Every year it happens. A mountain of socks, bath sets, books you’ve already read, pyjamas that don’t fit, novelty jams and stocking fillers that never quite get used.
Unwanted Christmas gifts are incredibly common – and they’re one of the clearest signs of festive overconsumption.
Instead of letting presents gather dust (or feeling guilty about not using them), there are simple ways to donate, regift or share unwanted Christmas gifts so they don’t go to waste.
Here’s what to do with unwanted Christmas presents after the festive season.
Toiletries and beauty sets
Bath sets, soaps, shower gels and skincare bundles are among the most common unwanted Christmas gifts.
Unopened toiletries can be donated to local food banks, where hygiene products are often in high demand. Keeping clean shouldn’t be a luxury.
Opened but unused items can be shared locally using the Olio app, helping them find a new home quickly instead of ending up in the bin.
Uneaten Christmas food
Christmas often leads to an overload of biscuits, chocolates and non-perishables.
Unopened food within its Best Before date can be donated to food banks. Fresh, edible food can be shared locally via the Olio app, where neighbours can collect it directly.
Reducing food waste at Christmas is one of the easiest ways to cut down on festive waste.
Clothes that don’t fit
Pyjamas too small? Jumper not your style?
Instead of leaving them unworn, donate or share unwanted Christmas clothes locally. With many families feeling the pressure of rising living costs, passing on brand-new or lightly used clothing can make a real difference.
Regifting responsibly keeps clothes in circulation and reduces textile waste.
Decor and homeware
Festive decor, novelty kitchenware and extra hosting items often lose their usefulness once the celebrations are over.
Listing unwanted Christmas homeware on Olio allows someone else – perhaps a student, renter or new homeowner – to make use of it.
Sharing decor instead of discarding it helps reduce post-Christmas waste.
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about unwanted Christmas gifts
Receiving something you won’t use doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful.
Overconsumption peaks during the festive season, and unwanted Christmas gifts are part of that reality. The important thing is what you do next.
By donating, sharing or regifting thoughtfully, you:
✅ Reduce landfill waste
✅ Help someone in your community
✅ Extend the life of perfectly usable items
✅ Reduce demand for new production
That’s a win for your home, your wallet and the planet.
Tips for listing unwanted Christmas gifts on the Olio app
If you’re sharing unwanted Christmas presents locally, keep these tips in mind:
✅ Take clear, well-lit photos (front and back if relevant)
✅ Include sizes or dimensions
✅ Mention whether the item is brand new or lightly used
✅ Set a convenient pick-up location
✅ Bundle similar items together to save time
Many unwanted Christmas gifts are requested quickly once listed – especially in January.
Make it a lower-waste Christmas next year
The festive season doesn’t have to mean excess.
Choosing to share unwanted Christmas gifts is a small but powerful step towards reducing Christmas waste and embracing more mindful consumption.
After all, the best gift is knowing something you didn’t need has found someone who truly does.