Home & Garden
26 December 2024
Novelty items such as slogan tees and fancy dress have knocked soap off the top spot of the nation’s most unwanted Christmas gifts, according to an Oxfam YouGov survey of 2,000 adults across the UK.
The charity found that almost half (49%) of those who celebrate Christmas are least happy with the sight of a novelty item such as a joke gift in their stocking. Kitchen utensils and slippers also made it on to the no-no list.
In just two short years, novelty items have jumped from number nine in the chart to take poll position, knocking soap from the top spot of the UK’s most unwanted Christmas gifts list.
With toiletries, clothing accessories and home furnishings also making the list, Oxfam is encouraging Brits to donate their unwanted gifts this new year instead of binning them or leaving them to gather dust in the back of a drawer.
1. Novelty items
2. Kitchen Utensils
3. Underwear
4. Home furnishings
5. Toiletries
6. Slippers
7. Sleepwear
8. Bags
9. Clothing accessories
10. Food
‘It can be hard to find great gifts for everyone you need to buy for at Christmas, which means that inevitably some presents, no matter how well-intentioned, may not quite hit the mark. Whilst it is a kind gesture to send any sort of present, sometimes these unwanted gifts end up shoved in the back of a drawer or thrown in the bin before the decorations even come down, meaning the cost to the environment is no joke.
‘That’s why Oxfam is encouraging the nation to join our gift amnesty – donating any unwanted presents of Christmas past. We rely on good quality stock to make sure our shelves are well stocked, not just at Christmas but all year round.
‘We usually see an increase in donations over December as people declutter ahead of Christmas, which is great ahead of the shopping surge. We are hoping to see this trend continue into the New Year, as we urge people to take any good quality unwanted items to a charity shop – before they get forgotten in a drawer or thrown in the bin. It’s better for the planet and has the added good cheer of helping to support people and communities around the world, including those hit hard by the climate crisis.’
LORNA FALLON
Director of retail for Oxfam
You can declutter and donate this January at one of Oxfam’s 500+ shops across the UK, or donate by post free of charge.
How you can fight waste, support your community and be a climate hero for COP29.
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