With the festive season just around the corner, many UK parents are gearing up for a thorough pre-Christmas clear-out of unused toys, according to recent findings from Skipton Building Society. A new survey found significant evidence of clutter, as seven out of ten parents acknowledged their children possess unopened toys gifted on birthdays or Christmas, leaving a staggering number of toys neglected and gathering dust.
The survey, which included responses from 1,000 parents of children aged three to ten, revealed the average child has up to eight unused toys, with half still sealed within their original packaging. Parents estimate these neglected playthings could be worth over £90, prompting many to take action before the end-of-year festivities commence.
Indeed, as Christmas approaches, the desire to declutter has reached impressive levels; 80 percent of parents are eager to tidy up their spaces, with 51 percent wanting to make room for new presents expected to arrive on Christmas Day. This booming enthusiasm for pre-holiday organization aligns perfectly with the charitable spirit, as 63 percent of parents plan to donate unused toys to various charities. Meanwhile, 50 percent intend to pass them along to friends or family members with younger children, promoting the spirit of giving.
To facilitate this initiative, Skipton Building Society has partnered with charities, such as Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, to launch their Christmas charity toy collection. Skipton branches across the UK are now accepting unopened toy donations to help distribute gifts to children in need. Helen McGinity, head of financial advice distribution at Skipton, expressed her delight at the generosity witnessed during this time of year.
"It's heartwarming to see families embracing the spirit of giving, not just through what they share, but by teaching their kids the vitals lesson of helping those less fortunate," McGinity stated. The bank is paving ways to facilitate this by collecting new toy donations and supporting various charities throughout the season.
Adding to the motivation for decluttering is Dilly Carter, the professional organiser known from the TV series Sort Your Life Out. She offers her expertise to parents planning to clear the clutter. There are valuable lessons to be learned from involving children in the decluttering process, as she encourages parents to view it as an opportunity for kids to "find new homes" for outdated toys. Carter advises parents to organize the sorting process by creating three distinct piles: keep, donate, and recycle.
"Decluttering before Christmas is the perfect way to make room for new gifts and give your child a fresh start in the new year," Carter emphasizes. Her frontline battle against clutter also highlights another level of parental struggle—selecting ideal gifts for their little ones. A notable 40 percent of participants confessed it's challenging to choose toys with lasting appeal, and 36 percent noted the difficulty of finding presents capable of capturing their children's attention for extended periods. A third of parents aspire to choose educational yet entertaining toys.
Despite these purchasing challenges, parents are still set to spend lavishly this year, averaging about £143 on gifts. Yet the generosity doesn’t stop there. The survey uncovered even heartwarming intentions: 73 percent of parents are inclined to support friends and family members experiencing hardships during the holiday season, with nearly half planning to give meaningful gifts and 47 percent opting to pass along items they no longer need.
Carter reinforces the significance of her decluttering tips, encouraging parents to utilize the 'one-in, one-out' rule, wherein every new toy received at Christmas should be matched with the donation or recycling of one older toy. This method not only curbs clutter but teaches children about balance and generosity.
To mitigate feelings of overwhelm, she advises parents to start small by focusing on one drawer or cupboard at a time. Tackling smaller spaces builds confidence, allowing parents to gain momentum for more ambitious spaces later on. Parents can also focus on positivity by reminding children of the benefits, such as making room for new toys and ensuring other children can enjoy items they no longer use.
Through effective decluttering and the powerful spirit of giving, families will not only prepare their homes for the holidays but also cultivate important values among young children. By teaching kids the importance of sharing and thinking of others less fortunate, parents are setting the stage for meaningful holiday experiences.
This festive season is shaping up to be not just about receiving, but giving back, as communities across the UK unite to encourage kindness and shared joy among families during what is often considered the most wonderful time of the year.
