Donate, don’t dump

We’ve all been there. A loved one stands in front of you beaming, holding a gift that they are sure you will love. You excitedly open it, wondering what it could be. And you discover that you hate it!

Many people will insist that we love the gift, just to spare the person’s feelings. However, it doesn’t have to stay in your house gathering dust until you decide to throw it away. When Christmas Day is over and you are looking for something to do over the following days, take stock of the gifts you’ve been given. Decide if you will really use it, and if the answer is no, donate it to one of our shops.

The saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” applies here. That scarf that you would never wear could be just what someone else is looking for to complete an outfit.

Situations like this can be avoided in the future. Maybe when your friend says that they don’t want anything this Christmas, don’t buy what you think they may like, or pick something up for the sake of it. A more meaningful gift could include making a charitable donation in their name.

Unwanted gifts aren’t the only thing that can be donated at this time of year. As you're decorating your home, look around and think about what you don’t use anymore or don’t need. Some items may be ready for a new journey, and your local Oxfam shop is here to help find an ideal new owner.

Donating your unwanted items contributes to the circular economy, helping our planet. As well as this, you’ll be helping people in countries all over the world to tackle inequality and injustice to lift themselves out of poverty.