Kids grow fast. One minute their school trousers fit perfectly, the next they’re halfway up their shins. It’s like feeding a bottomless pit and dressing a beanpole at the same time.
But instead of chucking those outgrown clothes in the bin or letting them pile up in the back of the cupboard promising you’ll eventually list them on Vinted, M&S has come up with an idea to help your wallet and the planet.
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Get rewarded for clearing out
M&S has teamed up with Oxfam for a scheme called “another life”, which encourages people to give their unwanted clothes a new home.
And when you do, you’ll get a free £5 M&S voucher as a thank you.
Here’s how it works:
- Take your pre-loved clothes to a participating Oxfam shop
- Make sure your bag includes at least one item originally bought from M&S
- You’ll be given a £5 voucher to spend at M&S (in-store or online)
You can use the voucher on anything from clothing to homeware, as long as you spend £35 or more.
It won’t work on sale items, school uniforms, gift cards or tailoring services, but is fine for everyday stuff you’d buy anyway.
The best bit? Your donated clothes are either resold by Oxfam (in shops, online, or even at festivals), or recycled into things like mattress filling or carpet underlay.
Donate in store with Sparks
If you’re an M&S Sparks cardholder, you can also use the Shwop boxes inside M&S stores.
Instead of a voucher, you’ll get a little treat sent to your Sparks account.
This could be a surprise freebie or exclusive offer. Not bad for a bag of old clothes.
Repair instead of replace
And if something’s ripped or has a dodgy zip but still has life in it, M&S has another option.
They now offer a clothing repair service through their partner Sojo.
Simple fixes like patching up elbows, replacing zips or stitching on buttons start at just £5. Book your repair online, send the item off, and you’ll get it back in about a week.
Why this matters
Times are tough, and every fiver helps. Getting £5 for something you weren’t going to use anyway is a win. Add in the environmental benefits and the chance to help Oxfam raise funds, and it’s a no-brainer.
So next time your child outgrows their school jumper or that once-loved coat won’t zip up anymore, don’t bin it.
Bag it up, drop it off, and get something back.
Read next:
Where to sell clothes online for cash
Ultimate list of free money offers – worth over £500
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
