Where to get free (or nearly-free) presents for kids this Christmas

The financial pressure of Christmas can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve got kids. 

If you’re worried about how you’ll afford Christmas presents this year, you’re not alone. Across the UK, thousands of families are feeling the same pressure. In fact, new research from the all-in-one banking app thinkmoney found almost three in four parents (72%) admit they’re dreading the Christmas lists this year.

But help is out there. Across the country, charities, churches, community groups and even supermarkets are running toy appeals and Christmas schemes to make sure every child has something to open on Christmas morning.

Here’s where you can find free, or very low-cost, presents for your kids this Christmas.

Lidl Christmas toy bank

Lidl has teamed up with Neighbourly, which connects businesses to local charities, food banks and community groups across the UK and Ireland.

Until 15 December, new, unopened toys and gifts can be donated to Lidl stores. These are delivered to children through Lidl’s charity partners.

And that’s not all, through the Lidl Community Fund, Lidl is donating £125,000 in grants to help these charities buy food and essentials for families in need.

Cash for Kids Mission Christmas

Mission Christmas is one of the biggest festive toy appeals in the UK. It helps children from birth to 18 years old receive donated gifts when money is tight.

The charity works with schools, community groups and social workers to identify families who need a little extra help.

Here’s how you can access it:

• You can’t apply directly yourself, but your school, social worker, teacher, GP or other official organisation can apply on your behalf.
• Cash for Kids also has drop-off points across the country where people can donate toys.

Family Action - Christmas Toy Appeal 2025

Family Action is a national charity that supports families who are struggling.

According to the Family Action survey 2025, one in six parents can’t afford a gift for their child this Christmas. In 2024, they gave out more than 15,000 presents to children across the UK.

If you’re already in touch with Family Action, or a partner organisation such as your children’s centre or local support worker, ask if you can be referred to their Christmas Toy Appeal.

The Salvation Army Christmas present appeal

The Salvation Army helps thousands of children and families every year. Over 68,000 gifts are distributed across the UK and Ireland each Christmas.

They collect new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages, from teddies and games for little ones, to books, makeup, and gift vouchers for teenagers.

To get help, contact your local Salvation Army centre. They work closely with schools, health visitors and social services, who can refer you to the present appeal.

Spirit of Christmas Toy Bank

Based in Yorkshire, the Spirit of Christmas charity runs a Christmas Toy Bank and festive ‘shop’.

In 2024, they supported more than 2,300 children through various projects. Families are invited, usually via their school, to come and choose a toy and book for each of their children, and even wrap the presents to take home.

If you’re in Yorkshire or nearby, contact your local school or community centre to see if they’re connected to the Spirit of Christmas project.

Check for grants

Some charities offer grants that can help you cover basic needs, freeing up some money for Christmas.

You can use the Turn2us Grants search to find out which funds you or your partner might qualify for. Even a small grant can help ease the strain and make Christmas feel more manageable.

Toy libraries

Across the UK there are more than 1,000 toy libraries, where instead of borrowing books, you can borrow toys. Some even run ‘stay and play’ sessions where kids can play together while parents chat and share a cuppa.

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

Some national toy-sharing services let you swap toys by post for a monthly fee. It’s still a cost, but for some families it works out cheaper than buying new all the time.

Whirli, for example, has more than 1,000 toys to rent, swap and enjoy.

Look out for toy sales

If you have a small budget to spend, keep your eyes peeled for early toy sales.

Shops like Sainsbury’s, Smyths, Very and Argos often have big pre-Christmas discounts on popular brands.

If you can plan ahead, you might find some brilliant bargains that make your budget stretch further.