How To Sell Unwanted Christmas Gifts: The Best Platforms & Tips To Get The Most Money

Sell unwanted Christmas gifts – it’s one of those January resolutions that actually makes financial sense. Whether it’s a duplicate gift, something that’s not your style or a well-meaning present that missed the mark entirely, there’s genuinely good money to be made from gifts you’ll never use. And with platforms like Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace making it easier than ever, the whole process takes about ten minutes. Here’s exactly where to go and how to get the best price.

Should You Sell Or Donate Your Unwanted Christmas Gifts?

Both are good options; it really depends on the gift. High-value items like tech, jewellery, beauty sets and homeware are worth selling since you’ll get real money back. Lower-value items like novelty gifts, clothes that don’t fit or duplicates are often better donated – charity shops particularly appreciate new or near-new items in January when stock is low. And anything that genuinely can’t be used by anyone is worth recycling rather than sending to landfill.

Best Platforms To Sell Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Vinted: The best platform for unwanted clothing, accessories and homeware. Free to list, no selling fees, and the buyer pays for postage. Ideal for anything that photographs well.

eBay: The strongest platform for tech, collectables, toys and branded items. Wider audience than Vinted, though selling fees apply. Use the auction format for items you’re not sure how to price; the market will find the right level.

Facebook Marketplace: Brilliant for larger items you don’t want to post, or anything with strong local demand. No fees, instant messages from buyers, and you can arrange collection rather than posting.

Music Magpie: The fastest and easiest option for CDs, DVDs, books, games and tech. You scan the barcode, get an instant price and post it off. Prices are lower than eBay, but the process is effortless.

Depop: Best for fashion, vintage and anything with a lifestyle angle. Particularly strong with a younger audience and great for branded clothing.

👉 Planning for next Christmas? Our Christmas shopping money-saving tips will help you buy smarter this year.

Tips For Getting The Best Price

Sell quickly. The demand for second-hand Christmas gifts is highest in the first two weeks of January – the longer you wait, the more competition there is from other sellers in the same position.

Photograph everything well. Natural daylight, a clean background and multiple angles make a huge difference to how fast items sell and what price they achieve.

Be honest about condition. “New, unwanted gift” is one of the most trusted descriptions on any resale platform – buyers know exactly what they’re getting and bid accordingly.

What To Do With Gifts You Can’t Sell

If something genuinely won’t sell — it’s too niche, too low value or too personalised — there are still better options than the bin. Donate to a local charity shop, a food bank (for non-perishable food gifts), a women’s refuge (for beauty and toiletry sets) or a school (for craft supplies and stationery).

Selling unwanted Christmas gifts isn’t ungrateful – it’s practical. The money goes back into your pocket, the gift goes to someone who’ll actually use it, and your January feels just a little bit more organised. Start with Vinted or eBay, photograph everything in good light and get it listed before the end of the first week of January.

👉 Want to recycle rather than sell? See our how to recycle Christmas decorations guide for sustainable alternatives.