By Katie Pearson

A savvy mum had a budget Christmas after selling some of her daughter's toys on Vinted - then using the cash to buy her new ones.

Melissa Kerrighen, 28, from Canterbury, was determined to do a “budget Christmas” and not overspend on gifts for her five-year-old daughter, Isla, by repurposing old toys and shopping for second-hand gifts.

The saddle maker and TikTok budgeting advocate sold last year’s unused toys on Vinted, earning around £85.

She used the funds to buy pre-loved presents for Isla on the same platform, adding only £35 of her own money to cover stocking fillers.

In total, Melissa spent just £120 on Isla’s gifts — a significant reduction from the £300 she’d spent in previous years, some of which her daughter had "never played with".

Melissa, who lives at home with her partner, Isla's dad, Dave, 41, a plant machine mechanic, shares her money saving hacks on TikTok and has received “mixed reviews” about buying presents second hand.

She believes there is still a “stigma” around it, with some followers calling it “disgusting”.

“In previous years, I’ve gone really overboard with presents for my daughter, Isla,” said the mum-of-one.

“I spent over 300 on gifts for her last year.

“That was just presents – not including stocking fillers, and activities like visiting Santa.

“She had a toy from last Christmas that she didn’t play with until November this year.

“I get so many divided opinions about buying gifts on Vinted. Some people call it “disgusting” – but I don’t get it.

“Isla doesn’t know how much things cost and she doesn't care."

In October, Melissa involved Isla in sorting through toys she no longer used.

After selling them on Vinted, she reinvested the earnings into Isla’s gifts. The purchases included three main items Isla had asked for and an assortment of craft supplies, all in excellent condition.

“Her stocking only cost around £10,” she added.

“I got her three main things she wanted, and lots of craft things. Some of the things on Vinted I bought are in excellent condition and practically new.

"Not lots of pointless toys she'll never play with. I know it's all things she'll love and actually use."

To further cut costs, the family enjoyed free Christmas activities, such as visiting a tractor display in Staplehurst and admiring a home adorned with 50,000 lights in Canterbury.

In total, Melissa spent around £120 on Isla's presents, and wants to encourage more parents to consider buying things second-hand.

She went on: “Christmas is expensive enough as it is when you factor in food and activities.

"If kids are asking for lots of things, I think it's the environment that influences that.

"Social media paints a picture that we need loads of stuff.

"Vinted is a great place to get gifts. If it's in good enough condition for you, that's the main thing.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with it more people should utilise it."