Liv Poole, 26, from Manchester has been sharing her bargain-hunting escapades on social media, but some have judged her for buying secondhand gifts for her children
Danielle Kate Wroe Senior Social News Reporter
13:21, 07 Dec 2025
Mum judged after buying her kids Xmas presents from charity shops
A mum revealed how she’s managed to slash her spending on children’s presents by shopping at charity shops. However, whilst this thrifty approach would typically earn praise from fellow bargain hunters online, Liv Poole occasionally faces backlash from other parents who question her priorities when she treats herself to professional manicures.
The 26-year-old, from Manchester, documents her money-saving adventures across social media platforms. Throughout recent years, the mother of two has secured some incredible deals for her children, aged two and four. Her finds have included sought-after Peppa Pig merchandise, alongside a retro Fisher-Price animal farm complete with all the figurines and an assortment of Bluey collectables.
Liv reckons she’s cut costs by up to £300 this year, with individual toys costing as little as 80p each – and there’s a compelling motivation behind her decision to reduce spending on physical gifts.
She explained: “This has helped me save hundreds for Christmas, meaning I’m able to spend more on memories rather than spend it all on toys that they show no interest in after a couple of months.”
Liv said there was no point in spending a fortune when the toys will be discarded soon(Image: Jam Press/@livcolettepoole)
Liv’s shift towards pre-owned purchases stems from an annual ritual each March or April, when she tackles the household clutter only to discover that “the majority of presents they got given for Christmas haven’t been played with more than once”.
Previously, she was investing “hundreds of pounds” on items that would eventually end up forgotten, prompting her to completely rethink her approach.
Liv recently documented a charity shop expedition where she hunted for toys, books, and other items, revealing that she faces criticism for purchasing “secondhand presents” for her children.
She explained: “They believe presents should be brand new, and judge me for having my nails done when I’m showing my second-hand presents.”
She said books can go for as little as 50p(Image: Jam Press/@livcolettepoole)
The mum highlighted the ongoing stigma surrounding charity shops, noting: “People just frown upon charity shops still, even for toys when they use them for a couple of weeks”.
Despite facing judgment from other parents, Liv remains undeterred and has shared her top recommendations for successful charity shop finds with children in mind.
She advised: “I feel like you just can’t go wrong with a teddy because you can just put it in the washing machine and it’s literally brand new.”
Regarding children’s literature, she noted: “Kids’ books as well – in charity shops they range [in price], but usually they’re around the 50p mark. And again, you just can’t go wrong. They’re £5 in actual shops now.”
She showcased one particularly impressive discovery, adding: “I picked up these wellies – they literally still have the price tag inside from Marks and Spencer for £17, and I got them for £2.”
She bagged some wellies for just £2(Image: Jam Press/@livcolettepoole)
Liv added: “The best deals I’ve gotten are probably the Peppa Princess Castle for 80p, and the Bluey swimming pool with all figures for £3”.
The mum’s key strategy involves visiting charity shops regularly, as they “put new stuff out every day” and you “never know what you will find”. Liv also suggests conducting a thorough search through containers and shelving units, emphasising that “there is always stuff hidden”.
The thrifty mum makes regular trips to her neighbourhood charity shop two or three times weekly to ensure she secures the finest bargains and doesn’t overlook any gems.
Liv revealed that whilst some individuals pass judgment, many others have backed her approach after she posted her perspective online. She explained: “The reaction has been a lot better than I originally expected. At first, I was nervous to post as people can be very judgmental on social media.
“People are supportive and have the same views as I do about the overconsumption each year we get pulled into, prices are rising for toys, and unfortunately, not everyone is in a position to spend hundreds of pounds on each child.
“It has made me feel very happy knowing that there are people out there watching my videos and going searching in charity shops for presents for their kids”.