Oh mother What have you decided to do? Save money This Christmas All her gifts are second-hand for less than $150. While she believes it’s a great idea, other moms are now beating her up for the money-saving hack.
Sarah FallsAn Australian TikTok creator known for sharing tips and tricks as a mother of three has set a goal to save money and not overspend. Until this year, he has stuck to his normal buying habits. Brand new giftssometimes spending more than $1,000 on gifts. However, she now hopes to find all the gifts she needs at thrift stores — or as she calls them, “Op Shops,” like The Salvos and Vinnies.
She started posting Videos During her Christmas shopping in late October and early November, she shares each item and their prices with her 18,300 followers.
On November 22, Falls revealed sticker books, colored pencils, and stuffed animals that she found for less than $5. Not only did she find gifts for her kids, but she also showed off the gifts she bought for the adults in her life.
Falls has since posted eight Christmas shopping videos of her discounted gifts. In one post, he held up a pair of $7 kids’ Adidas Gazelles, which typically cost around $48 depending on where they’re purchased.
Although Falls prides itself on its discounted holiday shopping, fellow parents aren’t as supportive or impressed. In fact, many moms have criticized her for buying used gifts, flooding her comments section with harsh comments.
“How about a gift if it’s old?” asked one woman, while another said: “Let’s call it what it is and own it – you’re buying cheap.”
A third mum wrote: “I spend over $500 on each baby and I have four kids and I’m unemployed but live in Australia, I’d hate to get second hand junk for Christmas.”
“I think the kids deserve something new for Christmas,” agreed one woman.
In his November 26 comments section Videomany viewers criticized Falls for buying bottled water from a thrift store, saying it was unhealthy.
“No to the water bottle, please don’t give it to your kids,” one person wrote, while another pleaded with her to wash and sterilize the cup before allowing her child to use it.
In response to the criticism, Falls said Kidspot That having a negative view when it comes to “thriftiness and repurposing luxuries that other people no longer want” is a bit strange to me.
“Considering that everything can be washed and cleaned, it’s environmentally responsible and a great way to save money,” he continued. “A big misconception is that it’s only for a certain group of people with a certain income. Op shops are for everyone and it’s important that we use them. The money goes to help others.”
Falls explained that not only does she avoid “adding to the landfill and overusing” by buying second-hand Christmas gifts, but “saving money in this economy is a bonus”.
“It’s not dirty, or less, it’s responsible and a great way to save money,” he added. “People need to change their thinking. Buying second hand and reducing the number of items in landfills makes sense to me.
Despite the backlash, some followers have defended Falls’ decision to be frugal with Christmas presents this year.
“I can’t deal with the negative people in these comments. I love thrifting. My kids grow up and get tired of things all the time. We’ve saved so much money thrifting and they don’t care. He was used,” one woman wrote.
Another user said: “Great idea. Kids don’t need expensive toys. As long as it makes noise, is colorful and keeps them entertained I don’t see why not.”