Oxfam: Over 50% of people donate unwanted gifts to charity

04 / 01 / 2023

• news
• Sustainable Development

A research conducted by One Poll for Oxfam found well over half (57 percent) give some of their unwanted gifts to charity. And now Oxfam is asking others without a use for quality, but undesired, presents to do the same.

Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s Retail Director, said “Finding the perfect gift at Christmas is a challenge. So, it’s unsurprising we can’t get it right every time. So, instead of leaving millions of surplus presents to gather dust in cupboards, we’re asking people to put those items to good use. We will sell well-meant, but as-yet unloved, presents to others who will want them cutting down on waste and crucially raising money for our work fighting poverty around the world. So please join our gift amnesty. Donate your unwanted stash to an Oxfam shop and do something amazing this New Year.”

Toiletries topped the unwanted gift list. Twenty-eight percent of respondents said they received soaps and bath bombs they didn’t want, with moisturizer next (22pc). Seventeen percent said they received unsuitable jumpers and candles.

Evidence shows getting less-than-perfect presents can feel like a good thing. Thirty per cent of people asked said they didn’t mind getting unwanted gifts as they can give them to charity. The same number said they can regift the item to someone else, which saves them money.

Lorna Fallon said “The New Year is the perfect time to declutter and make space for what you really want or need in your life. So, if you have surplus items, like unopened toiletries, you think someone else will enjoy then please donate them to us. You’ll be giving someone the chance to buy quality items at affordable prices, and contribute to the circular economy, which is better for the planet and people. And you’ll be part of a positive global movement fighting the injustice of poverty, helping to make the world a fairer, kinder place.”