Received an unwanted Christmas gift? You’re not alone. In fact, a study by Finder.com found that 58% of Brits have received unwanted presents. Each year, a shocking £1.27 billion is spent on gifts that miss the mark. Soap, bath bombs, moisturisers, and other toiletry items are among the most common culprits.
To ensure these items don’t go to waste, here are nine smart things you can do with unwanted Christmas gifts.
1. Regift or swap
Not every gift is meant for you, but it could be the perfect fit for a family member or a friend. Regifting is a great way to ensure an unwanted Christmas present finds its home with someone who will appreciate it.
If you have several items that aren’t quite right, consider hosting a fun swap party with your circle of friends or family. It’s a festive way to exchange unwanted items while avoiding hurt feelings. Plus, if you have a gift card you won’t use, you could even trade it for something more suitable. It’s a simple way to make the best use of those unwanted gifts.
2. Donate to charity
Donating unwanted items to a good cause is one of the best ways to make sure your gifts don’t go to waste. Whether it’s unwanted clothes, household items, or new toys, local charity shops and homeless shelters always need donations. You can also contribute gifts to a local community organisation or food banks, which are especially busy during the Christmas period.
Some charities even offer to come and collect unwanted items from your home, making it easier than ever to give back. Plus, donating presents or goods to a worthy cause is a wonderful way to give back and ensure your gifts have a new lease of life.
3. Sell or trade online
If you want to ease your financial situation after big Christmas spending or make some extra cash for January, selling unwanted gifts is a great option. You can list items on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Vinted, or eBay.
These online shops and Facebook groups offer a convenient way to connect with buyers who are looking for second-hand items. It’s a simple way to turn your unwanted gifts into cash while decluttering your home.
Related: 19 Best Online Side Hustles to Make Money from Home
4. Return or exchange
If your unwanted gift came with a gift receipt, returning or exchanging it might be the best way to make sure you get something you’ll actually use. Many retailers offer generous returns policies during the festive season, especially if you want to exchange the item for something of higher value or something on your wish list. If the gift isn’t your style, consider using the return window to get store credit, which you can use on a future purchase for next Christmas or another special occasion.
5. Repurpose creatively
Get creative and repurpose unwanted Christmas presents into something useful. For example, you could also transform items like candles, decorative vases, or clothing into unique DIY projects. The best thing about this option is that you’re not just decluttering but also giving these gifts a new lease of life.
Repurposing your unwanted presents could even be a fun way to engage in a crafting activity during the festive period, turning something unused into something cherished.
6. Keep for future use
If you have the space, sometimes it’s best to hold onto an unwanted gift for future occasions. Items that are in good condition, like household goods or even food items, can come in handy later in the year, whether for a special occasion, a New Year party, or even as a Secret Santa gift for someone next Christmas.
Practical gifts, such as stationery or kitchen gadgets, are often great to keep for the future. These items may not have been on your Christmas wish list, but they can still serve a purpose in the future, saving you the effort of buying something new for an occasion.
7. Share with someone in need
If you’re unsure what to do with an unwanted gift, consider sharing it with someone in your local community. Whether it’s a neighbour, colleague, or a local children’s hospital, many people could benefit from receiving a thoughtful gift. You could also bring it to a local library or community project.
Another great option is to post it on platforms like Freecycle or Facebook groups, where someone in your area can come and collect it. This is a great way to ensure your gift finds a good home while helping someone in need.
8. Rent it out
If you’re not ready to sell or donate your gift, consider renting it out instead. Websites like FatLlama let you rent out a wide range of items, so you can earn money from your unwanted gifts throughout the year. For clothing and accessories, platforms like By Rotation, Hurr, or Rotaro offer a great way to rent out items you don’t wear, giving them a new purpose while helping you make some extra cash.
9. Recycle
Another option is to start the new year sustainably by recycling your unwanted gifts. Many retailers offer recycling programs where you can trade in old clothes, shoes, and electronics for store vouchers or discounts. For items like books, games, and electronics, some websites allow you to sell or recycle them for cash.
Final thoughts
Unwanted Christmas gifts don’t have to go to waste. Whether you donate to a local charity shop, sell items online, or share with someone in need, there are plenty of ways to give your gifts a better use. If you’re looking to ease your financial situation after the holiday season, check return policies or exchange for something more practical.
By next year’s festive season, you’ll have a simple strategy for handling unwanted presents, helping others, and avoiding the £1.27 billion spent on unused gifts each year.
Related: 4 Easy Hacks To Nail Your New Year’s Financial Resolutions
