A MUM has saved hundreds on Christmas this year by buying second-hand and says paying for brand new items is just 'silly.'

Lauren, a mum-of-one has vowed to never spend money on expensive Christmas presents again, instead opting to hunt for gifts in charity shops.

The 24-year-old waitress bought £40 worth of second-and gifts for her one-year-old daughter Polly to help deal with the rising cost of living.

Lauren, from the UK, lives with her fiancé Sam, 26 and young daughter Polly, said: "What is the point of bankrupting yourself over and over again?

"I buy second-hand at Christmas for my daughter as it's a fraction of the price; she gets more and it is better for the environment.

"My daughter is one and all she sees under the tree are the wrapped-up gifts. She doesn’t know nor care whether they are brand new! She will play with them just the same."

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She added that children get bored of toys and grow out of clothes so quickly that it makes more sense to purchase items from charity shops.

On top of that, Lauren said you know the money you are spending is going to make a difference elsewhere.

Lauren is now hoping to encourage other parents to stop buying new items as it's "just silly."

She continued: "I think it’s silly when people spend ridiculous amounts.

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"Toys and clothes are so expensive brand new, upwards of £20 for one toy that they will play with for a day and then forget about.

"I understand wanting to spoil your children with lovely presents and gifts, and I want to do that as well. And I do, but at a fraction of the cost.

"To a child, all that matters is that they have something to open on Christmas Day."

Lauren revealed she shops around to get good deals and also uses Facebook marketplace and Vinted to find gifts – and some still have the tags on.

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The mum also wants people to stop feeling embarrassed about shopping second-hand.

Lauren added: "There is absolutely no shame in shopping second-hand for your children at Christmas and birthdays. Your children will be grateful for the gifts regardless!

"Please don’t cripple yourself trying to afford hundreds of presents at ridiculous prices. Have a look around the charity shops, Facebook Marketplace is brilliant and often do clothing/toy bundles.

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"Vinted is also fabulous and often has brand new clothes and toys at less than half the price they would usually be. You also support other parents/charities.

"Buying second hand has helped massively, I am not worried about the cost of Christmas now, and I know my daughter is going to have a wonderful day with lots of lovely presents to open – without breaking the bank!"

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