Britain is set to spend £3.2 billion on “tick box” Christmas presents this year, while those in genuine need go without, according to research by Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), a charity with Queen Camilla as its patron.
So-called convention buying sees novelty socks, toiletry gift sets, bath products, chocolates and scented candles as the most go-to but unnecessary gifts. More than 70% of people buy at least one present because they feel they should, with each person receiving three unwanted gifts each year.
Presence over presents
Three-quarters of those surveyed admit that spending time with people they care about over the festive period is far more valuable than receiving something bought out of apparent obligation. The poll results show that the majority acknowledge excessive spending could be put to much better use, with “presence over presents” identified as the real gift worth giving.
The findings are a boost to the Express Christmas campaign, which aims to increase the number of lifeline RVS community clubs from 162 to 250 so more people can benefit at a time of crippling social exclusion and rising costs.
Community clubs under threat
Across the UK, community services are disappearing, with many of the most deprived neighbourhoods having no social infrastructure to speak of at all. The Give the Gift of Presence Appeal aims to help existing facilities survive, and for the services the charity offers to grow and thrive.
The appeal needs £200,000 – a tiny fraction of the amount frittered on often unwanted and unnecessary presents – to sustain and grow the number of community clubs which have become welcoming spaces that reduce loneliness, improve people's wellbeing and strengthen neighbourhoods.
Support for the appeal
RVS Deputy Chief Executive Sam Ward said: “We all know the feeling of picking up a last-minute Christmas present just so we aren’t letting someone down. And while giving gifts is one of the joys of Christmas, it’s heartening that so many people would like money spent on tick-box presents to support a good cause instead. We must also remember how valuable it can be to share our time with others, particularly over Christmas. These are gifts that will last long after the festive season.”
Half of those surveyed agree that money spent on unwelcome gifts should be donated to a good cause. Across the festive period, an army of RVS volunteers will bring comfort, companionship and support to older and vulnerable people in communities and hospitals across Britain. Some will share festive meals with those who might otherwise eat alone, or make reassuring phone calls to people experiencing isolation. Others will help patients return home safely from hospital or provide a friendly face through home visits.
Widowed Naomi Chapman, 91, said: “Living alone can be quite isolating, especially during the winter months. Some days I might not see anyone, and because I can’t go out on my own, having somewhere to go and people to talk to makes such a difference.”
“The Royal Voluntary Service club is an absolute lifeline for me, especially over the festive period. My family don’t live near me so having the Christmas celebrations at the club to look forward to is wonderful, and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
To give the gift of presence this Christmas and support the appeal, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/christmas.
