Mansfield children's market and Ashfield charity shops offer Christmas gifts for less

Parents around Mansfield and Ashfield who want to make Christmas shopping more affordable have a local children's market to look forward to in November.

Alongside charity shops selling preloved books, toys and clothes, Kidora, the UK parent-to-parent marketplace for baby and children's items, is encouraging families to compare second-hand and unused gifts with the price of buying everything new.

The baby and children's market organiser has confirmed a nearly-new sale at Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, on Saturday, 21st November, from noon until 1.30pm.

Around 35 stalls are expected, offering baby and children's goods as well as maternity items.

Admission is £2 per adult, with children admitted free, and the organiser says there is free parking.

It is a cash-only market, with no cash machine on site, so visitors should prepare before travelling.

With toys and clothes often outgrown long before they wear out, these markets can be particularly useful for families shopping for younger children.

A carefully chosen second-hand picture book, construction set or dressing-up outfit can be a thoughtful Christmas present, provided it is clean, complete and suitable for the child's age. Buyers should check that games have their pieces, inspect condition and watch for product recalls.

For parents unable to reach a market on one particular Saturday, Kidora offers a different way to look for preloved children's clothes, toys, books and baby essentials from other UK parents.

Listings may include unopened or barely used gifts, and some items are offered for free local collection.

Families can browse at a time that suits them, while checking each seller's location, item photographs, condition and collection or available delivery choices. Any applicable checkout charges should be reviewed before paying.

The platform was founded by Karolina Gudes, a North Wales mum of two.

Sellers keep the item price without a seller fee, while buyers benefit from the platform's purchase safeguards. A particular toy or size cannot be guaranteed to be available from a Mansfield or Ashfield seller, so it is worth searching early and comparing options.