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It's no secret that we are approaching one of the most expensive times of the year and, with the festive season becoming so pricey, some people admit they are charging their families for Christmas dinner this year. However, if you're looking to spread some Christmas cheer on a budget, you may want to pay attention to one woman who buys her kids' presents from charity shops.

Liv Poole admits she only buys second hand presents for her children for their birthdays and Christmas and, even though the idea may surprise some people, she said there are many benefits to doing it. The mum recently shared the bargains she's found this year in a candid TikTok video, and it's left people pretty stunned.

Though people know it's cheaper to buy second hand items, they couldn't believe just how many gems she managed to bag. It comes afterone man revealed he starts buying ingredients for his Christmas dinner as early as January.

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Liv showed off some of the items she bought, which included a Build A Bear Workshop, which is £35.00 brand new, but she managed to bag it for just £3.00. She's checked the contents, and there's nothing missing.

In fact, she said it looks like it's never been used. She also picked up some items for £1 and under at car boot sales, which she says are in "perfect" condition.

Moving on, she explained she snapped up some books at charity shops for around 20p each. She also bagged a £1 Disney jigsaw, which she'll put away for when her son is a little older.

As the video progressed, she admitted she will shop at some supermarkets and high street stores occasionally, but she has one big rule. She'll only spend money if the item is a total bargain.

Liv continued to list all sorts of items she's bought for super cheap prices, and she shows just what good condition they're in. When you're willing to look around, you can snap up some brilliant bargains at charity shops.

She said: "Let this be your sign, you do not need to buy everything brand new. You can get some really good bargains from charity shops, car boots - everything like that.

"You can also get good bargains, like I've shown you, from actual shops with the 50% off stickers. Even if you see something in June, pick it up and put it away.

"I have this massive pile here, boxes and bags full of stuff that I have been collecting throughout the year. I do this year round."

Since the video was shared, it's been viewed hundreds of times, and people were quick to comment. They shared all sorts of thoughts and ideas.

One said: "Never thought about this. Well done!" Another added: "Loving all your bargains. Exactly what I do."

A third replied: "Love this. I love a good bargain, either from a shop or second hand. My son asked for a particular toy for this Christmas that would have cost me £150, or just over, depending on where I got it from. I found it on Vinted for £60."

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "They are lovely gifts, and they will love them loads. Well done!"