Almost half the people in Wales admit to throwing away or forgetting an unsuitable gift that could help vulnerable children and young people, according to a new survey by Barnardo’s.

The poll reveals that 13 per cent of us have confessed to binning gifts that aren’t our cup of tea while 40 per cent of those questioned put unsuitable presents in a cupboard and forgot about them.

While one in 10 sold them online, thankfully almost a third of people in Wales (31 per cent) gave them to a charity shop, reveals the poll by the UK’s leading children’s charity.

The online research conducted by YouGov also found that for the second year running, the selfie stick is considered one of the least sought after Christmas presents by nearly half of us (43 per cent), with musical socks proving equally unpopular.

And if you are trying to impress it’s also best to avoid bathroom scales (disliked by 38 per cent), a set of saucepans (30 per cent) or animal slippers (25 per cent).

Barnardo’s Cymru is appealing to people to donate unsuitable gifts to its shops, as money raised from their sale will help transform the lives of the most vulnerable children, young people and families.

Sarah Crawley, Director of Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “We all receive the occasional present that may not be our cup of tea. Rather than throw them away, or stick them in a cupboard you can support some of the UK’s disadvantaged children. Please take any unsuitable gifts to our stores and enjoy a warm feeling knowing your kind act is helping a child that needs your help.”

As an extra bonus, people who donate their unsuitable Christmas gifts to Barnardo’s Cymru will be rewarded with a £10 ‘Re-Gift’ voucher to spend in store and online at high street fashion retailer, Evans. (1)

The research found that in-laws (seven per cent), mum (seven per cent), siblings (six per cent) and dad (five per cent) were the worst at buying Christmas gifts.

Barnardo’s has more than 720 retail stores in the UK which sell donated items including clothing, accessories, quality homeware, books CDs and DVDs.

For more information about Barnardo’s shops and to find a store near you please visit the website www.barnardos.org.uk.