How to deal with Unwanted Gifts

We have all been there… sat in the middle of a family Christmas party when we open another present to see that one gift that sends us into overdrive.

Suddenly our minds start to tick over wondering how on Earth we are going to get away without wearing that awful jumper, all whilst smiling politely to avoid upsetting our nearest and dearest.

We continue to smile for hours, but after the mice pies are eaten and everyone has left, you are left wondering… what exactly do you do with a gift you don’t want?

Apart from the gifts that end up stashed away, listed on E-bay or re-gifted the next year (yes you have seen that necklace before!) approximately £42 million worth of unwanted gifts end up in landfill every year That’s before you take into consideration the kilometres of wrapping paper, bows, bags and gift tags that loving adorn each unwanted present that also makes their way to the bin!

So besides squirrelling your unwanted gifts away under the stairs how else can you avoid adding to the wave of Christmas junk destined for landfill this year?

Put a ban on Christmas Gifts

One great way to avoid receiving unwanted gifts is by asking your friends and family to donate to your favourite charity instead. You could add a note to your Christmas cards or simply drop them a text explaining why you have chosen to ask for donations instead.

Set up a fundraising page

Giving gifts at Christmas is often a way to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us. So if you think your loved ones will miss giving you something physical, why not set up an online fundraising page. Your friends and family can make a donation to your favourite charity AND leave you a festive message to let you know how much they care!

Thinking of asking for donations? Check out our guide to choosing the best fundraising page for you

Donate to charity

If you are stuck for present ideas, consider donating to charity instead of buying another gift. Did you know that the price it costs to buy and wrap a good pair of socks can make a huge difference to charity – especially smaller charities. Many charities will often send you a token such as a Thank you card – that you can send to a loved one to let them know about the charity you are donating to.

Give it Away!

We all know the saying “one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure” and unwanted gifts are no different. If you end up stuck with a gift you don’t want, then you can always donate it to a charity. From raffles, tombola’s and charity shops charities can always make use of good quality gifts from boxes of chocolates, to socks and bath sets.