Half of UK parents struggling to afford Christmas this year

Almost half of UK parents (46%) are worried about being able to afford Christmas this year due to the cost of living crisis, new national research has revealed.

The study, commissioned by pub chain Hungry Horse, found more than a third of parents (35%) will cut down on presents this year to keep costs low. Four in ten (40%) said they were most concerned about the cost of gifts, ahead the price of heating the home (32%) and the price of petrol (31%).

To help families out, Hungry Horse is running its Toy Boxing donation scheme for the second year in a row – opening up donation zones in over 250 sites across the UK and asking parents to donate unwanted toys between the 1st and the 18th of December.

The gifts donated will be sent to a mixture of charities, shelters, and local organisations, nominated by the respective pubs.

Last December, pub teams donated 3,000 toys to those in need right across the UK, supplying toy boxes to a variety of charities, shelters and organisations.

Rehoming unwanted toys has proved a problem for Brits, with more than a quarter of parents (27%) admitting to throwing their children’s old presents away, while around a third (34%) regift them.

The average child plays with their Christmas presents for just over ten minutes before getting bored, the study found, while parents gift their children an average of 11 presents – with the majority (51%) saying gifts are removed from the home within just six months of the Christmas season.

The research also revealed there is an abundance of preloved toys to be had, with four in five parents (80%) clearing their children’s room of presents at least once a year to make space for new ones.

This year, parents are under massive pressure to buy the latest make and model of gifts, with more than four in ten (42%) saying having the newest toy is important to their child.

Sarah Williams, senior marketing manager for Hungry Horse, said: “Our Toy Boxing Day scheme is all about spreading Christmas cheer and to help provide toys to those in the most need.

“At Hungry Horse, we pride ourselves on being big on generosity so whatever it is you’re able to donate, you can guarantee it’s going to go to someone who really needs it in your local area”

“If you’re thinking of having the big toy clear out and need a solution for what to do with your unwanted toys, head to your local Hungry Horse this December.”

To find your local Hungry Horse, visit: https://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/find-us/