From playpens to pushchairs, parents are pocketing hundreds each year through preloved purchases

Thrifty parents are reshaping the children’s clothing and goods market, with almost all (93 percent) parents now shopping for second-hand items, driven by a desire to save money and embrace more sustainable living.

New research from Post Office reveals that over half (52 percent) of parents would only buy second-hand children’s items if they could, with one in eight (13 percent) already buying exclusively second-hand. This figure climbs significantly among younger parents, 24 percent of those aged 16–24 report always shopping for pre-loved items, compared to just 14 percent of older parents (aged 35-44).

When it comes to buying and selling clothes online, according to the research, nearly two-thirds (60 percent) have been gifted second-hand children’s items, 63 percent have gifted them on, and 72 percent sell preloved clothes or sell items online.

This circular approach isn’t just about decluttering. Parents are saving an average of £269 per year, and earning back £195 annually by selling clothes online and other items, as estimated by Post Office.

Parents are turning their backs on brand-new plastic, with 61 percent of parents now buying toys second-hand, followed closely by books (49 percent) and clothing (43 percent). Money (45 percent) remains the top motivator, with waste reduction (32 percent) a close second, highlighting a growing environmental conscience.

Apps like Vinted (52 percent) and charity shops (46 percent) are leading the charge as go-to destinations for savvy parents looking to buy and sell second-hand items.

Candice Ohandjanian, Mails and Parcels Director at the Post Office : “Our research highlights a growing trend amongst parents, which is more than just a change in spending – it’s a transformation in values. Parents are proudly choosing practicality, sustainability, and community over consumption, and saving money while they do it.

At Post Office, we want to make it as easy as possible for parents to take part in the circular economy. But selling across different platforms can get complicated – especially when it means having to visit multiple drop-off points for each sale. Fortunately, if your selling platform includes postage online as part of the sale, you may be able to adjust your settings so that all your parcels can be dropped off at a single, convenient Post Office location – saving time, effort, and unnecessary trips.”

For tips on how to sell clothes online or how to buy postage online visit: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/guides/sell-used-items