Kirsty Quinn, 36 from Oxfordshire says she makes about £500 a month reselling items sourced from car boot sales and charity shops on eBay and Vinted.
“I think if you receive a gift that you’re not going to use or don’t like, and it’s likely to just sit in a drawer or even end up in landfill, then I don’t see the harm in re-gifting…or selling it online,” she says.
“Selling unwanted gifts can help someone else get something they want at a cheaper price, which feels especially relevant given how tough the economy is at the moment,” she adds.
“It also means the seller can put that money towards something they actually need, something that improves their life, or something they’ll truly use. To me, that feels more practical and sustainable than letting items go to waste.”
Vinted says the first Sunday of each year sees a spike in listings of unwanted gifts – averaging three times the normal daily rate
Last year’s top-listed items women’s toiletries and perfumes, jewellery, nightwear and make-up, according to the platform.
Fashion dominated the most-bought items after Christmas closely followed by entertainment and electronics, Vinted says.
Vinted’s tips for reselling presents without offending the person who bought them include using a username that is not easily identifiable and keeping the background of photos neutral.
“Many members will however choose to regift openly, and will include phrases like ‘unwanted gift’ in their item description,” a Vinted spokesperson says. “This often helps buyers better understand the condition of the item.”