It is estimated that £42 million of unwanted Christmas presents are thrown away every year. That’s a lot of gifts (and money) going to waste! How can we think a bit differently about presents to prevent unnecessary waste?
If you’re trying to think of ideas for that special someone, opt to give them the gift of an experience! This could be anything, from tickets to the theatre to a special skills course. Experiences will create happy memories that will be cherished much more than any physical gift could.
Charity shops will often save special items for closer to Christmas - it's time to go hunting for a bargain! Shopping second-hand gives items a new lease of life and stops them ending up in landfill.
Taking the time to do something special for family and friends can be the best present possible. You could bake a sweet treat, or try your hand at an upcycling project to craft something unique.
You could suggest doing a secret Santa to your friends and family, to cut down on the number of gifts and save money. You could make it a Second-Hand Secret Santa too!
Thousands of unwanted gifts are thrown away every year. Keep hold of gift receipts to exchange gifts if needed.
You can also rehome unwanted gifts by using local reuse networks. If you receive a gift that’s not to your taste, donate it to your local charity shop or give it away to someone in your local community using Freegle - and encourage family and friends to do the same.