Every Christmas, it is likely you will get at least one gift you do not really want, or that you know you will never make use of.
Maybe it is clothes that are not to your taste, or that are the wrong size. Or it could be something you already have, or that someone else has already given you.
Rather than trying to make the most of it, hiding it at the back of a cupboard, or even assigning it to the local landfill site, why not consider recycling it, so that someone else gets to make full use of an article you do not need or want?
Read about six sustainable suggestions for what you can do with presents you do not want this year.
1. Donate it to charity
The most common and obvious approach when it comes to unwanted gifts is to give them to charity.
There are three clear advantages of doing this:
- Your unwanted present will end up with someone who actually wants it.
- They will pay less than full price for it.
- The charity in question will make money.
Most charity shops will be more than happy to accept unwanted gifts. Furthermore, if they have not been opened or, in the case of clothes, worn, they can be sold for a higher price.
You will get the benefit of knowing you are supporting a worthy charitable cause, and something you do not need will be bought by someone who really wants it.
One important point, however, is to ensure the shop will be able to accept it. Charity shops are limited in what they can and cannot take. So, it is worth taking a look at a checklist, such as the one published by the Red Cross, to ensure your donation will be acceptable.
2. Consider regifting unwanted presents
As long as you do not accidentally give it back to the person who gave it to you, or someone close to them, then there really is no reason why you cannot pass on your unwanted gift as a present to someone else.
Commonly known as “regifting”, it is a great way to divest yourself of something you do not want while bringing a smile to the face of someone else.
Clearly, your gift needs to be in perfect condition with the box unopened, or in the event of clothes, they need to be still folded.
You do not have to do this straight away after Christmas. It can always be handy to have a drawer or cupboard where you store surplus presents. If they are generic enough, you will know you will always have a present on hand when you need one at short notice.
3. Make it a raffle prize
Local community organisations, such as the Rotarians or churches, are often looking for quality new items that can be raffled to raise funds.
By donating to them, you will not only help them raise money, but you will also have the added benefit of your donation going to a good local cause that you may have some involvement with.
You may even want to consider offering to run such a raffle for a local charity yourself. You will probably find that there will be plenty of other people wanting to rehome an unwanted Christmas gift or two!
4. Make some money for yourself by renting it out
If you are looking to raise extra money for yourself rather than giving to charity, you might want to consider earning some extra cash by renting any unwanted gifts out throughout the new year.
Websites such as Fat Llama allow you to list items for rent, so you can earn money from your unwanted gift throughout 2024. You can also use it to save extra money by borrowing items yourself, rather than buying a new item.
This means your present will get put to good use, and you could even donate the rental income directly to charity yourself.
5. Hold a present swap party
Similar to giving up your unwanted gift as a raffle prize is to actually hold a party or get-together specifically designed to help people pass on unwanted gifts.
This can take some organising, but it is a nice way to meet up with friends, maybe who you have not seen over the Christmas period as you have been more focused on seeing family members.
Instruct everyone to bring a present with them with a value up to a set amount.
All the unwanted gifts are then put in the middle and you draw lots, or perhaps have a competition, to see who gets first choice.
6. Give it directly to an appropriate recipient
Our final suggestion is to target who you want to give your unwanted presents to, based on who would most appreciate them.
For example:
- The paediatric ward at your local hospital will always be on the lookout for unwanted toys.
- If you have books you have been given that you will not want to read, or maybe have already read, consider giving them to your local library or school.
- Sports equipment could be donated to a sports club or centre to be used by people starting the sport or unable to afford expensive items.
- Toys for children and toiletries and beauty products for women will be welcomed by a women and children refuge.
In each case, it is worth doing some research to find out exactly what each is allowed to accept and the best way to deliver your donation.
Get in touch
If you would like to talk about your financial planning arrangements, then please do get in touch with us at DBL Asset Management.
Email enquiries@dbl-am.com or call 01625 529 499 to speak to us today.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
