Charity shops in Norwich are urging city folk to donate unwanted Christmas presents rather than hiding them at the back of a cupboard.  

With many charities desperate for stock, giving surplus gifts as donations could really help to give shops a boost.  

This comes as research at Oxfam revealed 40% of people receive between one and five Christmas presents they don't want.  

Thirty-one per cent say they put the gifts away out of sight, with 14% only fishing them out if the giver comes round.  

But city shops are hoping to change that.  

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Scope shop manager Philippa Hindes even donates her unwanted gifts Norwich Scope shop manager Philippa Hindes even donates her unwanted gifts (Image: Scope)

Debbie Boylen, head of retail at disability equality charity Scope, which has an Anglia Square shop, said: “While we may get guilt pangs donating a Christmas gift from a well-meaning family member or friend to a charity shop, I would say to our kind donors they can be confident that Scope will ensure we get the best price possible for each donation. 

“We estimate that an average bag of donations is worth £20 to the charity.   

“Our Norwich shop manager, Philippa Hindes, has heard from customers over the last week that their donation is actually an unwanted Christmas gift and they’re glad it’s going to a good cause.  

“I’m sure your “Aunty Betty” would much rather the gift goes to a good home while helping a great charity like Scope, rather than it remaining unloved in the back of the cupboard until she makes another visit.” 

The British Heart Foundation - which has shops in London Street and Castle Meadow - is also on the lookout for unwanted presents to help to keep their shops full.  

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at BHF, said: “We see an increase in toys, accessories, homewares, personal tech and books donated at this time of year.

Norwich Evening News: Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the BHFAllison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the BHF (Image: The British Heart Foundation) 

"We need more people to donate their unwanted, high-quality gifts to us.  

“It’s not only free and easy but helps fund our life-saving research.” 

There could be further good news on the way for charity shops too, with second-hand clothing seen by some as an act of rebellion - for environmental reasons.

Bay Garnett, who has put together Oxfam’s London Fashion Week show, has recently said new clothes are "out of touch with the climate" as people seek sustainable fashion.