‘I BUY DESIGNER CLOTHES FOR MUCH LESS!’
Janey Holliday, 45, lives in Sidmouth with her three children, Monty and Harry, 14, and Tabitha, six.
For me, there’s nothing better than rummaging through a pile of knick-knacks at my local charity shop. You know what they say, one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure, and for me that couldn’t ring more true. Even at Christmas! And in December 2021, as I laid eyes on a beautiful designer dress with a bargain price tag, I knew I’d struck gold.
As a single mum of three, I have to be conscious about money. It’s so important that my kids Monty, Harry and Tabitha know that the festive season isn’t about having the latest flashy toys or games console. It’s about spending time together as a family, and creating a sense of Christmas magic.
I have fond childhood memories of hunting through charity shops, and as I’ve got older, I’ve come to love second-hand bargains so much more. Every year in mid-october, I start searching Sidmouth’s high street for my festive haul. I buy the kids board games, toys and books from charity shops, and they don’t know any different. A cosy Christmas Day at home playing Guess Who? or doing a jigsaw together is what makes Christmas for me, and I want my kids to grow up with the same warm, magical memories that I had. I’m lucky that my kids are really grateful, they’d never be upset about getting a second-hand gift.
For my friends, I’ve bought beautiful vintage plates and second-hand photo frames filled with fun memories we’ve made throughout the year, all wrapped up in charity shop paper. When it comes to gifting, there’s really no reason to look anywhere else. I’ve even become known as the ‘Christmas Lady’ by the shop owners!
Bagging a bargain
At home, I have six Christmas trees and 22 boxes of tinsel and baubles, all bought from charity shops, and I reuse them every year. But aside from gifts and decorations, some of my best finds have been for me.
All of my most chic Christmas outfits have been found second-hand. Searching for a Christmas-party outfit last year, I spotted the most gorgeous slinky black designer dress from brand Jigsaw for £7, which would have been hundreds of pounds new. I also snapped up a deep red sparkly skirt for £3, perfect for partying the night away. Instead of splashing out on a new outfit, I had money for other festive fun.
My top tip for a thrifty, charity-shop Christmas is to set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to spend more than you planned,
especially with kids, but your friends and family won’t care how much you spend on a gift, or whether it is second-hand. The important thing is thinking of them.
Remember never to spend money on things you don’t love, or that you’ll be chucking away in January. And don’t worry if you need to do some last-minute shopping, most charity shops stagger their stock throughout the season.
Buying from charity shops is a cheaper, more sustainable way of Christmas shopping, and nothing beats the rush of bagging a great bargain.
✱ janeyholliday.com
‘My top tip is to set a budget and stick to it’
If your budget is really stretched, swap the turkey for a roast chicken – it will barely make a difference to your dinner, but could make a big difference for your purse.
And for next year, try putting aside £2 a day from Boxing Day and you’ll be left with a pot of over £700 when next Christmas arrives. I do it every year and I’ve saved hundreds by doing this. Even if you’re sick of Christmas come 1 January, it’s never too early to get planning for the next one!
✱ @moneymumofficial