5 clever ways to get rid of unwanted Christmas gifts

The pairing of Christmas day and Boxing day is, of course, wildly necessary. It’s time to clear space and discreetly rid ourselves of unwanted holiday offerings.

If you’re still umming and ahhing over redundant gifts: kitchen appliances you already own, scented candles that aggravate your senses, clothes that don’t quite fit (or that you wish didn’t) — There’s a place for these things and it isn’t the back of your closet.

Let’s have a look at your options:

Swap for Skittles

That’s right. For the second year in a row, you can trade your unwanted gifts for Skittles. Until Dec. 30, Dale the Dealmaker (and sweets distributor), has a pop-up on Queen Street, Toronto, making trades with the colourful candy.

Donate to Charity

Handover your holiday spoils to charity and make a difference this season. Unwanted clothing, toys and home appliances go a long way in places like The Salvation Army and Value Village, where items are resold at reduced prices for the benefit of the community.

Trade

There are online domains, Facebook groups, too, that provide a space for people to trade goods. Not only are unwanted holiday gifts fair game, but unopened liquor and holiday decor is often traded, too. Try sites like Trade Away, Swap Thing or for unwanted books, Paper Back Swap.

Recycle

Particularly when disposing of electronics, allow a specialist to have them recycled. If you aren’t selling or trading unwanted or used phones, laptops, or cartridges — places like Think Recycle will accept them, recycle them and use the earnings for fundraising. If you contribute enough, they’ll pay you.

Sell

Replenish December’s spendings and sell unwanted items on sites like Ebay, Kijiji or Craigslist. Not to worry, there’s a new year/fresh slate just around the corner, all will be forgiven.

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