Christmas gift appeal launched

Fifers are being urged to give unwanted Christmas gifts to charity.

A recent survey revealed 31% of adults had been insulted by a present, 13% had returned and swapped gifts they didn’t like and 18% had “regifted” them to someone else.

Barnardo’s Scotland says these rejects could go a long way towards supporting its work with children in communitybased services across the country.

Director Martin Crewe said: “When you get a present that is unsuitable for you, or that you don’t like, it can be awkward as you may not know what to do with it.

“Instead of leaving them in the back of a cupboard, regifting or even throwing them away, why not donate these presents to Barnardo’s Scotland stores, as you really can make a difference to vulnerable children who need our support.”

In Fife, Barnardo’s Scotland stores can be found in Cowdenbeath, Cupar, Dalgety Bay, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Leven, St Andrews and Rosyth.

The research found a selfie stick was one of the least soughtafter presents, with 45% of people saying “you shouldn’t have”, followed by musical socks, bathroom scales, a set of saucepans and animal slippers.

Other studies have suggested UK adults receive up to £2.6 billion worth of unwanted gifts at Christmas.

Visit barnardos.org.uk/shop for more information.