Charities and toy banks across the country offer free and low-cost gifts to help cover the price tag on Christmas
The festive season can be a financial nightmare for thousands of hard-up families across the UK, with the average household splashing out around £700 more in December and three quarters of families already dreading Christmas lists this year.
To help ease the burden, free debt advice provider Money Wellness is highlighting nine places parents can turn to for free or low-cost gifts to keep the magic alive without breaking the bank. And how others can lend a helping hand this Yuletide season.
Lidl Christmas toy bank
Until 15 December, Lidl customers can donate unopened toys and gifts in store through their toy donation boxes. The supermarket giant has teamed up with Neighbourly to ensure these gifts are donated to children in the area through local charities, food banks and community groups.
Cash for Kids Mission Christmas
Mission Christmas is one of the biggest festive toy appeals in the UK, dedicated to providing presents for children who might otherwise receive nothing. It has drop-off points across the country where people can donate toys.
The charity works with schools, community groups and social workers to identify families who need a little extra help. While individual people or families can’t apply themselves, their school, social worker, teacher, GP or other official organisation can apply on their behalf.
Family Action – Christmas Toy Appeal 2025
Family Action, a national charity, delivered over 15,000 presents to children across the UK last Christmas. Families can request a referral to the appeal by contacting the charity or a partner organisation such as your local children’s centre or support worker.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas present appeal
Each Christmas, The Salvation Army assists thousands of children and families, distributing more than 68,000 gifts across the UK and Ireland. Donations of new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages are welcomed, from teddies and games for the little ones, to books, makeup, and gift vouchers for teenagers.
To participate in the appeal, families can reach out to their local Salvation Army centre or be referred by their schools, health visitors and social services.
Spirit of Christmas Toy Bank
This festive shop and toy bank based in Yorkshire invites families, usually through schools, to select a book and toy for each of their presents which they can wrap and take home.
If you’re in Yorkshire or nearby, get in touch with your local school or community centre to see if they’re linked to the Spirit of Christmas project.
Grants
Debt experts suggest checking eligibility for grants and other support to cover basic needs, which could free up some money for Christmas presents.
The Turn2Us Grants checker is a free online tool that guides people towards potential eligible grants.
Toy libraries
Over 1,000 toy libraries across the UK allow kids to borrow toys, and some even offer ‘stay and play’ sessions to provide a more social setting for the children and their parents.
Most have small membership fees, but many offer free memberships for low-income families. They’re often based in community centres, preschools, or libraries, so ask around in your area.
Toy-sharing subscriptions
A toy-sharing subscription such as Whirli allows families to swap toys through the post for a monthly fee which can work out cheaper than constantly buying new items.
Toy sales
For people trying to budget their way through the holidays, Money Wellness experts urged them to keep their eye out for toy sales. Popular brands often have pre-Christmas discounts that can help people plan ahead and spread out the cost of Christmas too.
