Second hand Christmas gift ideas for fashion lovers

When you’re spending your hard-earned money, you want to choose something they’ll genuinely love, not something that ends up forgotten at the back of a wardrobe.

At a time when our clothing choices have a significant impact on the environment, choosing a pre-loved or ethically-sourced gift is a simple way to shop more consciously this gifting season.

Top tips for shopping second hand fashion

• Pay attention to what they already wear. Are they drawn to natural fibres, statement pieces or a particular era of fashion?
• Look out for their favourite brands and designers. If they’re always talking about a certain label, you’ve got a great place to start.
• Think about colour. Are they obsessed with the colour green, or rarely seen without an all-black outfit? This is a useful guide when choosing something they’ll actually wear.
• Save ideas as you go. Create an account and use the Oxfam Online Shop’s wishlist function to keep track of anything that reminds you of them.
• Browse curated second hand fashion collections. Our collections can be a great source of inspiration.
• Make the most of filters. Narrow your search by brand, size, colour, condition and price to find the perfect gift.
• Consider what they wouldn’t buy themselves. Whether it’s something unexpected or an extra-special treat, you’ll be sure to make it memorable.

Great gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Often, the most thoughtful presents come from paying attention to the little things.

Second hand accessories

For many fashion lovers, accessories complete the look or are the look. But where do they keep them?

Beautiful accessories don’t deserve to live in a dark drawer. Pick up a silver tray or coloured glass bowl, a wonderful addition to their dressing table.

Bonus points if you upcycle something yourself, such as a painted wine bottle for storing bangles.

Small but thoughtful, a vintage hair accessory can become a beautiful everyday essential.

Whether it is a hair pin or a hair clip, choose a finish that matches the jewellery tones they usually wear and choose accordingly.

Looking for a gift that suits almost every aesthetic? A silk scarf can be tied to a handbag, worn as a headscarf or styled around the neck, making it one of the most versatile gifts for fashion lovers.

Perhaps look for their favourite pattern or colour.

Everyone needs a good pouch. Whether it's for organising a handbag, storing medications or keeping tech essentials together, a stylish pouch is both practical and thoughtful.

Pair it with some Tara and Co hand cream for an easy on-the-go gift bundle.

Bag charms

Another way of elevating an outfit and showcasing their personality.

Whether you opt for a Fair Trade Friend to carry them through the day or a handmade creation of your own, bag charms are an affordable way to add personality to any outfit.

Knit accessories

If you’re gifting for the colder months, the fashion lover in your life might appreciate a cosy and unique knitted accessory.

Whether that is a bonnet, balaclava or mittens. Pick a colour that complements their existing wardrobe for a gift they’re likely to wear for years to come.

Patches and appliqués

Personalising garments may not be everyone’s thing, but patches and appliqués are always useful to have on hand.

Whether it’s covering a snag in their favourite pair of jeans or updating a denim jacket with vintage appliqués, they’re perfect for repairs, customisation and extending the life of well-loved clothing.

Looking to spend a little more? These vintage and collectable finds feel extra special, thoughtful, memorable and one-of-a-kind.

Pre-loved mystery bundle

Think you know them well enough? Then a pre-loved mystery bundle is on the cards.

Nothing is quite as good as when someone buys you something and says, “I saw this, and I thought of you”, so get on the hunt for clothes, shoes or accessories that speak to you.

Perhaps you find a pair of sunglasses in their favourite shape or that jacket they’ve been trying to find.

Write a handwritten note explaining why each item made you think of them. That’s the kind of gift they’ll remember long after Christmas Day.

Vintage accessories

A vintage compact mirror and vintage lipstick holder feels very glamorous! If you want to personalise it further, you could look to get it engraved. An heirloom in the making.

Find a pre-loved compact mirror tin that is extra special.

Looking for a timeless gift? A vintage watch could be the perfect choice. Pick a watch that feels like them, whether it’s a classic strap watch or a quirky charm bracelet style.

Practical and eye-catching, it’s a gift they’ll cherish for years.

Statement jewellery looks different to everyone. For one person, it could be a unique pair of cufflinks, to another it could be a charming brooch or a striking bracelet.

Pick out a piece that has their style written all over it.

Coffee-table books

They can be both a source of inspiration and a beautiful home addition.

Keep your eye out for a fashion coffee table book; perhaps look for a Vogue edition from their birth year, or look out for their favourite fashion house or topics they’re fond of.

Looking for a standout Christmas gift? These luxury and designer fashion finds are timeless, memorable and guaranteed to make an impression.

Shopping pre-loved is also a great way to discover coveted designer brands without paying full price.

Vintage and pre-loved designer clothing

Whether you want to gift a classic Polo Ralph Lauren quarter-zip or standout Prada heels, your recipient is sure to be wowed.

Don't forget, you’ll have made a purchase that helps to fund Oxfam's work fighting poverty and inequality around the world.

Second-hand designer sunglasses are a great way to go. You don’t need to know their sizing; just a general sense of their style will do.

The Oxfam Online Shop has a range of designer sunglasses from classic to quirky.

Pre-loved outerwear

Now a good coat can make an outfit!

Quality outerwear is always special, whether it’s a vintage Levi’s denim jacket or a classic wool duster coat; it’s the type of gift they’ll reach for year after year.

Luxury knitwear

A pre-loved cashmere jumper says “I love you” with a warm hug.

Oxfam’s range of different cuts, styles and colours makes it easy to find something that suits them perfectly.

A cashmere jumper is a staple in every fashion lover’s wardrobe!

Unique pyjamas

A beautiful pair of pyjamas is always appreciated.

These ethically sourced pyjamas offer comfort and style while supporting marginalised artisans and helping to strengthen their local communities.

Are you trying to cut back on spending this Christmas, make use of your craft stash or simply give a loved one something that reflects your time and effort?

These thoughtful ideas are sure to win over the fashion lover in your life.

Embroider their initials onto a second hand shirt, under the collar or on the cuff.

It’s a small detail they’ll think of every time they wear it. If you need some equipment, the Oxfam Online Shop has a fantastic range of haberdashery essentials.

Know someone whose wardrobe is bursting? Offer your time to help them to organise and sort through their clothes.

Once it’s all washed and sorted, you can use a donate by post bag to send it to Oxfam or drop it off at your local Oxfam charity shop.

Know how to sew? Offer your loved one a tailoring service, helping well-loved clothes stay in circulation longer and tweaking their second hand Oxfam pick to fit them like a glove.

The most memorable Christmas gifts aren't always the most expensive.

Whether you're choosing a pre-loved designer find or a thoughtful accessory, the best presents are the ones that show you've paid attention.

After all, meaningful gifts that give back will always mean more than something picked up in a last-minute Christmas Eve frenzy.