A gran-of-five has revealed how she’s buying all her Christmas presents from Vinted as she prefers to spend the money on herself.
Emma Parsons-Reid, 57, often hits the headlines due to her controversial opinions and statements; including having a favourite grandchild.
And now, the retired civil servant, from Cardiff, has rubbed people up the wrong way again.
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Instead of splashing out on top-of-the-range gifts for her family at Christmas, she spends the cash on herself – and herself only – forking out £3,000 on spa trips and luxurious hotel stays.
“I’m really tight with money,” Emma told What’s The Jam.
“Why should I be spending my hard-earned cash on others, instead of myself?
“I love going on trips each month, staying in posh hotels, and treating myself to a massage every now and again.
“With buying everyone’s gifts second hand from Vinted, I’m saving a fortune.
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“And it’s all going straight into the ‘Emma’ fund.”
The nan-of-five previously revealed that she’s the “UK’s nosiest neighbour” – claiming she “forces” carol singing and rummages through people’s rubbish to check for banned items.
And her determined efforts stretch even further in the lead up to Christmas, with her volunteering at charity shops to ensure she gets “first dibs”.
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Emma said: “I’m in and out all year round.
“But I like to grab the bargains before they go out on the shop floor.
“All the volunteers do it, it’s an unspoken perk of the job.
“We always pay though – with our 20% staff discount.”
In a bid to spread the cost, she purchases gifts throughout the year, such as sports tops, kids’ toys, books and jewellery.
She’s recently bought a retro cycling t-shirt for one of her husband’s gifts from Vinted, which was brand new without tags, for less than a fiver.
In total, she forks out just £500 for 10 people, claiming the cost would’ve been over £1,000 if she had bought brand new.
And while her family are grateful for the presents received, the sneaky gran ensures none of them are aware in the slightest that they’re pre-owned.
She said: “I wrap everything in expensive John Lewis paper, so why would anyone suspect I’m buying second hand?
“I use the search of Buy New With Tags for everyone.
“My hubby and parents assume I’ve just taken the tags off.
“It’s all in very good condition, especially as they’re second hand, but it’s impressive what you can find.
“Some [of my family] realise, but they indulge in my mercenary quirks.
“They know I’m generous in other areas.”
But while she’s scrimping on their gifts, they aren’t allowed to do the same for her stocking.
Emma, who recently said she’s ”Britain’s meanest nan”, added: “They know I don’t like tat, so I ask for vouchers.
“These guarantee they can’t scrimp on me.
“If someone makes the mistake of an actual gift, then they can find it on Vinted in January.
“I buy all through the year for every occasion and have cupboards full of stuff earmarked for birthdays and anniversaries.
“I get great deals in bulk – for example, all my neighbours have the same chopping board discounted from £25 down to £3.
“A little effort and know how will save you a fortune.
“Be classy about your choices, find trusted sellers and examine every photos – most importantly, ask lots of questions.
“Start preparing in advance and buy all year.
“When December comes, I’ll be in a posh hotel relaxing, while the rest of the world is running up expensive credit card bills.
“I feel very smug.”
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