How to do a secondhand Christmas, according to the queen of pre-loved
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and the busiest! We've asked a few of our favourite ‘industry insiders’ – people well-practised in the art of making the festive season truly special – for their pearls of wisdom to help you get Christmas sorted.
Here we talk to Amy Bannerman, former magazine editor and eBay's pre-loved style director for her tips on how to have a secondhand Christmas...
When and why did you start doing a pre-loved Christmas?
AB: I’ve been obsessed with all things pre-loved for as long as I can remember, so about five years ago I suggested to my family that we do a pre-loved Christmas together. I wanted us all to embrace a more sustainable way of gifting, and luckily it didn’t take too much persuasion. On Christmas Day, we shared how we found each item, which adds a whole new layer of meaning to the day.
What was your best pre-loved Christmas purchase?
AB: I bought my brother a pre-loved Barbour jacket from eBay and had it re-waxed by Barbour and embroidered on the lining by Cressida Jamieson, which made it a really unique and special piece. Pre-loved gifts tend to have a lot more thought behind them as you spend more time and effort finding something unique.
Barbour Bedale Wax Jacket
Where do you find your pre-loved gifts?
AB: My go-to place for pre-loved Christmas shopping is obviously eBay. A great sustainable alternative for gifting perfume is to choose from their 'Imperfects' range, which is brand-new products at a much lower price just because the packaging isn’t perfect. It's my favourite hack to get a bargain! I also love exploring the shops in Hastings Old Town where I live – it's a Christmas shopping haven with so many incredible finds.
Do you decorate pre-loved too?
AB: All my baubles are from eBay, you wouldn’t believe how many unique options there are, and it’s so nice to think you are hanging a bauble on your tree that holds memories from the person you bought it from. I also love making my own decorations instead of buying brand new. My mum is Canadian, and a tradition we have is to make popcorn wreaths using cotton thread while watching a Christmas movie. We then hang them on the trees outside in winter, so the birds have a snack too.
What are some easy new-for-old swaps we can make at Christmas?
AB: I'd start with crackers. Many people think crackers are single use, but they can actually be reusable. I bought some fabric ones and filled them with tiny charity shop finds. They’re such a fun and sustainable way to keep the tradition alive. And garlands! My neighbour made an incredible wreath from beach junk, and he’s going to help me make one this year – my son and I have been searching for bits and bobs since August.
Velvet Reusable Pom Pom Cracker
Reusable Fabric Cracker Set of 4
Reusable Cracker Napkin
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