Buying Christmas gifts shouldn’t feel like an extreme sport. But between rising costs, last-minute panic buying, and the pressure to get it right, it’s no surprise people are looking for smarter ways to shop. If you’ve found yourself googling “Christmas gift ideas that don’t cost the earth”, both literally and financially refurbished tech might just be your best move.
You don’t have to compromise on quality, and you definitely don’t have to settle for boring. Refurbished tech is high-spec, high-performing, and more affordable than buying brand new. It also happens to be way better for the planet. Let’s unpack why it’s a genuinely good choice even for that fussy sibling who always wants the latest gear.
Refurbished doesn’t mean second best
Let’s get this out of the way. “Refurbished” doesn’t mean “used and hoping for the best.” It’s not some scratched-up gadget pulled out of a drawer and wrapped in tissue paper. At The iOutlet, every device undergoes a full refurbishment process. That means testing, cleaning, wiping, repairing (if needed), and re-testing, again and again. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t go on sale.
Simple as that, and to make things even clearer, we grade everything based on condition, so you always know exactly what to expect. Whether it’s “Grade A” or “Good,” you’re getting tech that works like it should, backed by a warranty.
So no, it’s not second best. It’s just smart.
A better gift that’s better for the planet
Gifting refurbished tech isn’t just good for your wallet. It’s also one of the easiest ways to reduce e-waste. Every time you buy a device that’s already been made, rather than brand new, you’re cutting out the need for new materials, new packaging, and all the emissions that come with production and shipping.
Choosing refurbished extends a device’s life and keeps it out of the landfill. That’s a win, especially at Christmas when waste tends to skyrocket.
It’s a practical gift with a positive impact. And no, you don’t need to tell the recipient it’s eco-friendly unless you want to. The planet will thank you anyway.
So… what kind of gifts are we talking?
Refurbished tech doesn’t mean you’re limited to older models or weird brands no one’s heard of. We’re talking legit, in-demand devices that people actually want to unwrap.
- iPhones: still one of the most popular gifts out there. Whether it’s a sleek iPhone 14 or a newer model at a lower price than Apple’s RRP, it’s a solid crowd-pleaser.
- iPads: for students, kids, or anyone who loves browsing from the sofa. There’s always demand, and refurbished models offer big savings.
- Apple Watches: ideal for fitness fans, students, or anyone trying to use their phone a bit less.
- Gaming consoles: think PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch. Stock changes fast, but refurbished options mean you’re not paying resale prices.
Explore all of our refurbished tech here!
Worried about gifting refurbished? Don’t be.
We get it you want your gift to feel special. You don’t want someone to unwrap something and immediately think it’s second-hand, but most people wouldn’t know unless you told them. The devices look great. They work great, and they come with a guarantee, too.
We’ve had plenty of customers gift refurbished iPhones or iPads without hesitation, and the reviews speak for themselves. Some people even come back to buy one for themselves after seeing the gift in action.
Multi-award-winning for a reason! Plus, if it helps you stress less on the day? That’s a bonus too.
Plan ahead, shop smart
We’re not going to add fake countdowns or shout “only 3 left!” but it’s worth noting that Christmas is always a busy time, especially for affordable, in-demand tech.
Refurbished stock is limited by what’s available to test, grade and list, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. That means it’s smart to shop early, secure what you need, and avoid the last-minute scramble.
Need to spread the cost? We offer Klarna for flexible payments, too.
