How to sell unwanted Christmas presents
Every January, a lot of people are holding a jumper that doesn't fit, a third bottle of the same aftershave, or a gadget they'll never use. Here's how to turn the gifts you won't use into money, without fuss.
Return it or sell it?
If you have a gift receipt, check the shop's returns policy first. A refund, exchange or gift card for the full price usually beats selling secondhand. Christmas returns windows are often extended, but they do end, so don't leave it too long.
No receipt, or the shop won't take it back? Selling it is the next best thing, and unused gifts are exactly what secondhand buyers like to find.
When to list
Lots of people list their unwanted gifts on Boxing Day and in the first week of January, so there's more competition then. Two ways to play it:
- List straight away if it's something people want right now, like the latest gadget, a popular toy or winter clothing.
- Hold seasonal or giftable items like gift sets, toiletries and homeware, and list them again in the run-up to Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or birthdays, when people shop for gifts.
Where gifts sell best
- Vinted: clothes, accessories, beauty and smaller gifts. Sellers pay no selling fee.
- eBay: tech, gadgets, branded gift sets and anything people search for by model name.
- Facebook Marketplace: bigger or heavier items you'd rather not post, like kitchen appliances.
Not sure? See where to sell each thing.
New with tags sells for more
An unused gift is worth more than a used one, so make that obvious:
- Keep the tags on clothes and the cellophane on boxed sets.
- Say "new with tags" or "brand new, unopened" in the title, and choose the matching condition.
- Photograph it in the box, plus the box from every side, and the barcode or model number for tech.
- Say "unwanted gift" in the description. Buyers know what it means: new, and no story behind it.
Pricing
Check sold listings for the same item, not the shop price. Unused gifts often sell for a good chunk of the retail price, but rarely all of it, because buyers come to secondhand apps for a saving. Pricing a little below other new listings helps it go first while lots of people are selling. See how to price on Vinted.
Do I pay tax on selling gifts?
Selling your own unwanted things, gifts included, is not usually trading, so it's normally not taxable. Platforms do share seller information with HMRC once you pass certain sale thresholds, but that doesn't by itself mean you owe tax. See selling online and HMRC for the details.
Snap the gift, get the listing
Photograph it in its box, and Snappy writes a new-with-tags title, description and a suggested price for Vinted, eBay or Facebook.
Try Snappy free → 3 free listings · no card neededFAQ
If you have a gift receipt and the shop will refund or exchange it, that usually gets you more. Sell it if you can't return it.
Popular items sell well straight away. Giftable items like sets and toiletries can be held and listed before Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or birthdays, when there's less competition.
Vinted for clothes, beauty and small gifts, eBay for tech and branded sets, and Facebook Marketplace for bulky items.
Selling your own unwanted things is not usually trading, so it's normally not taxable. See our HMRC guide for the details.