The festive season can be a lot. It’s a lot of canapés and a lot of socialising. But more than anything else, it’s a lot of gifting.

And while there are plenty of meaningful gifts to be unearthed both online and in stores, we have found that if you’re looking for something truly special, then you can’t go wrong with pre-loved pieces. The world of second-hand fashion has come a long way in the last 10 years. In the past, some considered second-hand buys to be second rate, but as we find ourselves in a world saturated by algorithm-driven design and cookie-cutter aesthetics, consumers are increasingly craving the love-worn tactility of vintage.

And it’s not just for sustainability reasons (although, of course, this is an important consideration), it’s because vintage has become, quite simply, aspirational. Not only this, but second-hand shopping has become some fashion fans’ favourite way to nab items that would usually be out of budget. In December 2023, Vinted reported that 77 per cent of members surveyed said that shopping second-hand looks on the platform enabled them to purchase items that would otherwise be too expensive.

Why should it be any different when it comes to tackling your Christmas gift list? If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ll already be a loyal follower of pre-loved fashion – so onto the good stuff. We acknowledge that second-hand shopping can take longer than your average online spree, so we’ve done the hard work for you.