Cash strapped parents buy birthday presents from charity shops – for other people’s children

It seems that being a Second Hand Rose is no longer the stigma it once was.

More and more penny pinched parents are having to rely on charity shops to kit out their kids.

According to a Parent Poll conducted by VoucherCodes.co.uk, 26 per cent of parents are turning to charity shops for family needs, up a staggering 50 per cent on five years ago.

In fact, 18 per cent even admitted to buying birthday presents for other people’s children from second hand stores to help cut costs.

Co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk, Duncan Jennings says: “Our research shows that any perceived stigma around thrifty shopping is disappearing as parents are forced to find affordable clothes and toys for their children during this difficult economic period.

“The increased reliance on charity shops coupled with the growing popularity of online deals and high street discounts, means that by making just a few small changes to the way they shop, parents can really cut back on what they spend without cutting back on what they give.”