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How to recycle your unwanted Christmas presents

Unwanted Christmas presents are the pain of the festive season. We’re all told from a young age to be polite and remember it’s the thought that counts. But it’s hard to hide the look of disappointment when you excitedly tear threw wrapping paper only to find a ‘insert your own photo’ snow globe.

Either these gifts will be from people who didn’t want to know what you wanted because they wanted to surprise you (yeah thanks a lot, I'm certainly surprised. Surprised our friendship lasted this long). Or from someone who did see your list and still decided to surprise you. With something you didn’t want.
 
According to reports, almost £48 million of Christmas presents are destined for the dump. It really does make you question the whole present buying idea. If people just gave you money you would have been able to buy something you actually liked.

Instead it’s tradition for someone to guess what we might like, buy it and hope that we don’t detest it! Hopefully you haven’t been too unlucky with your gifts this year, but in the event that you end up with a rubber duck in the style of Elvis Presley, why not consider these options:

Ebay.co.uk

Set up a sellers account, post the item description and wait for the bids to appear. You might think that no one in their right mind would be interested in your unwanted gifts but remember, one person's trash is another person's treasure. There are charges for sellers but they are only a fraction of what you could earn from your items!

SwapXchange.org

On their website, they say “There's no such thing as junk, only stuff that hasn't found the right person!” This website aims to reduce waste by swapping items, so you won’t make any money, but you’ll hopefully find something you want. Plus you're doing your bit for the environment by reducing wastage - extra karma points!

Jumbleaid.com

Probably the most selfless of all the options, this website offers you free registration to post items, select a charity and the money given by the buyer will go to charity as a donation. Alright - so you don’t make any money or get a snazzy gift in return but you do get rid of your unwanted gift and you can feel smug about doing a good deed.

Give the present to someone else

Okay... we have to admit this is a bit cheeky but you know it makes sense. You might not find the fart alert button funny but it might just be the funniest thing your younger brother has ever seen. Just remember to not give the present to someone who knows the present giver! They will find out and it will not be pleasant! Or, even worse, give them back their own present next year... So always keep a list!

And remember, bad Christmas presents might be disappointing, but they are as much a part of the holiday as turkey and tinsel! We certainly hope you enjoy yours!

By Katherine Romero

What was the worst present you got this year? Name and shame here!