Christmas Gifts for Less: Why New Surplus Stock Makes Sense

Christmas is when surplus stock comes into its own. A great deal of what clearance sellers handle is new, boxed and unused, and it is cheap for reasons that have nothing to do with quality: a retailer over-ordered, a product was discontinued, a business closed, the packaging changed. For presents, that is exactly the stock you want.

Why new surplus works for gifts

Most of what goes under the tree is chosen for what it is rather than for being this year's model. A boxed set, a collectable, a piece of kit for a hobby, a watch, a toy: none of these care that a newer version exists or that the original shop no longer stocks it.

Surplus stock is also often the only place to find something specific. End-of-line items disappear from the main retailers first, and the last units end up with clearance sellers.

Buy early

Surplus stock is usually one-offs or small quantities. When it has gone, it has gone, and there is rarely more of the same coming. If you see the right present in October or November, buying then is the safer choice.

Buying early also gives you time. You can check the item when it arrives, and if it is not right, there is still time to sort it out before Christmas.

What to check

A few things make the difference between a good surplus present and a disappointing one:

• New, or new other? "New" normally means unopened in its original packaging. "New (other)" or "open box" usually means unused but the box has been opened or is not perfect. Both can make a fine present, but you will want to know which you are getting.
• The box itself. For a present, the packaging matters. Check the photos and the description for dents, tears or missing cellophane.
• Everything is included. Batteries, chargers, instructions, all the pieces of a set.
• Photos of the actual item. A stock image tells you what the product is, not the condition of the one you will receive.

Returns and timing

For online purchases you normally have 14 days from delivery to tell the seller you want to cancel. If you are buying well before Christmas, that window may close before the present is opened, so check the item when it arrives rather than waiting until the day.

Gift ideas from surplus

Some of the categories where surplus stock works best for presents:

• Toys and games, particularly boxed sets and older lines no longer in the shops
• Jewellery and watches
• Sports memorabilia and collectables for the person who has everything
• Sound and vision for headphones, speakers and accessories

Or browse the whole shop. Everything we list is photographed as it actually is, and the condition is described plainly, so you know what you are wrapping.