Rhianna Benson
The ongoing cost of living crisis has understandably triggered mass concern now that the 2023 festive period has officially arrived.
With the expectation of an ornament-adored Christmas tree, a traditional roast dinner, presents for the little ones and travel costs to visit loved ones, it's no wonder that hundreds of parents across the country are dreading the financial burden that comes at this time of year.
One doting mother, however, has revealed an innovative way that she was able to secure over £200 worth of Christmas presents amid financial restraints.
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Rachael Collins, 42, from Preston, actually bagged a huge hoard of Christmas gifts by going through dustbins outside shops.
The nifty mum explained she'd been doing this twice a week, looking for bits and bobs to either sell, give as gifts or keep for herself and son Charlie.
And in the run up to Christmas last year, Rachael claimed she scavenged £200 worth of games, furnishings and candles that she wrapped up and gave as presents.
"I feel pressure around Christmas and this has really helped me this year," she said at the time.
"I started dumpster diving recently because of money, it's out of necessity. Money wasn't lasting through the month.
"I've saved around £200 on Christmas gifts. I found an operation game, Minecraft stuff and I've done Charlie's bedroom up so I've found some stuff for there. I found brand new nerf guns for my son and nephews.
"We found Yankee candles, wax melts and L'Occitane products. The stuff I find is really good.
"It does vary but on average I probably find four items at a time. Other times there's been lots of stuff and sometimes there's nothing."
Rachael added: "I keep some crates in the back of my car and I've got a basement so I rotate and work out what I'm going to do with the stuff.
"You can always go and find a few bits. I'll definitely be doing it for life."
Rachael, who is a carer, said she's found around £5,000 worth of items since she started looking through the bins.
During the festive period in particular, she goes out wearing a headtorch at 6pm twice per week to see what she can find.
"It's a shock to see how many things go to waste. It's unbelievable. I've probably found £5,000 worth of stuff over the years," she explained.
"A lot of stuff I find I pass onto people because everyone is struggling. I always tell them where it's come from.
"Charity shops throw loads of stuff out, they never throw out clothes but they'll chuck out a lot of stuff with tags on that they haven't sold."
She added: "There have been kids bikes helmets that are probably thrown out for safety but there's other stuff and it's really strange.
"I gave away a lot of home furnishings, nice things, vases and plant pots. I'm always bringing stuff home for my son.
"Some of the stuff I'll sell on Facebook marketplace. I do that to make a bit more income and it really helps because money was not lasting.
"I'm fortunate to do this and work but there are people that are really struggling this Christmas. Families are sat in the cold and businesses are throwing out stuff. It makes me really sad."