Selling guide
The unwanted gift guide
Is it OK to sell your unwanted gifts? We reckon yes.
Gift didn't sleigh? Get your unwanted gifts collecting cash, not dust!
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Their ick could be your pick! Thousands of unwanted gifts are looking for a new home, don't miss out!
Shop nowGift giving at Christmas time is a magical thing. It’s a way of showing thoughtfulness and care towards those we love and appreciate. Sometimes, however, that sentiment – while (usually) well intentioned – misses the mark a little.
When that happens, we’re here to help.
Now before you write us off as Grinches who encourage ungratefulness, nastiness, and general misery at a time that’s meant to be filled with joy – hear us out.
We totally understand that there are people out there who would never even consider selling or giving away a Christmas gift they’ve received, but what we also know is that according to our annual Christmas survey, heaps of Kiwi receive at least one thing on Christmas Day that they don’t need or want.
We reckon that, for some, selling unwanted gifts can be a cool way to make sure that unwanted gnome finds a lovely new home where it’s genuinely wanted and loved. Plus, you might score yourself a bit of cash to put towards something you really want.
With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few tips and tricks to help guide you on your unwanted gift listing endeavours. Happy listing!
1. Get a lot creative
Write a poem, develop a back story, rap it to the Fresh Prince theme song, tell the tale of how this gift came to be – the world is your oyster! We love seeing what Kiwi have received on Christmas Day, and even more so when the receiver really commits to a bit of silliness. It’s all in good fun, after all.
Your listing is likely to get more attention, and at the very least put a smile on someone’s face. Don’t forget to embrace the Q&A, too – you might be surprised how many New Zealander's love to get involved.
2. Don’t get personal unless you’re fully committed
Let us just paint a little picture – it’s Christmas morning. You’re sitting around the tree with your family, sipping coffee and embracing the one day of the year chocolate is an acceptable breakfast food. You’re handed a beautifully wrapped gift, only to peel back the paper and find a hand knitted fanny pack with your name on it. You are not a fanny pack kind of person.
Alas, you have two options – list it and accept the gentle-but-manageable awkwardness that will inevitably wash over every future interaction between you and the gift giver if they were to find out (because let’s be honest, this gives ‘one of a kind’ new meaning). Or, pop it away in a box under the bed, and only bring it out when said person is around.
3. Tick the ‘Unwanted gifts’ box
It’s becoming a bit of a tradition for many New Zealanders to check out what’s been gifted and unwanted each Christmas (this is where point one comes in particularly handy).
So, if you want to make sure that your listing is part of the festive fun, just select this option as part of the listing process on Trade Me. It also a good idea to throw ‘unwanted gift’ into the listing title and description, to help with any keyword searches.
Plus, whether you’re listing or not, remember there’s a lot of fun to be had on this page too, so make sure to check it out if you’re after some gems or just a giggle.
4. List quick, and well
Is it bad taste to list unwanted gifts on Christmas and/or Boxing Day? We think no – just rip into it!
Great photos, accurate descriptions, and clear delivery instructions are all important too. Like always.
Get stuck in.
5. Feeling guilty? Donate your earnings to charity
Our research shows that 63% of Kiwi would feel fine if they found out an item they had gifted someone had been onsold. This underscores the sentiment that our loved ones prioritise our enjoyment of their gifts, even if it means exchanging them for a more suitable item.
Feeling a bit unsure about selling your unwanted gift? Why not consider joining the 48% of Kiwi who opt to donate them to charity. Simply follow the steps outlined above to list your item on Trade Me and contribute the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
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