that can help recoup some of the original purchase price, and ensure these short-lived items get another lease of life.”

Selling unwanted items online could boost your budget