Cash for Christmas – Yes, It’s Time for a Clear-Out!
If your wardrobe, bathroom cabinet or tech drawer is bursting at the seams, here’s your friendly festive nudge: it’s time for a clear-out - and this year, decluttering could literally pay. With major UK retailers offering cashback, vouchers and reward points for recycling, you can refresh your space and your wallet before that ‘All I want for Christmas’ list lands in your fire place- Yes Skint Santa’s are us. Here’s how to turn your unwanted bits into cash and credit - ( because not everyone has the time and patience to sell on the likes of Vinted and Ebay)
1. Marks & Spencer (M&S) – £5 Off When You “Shwop”
M&S has been a leader in sustainable fashion since launching its “Shwopping” scheme with Oxfam. Simply drop off an old clothing item (any brand) at M&S collection boxes in-store and you’ll receive a £5 voucher off a £35+ spend on clothing, home or beauty.
Top tip: You’ll usually find the Shwop boxes near the tills or fitting rooms. Hand your item to staff to get your paper or digital voucher. This scheme is tried and tested by my mum last week- very pleased!
2. H&M – £5 Voucher for Old Textiles
H&M accepts any unwanted textiles — even those beyond repair. Bring in a bag of clothes, curtains or fabric scraps to the till and get a £5 digital voucher towards your next £25+ purchase.
Good to know: H&M sorts your donations for reuse or recycling.
3. Lush – Return Empties, Earn In-Store Credit
Lush runs its “Bring It Back” scheme: return full-sized empty containers (their own and also qualifying items) and receive £0.50 off per item against your next purchase via their in-store “Lush Wallet”. Also, return five full-sized items and you can pick a free fresh face mask as a treat.
Pro tip: Make it a habit — pop your finished skincare and shower items in a “return” bag so they don’t end up in the bin.
4. Currys – Recycle Old Tech, Get Minimum £5 Voucher
The tech & appliances specialist Currys has a “Cash for Trash” programme: bring old tech (anything from cables to tablets- yes even that old drawer of wires that you don’t even know what they are for has a cash value) into store and they’ll recycle it for free and give you a voucher for at least £5 off your next eligible purchase (£25 or more) — sometimes more if the item is trade-in worthy. Currys+2Currys+2
How to action:
Gather any old tech: broken, obsolete or unused devices.
Bring them into your nearest Currys store.
The staff will issue a voucher. Use it for your next purchase (check T&Cs).
Why it’s good: Turns “junk drawer” tech into value and supports proper recycling of e-waste- because there are valuable elements to save and reuse.
5. Boots – Recycle 5 Items for Advantage Points
Boots’ “Recycle at Boots” scheme rewards you for bringing back five full-sized empty products (any brand) from your beauty, healthcare or wellness stash. In return, you’ll receive £5 worth of Advantage Card points when you spend £10 or more.
How to do it: Sign up via the Boots app or website, scan your items in-store recycling kiosk, and points will be added to your account.
6. John Lewis – FashionCycle: Bring 5+ Items, Get £5 Off
John Lewis & Partners runs its “FashionCycle” initiative: bring in five or more items of pre-loved clothing (any brand) to store, and as a My John Lewis member you’ll receive a £5 voucher (or off a rental service) when you spend a minimum amount (often ~£20 or more) in store. John Lewis & Partners+2John Lewis Partnership+2
What counts: Clean shirts, jumpers, trousers, dresses, jackets — excluding items such as underwear, swimwear, nightwear, towels or bedding.
Steps:
Join My John Lewis (free).
Bring in 5+ items to any John Lewis fashion till.
Show your membership card, receive voucher or credit.
Use it within the specified time (check T&Cs).
Why It’s Worth Doing
Save money: These schemes add up quickly — recycle across five retailers and you could pocket £25+ in discounts.
Feel good: You’re keeping textiles, plastics and electronics out of landfill.
Declutter: Make space for what you actually use – less is more.
Be smart with gifting: Use these reward schemes to fund that special gift, or even treat yourself.
My “Clear-Out Checklist” to Action This Week
Go through your wardrobe: pick 3-5 items (clothes, home textiles) you haven’t used in 12 months.
Check beauty/bathroom items: any empty tubs, bottles, products you’re done with.
Tech drawer: cables, old phones, tablets, hair dryers — anything you haven’t used.
Locate your nearest participating store (look online for each retailer).
Visit the store with your items, drop them into the recycling points, redeem the voucher or reward.
Keep the voucher or points info safe. Use your reward before 31 Dec if possible (some expire).
Repeat if you still have more items — you often aren’t restricted to just one claim.
So this Christmas: before you hit “add to basket,” do a home audit — your old jeans, moisturiser bottles and tech might just pay for your Christmas treats.