A significant shift is underway in West Australian Christmas shopping habits, with a new survey revealing a strong openness to buying pre-loved presents. The research, commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society, indicates that three-quarters of locals are considering second-hand gifts for their loved ones this festive season.
Survey Highlights Changing Attitudes to Gift-Giving
The Christmas survey, which polled more than 1,000 Australians, found that an overwhelming nearly 90% of people would happily receive a second-hand gift. Furthermore, 87% of respondents stated they would be more inclined to purchase from an opportunity shop if their spending directly supported families in need.
Financial pressure remains a dominant concern, with 40% of participants citing the cost of gifts as their biggest source of Christmas shopping stress. Crowded shopping centres followed as a significant worry for 31% of those surveyed.
Environmental Guilt and the Appeal of 'Do-Good Gifts'
The survey also uncovered widespread unease about the environmental footprint of the festive season. Seventy-four per cent of Australians feel guilty or uncomfortable about impacts like over-consumption and wasteful packaging from Christmas shopping. More than half confessed to having spent beyond their means on presents in the past.
This growing consciousness aligns with Vinnies WA's launch of its Do-Good Gifts appeal, designed to support vulnerable children and families during the holidays. The initiative allows shoppers to purchase symbolic gifts that translate into real assistance, starting from $5 for food for a family, $25 for a child's toy, and up to $250 to provide both food and gifts for a family over Christmas.
Supporting Communities in Need
Carl Prowse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Vinnies WA, said the trend towards second-hand gifting was encouraging. "Vinnies has 53 retail shops across WA, so why not take the opportunity to buy a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one at an affordable price which gives back to people in need," Mr Prowse said. "There is a treasure trove of gifts waiting to be found across our shops."
The push for thoughtful consumption comes against a sobering backdrop. A recent report on Child Poverty in Australia estimates that 950,000 children are now living in poverty, an increase of 236,350 over the past four years. Single-parent households are disproportionately affected, with 36.6% living below the poverty line.
Shoppers can participate in the Do-Good Gifts appeal by visiting the Vinnies WA website, selecting a gift, and writing a message. The recipient then gets an e-card explaining how their gift is helping vulnerable West Australians.
