UK children are set to unwrap 129 million toys this Christmas, but what about the ones they’ve outgrown?

With toyboxes already bursting, Hungry Horse is inviting families to give pre-loved toys a second life this Christmas.

Greene King Hungry Horse

Published: November 10, 2026 at 1:33 PM

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UK children are expected to unwrap a staggering 129 million new toys this Christmas, with the average child set to receive another nine presents, according to new research. But with toyboxes already bursting at the seams, parents are being encouraged to make a little room for the festive influx by passing on toys their children have outgrown.

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Research commissioned by Hungry Horse found that parents estimate almost two-fifths (39%) of their children’s toys are no longer regularly played with or have been outgrown. The average parent also expects to spend £247 per child on Christmas presents this year.

To help families give unwanted toys a new home, Hungry Horse is bringing back its Christmas donation initiative, encouraging children to ‘Play It Forward’ and share the festive joy.

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How families can donate toys through Hungry Horse

From 12th November, more than 150 Hungry Horse pubs across the UK will become Toybox Donation Stations, giving families a convenient place to donate good-quality pre-loved and new toys.

The scheme, which runs until 19th December, aims to make it easier for parents to involve children in choosing toys they are ready to pass on, while helping another child enjoy something that might otherwise be left unused.

Andrew Gallagher, Brand and Marketing Director at Hungry Horse, says: “Christmas is such an exciting time for families, and Play It Forward is about bringing some of that excitement to giving gifts as well as receiving. By choosing a toy together, families can give something that’s no longer being played with a new home, while helping bring some extra joy to another child this Christmas. We hope it becomes a simple but meaningful part of families’ festive traditions.”

The initiative is now in its sixth year, with more than 70,000 toys donated since it began.

Why involving children in a toy clear-out matters

Getting little ones to part with their toys isn't always easy. More than a third (34%) of parents say they have held onto a toy because their child refused to give it up.

Toys can hold a lot of sentimental value for children, so it’s important to involve them in deciding what they’re ready to pass on rather than making that decision for them.

Dr Amanda Gummer, research psychologist and expert in children's play, parenting and child development

However, research suggests that explaining where their toys are going could make all the difference. Almost four in five (79%) parents believe their children would be happier to part with an old toy if they knew another child would enjoy it.

Dr Amanda Gummer, research psychologist and expert in children's play, parenting and child development, says it's important to let children have a say in what they give away.

“Toys can hold a lot of sentimental value for children, so it’s important to involve them in deciding what they’re ready to pass on rather than making that decision for them. Giving children that choice helps them feel in control and can turn the experience into something positive.

“Starting small can make it feel less overwhelming, and there’s no need to force them to part with sentimental favourites. Instead, talking about where their toys are going next and how something they’ve loved could now bring joy to another child can help make giving feel meaningful rather than like a loss. It can also help children develop empathy and generosity, while appreciating what they already have.”

Most parents want toy donations to become a Christmas tradition

The research suggests families are keen to embrace the idea of giving as well as receiving. More than three quarters (77%) of parents would like donating toys at Christmas to become an annual family tradition.

There is also plenty of opportunity for a pre-Christmas clear-out. More than half (57%) of parents plan to sort through their children's toys before the big day, while more than a quarter (27%) regularly struggle to find room for new ones. And more than four in five (83%) say their children have good-quality toys they no longer play with that could be enjoyed by another child.

Professional organiser and decluttering expert Lynsey Crombie says the run-up to Christmas is an ideal time to tackle overflowing toyboxes.

“The run-up to Christmas is a great time to reset the toybox before new presents arrive. Start small, involve the kids and focus on what they’ve genuinely outgrown or stopped playing with. The best clear-outs aren’t about throwing things away, which is why initiatives like Play It Forward are so useful – they give families an easy way to make space while giving perfectly good toys a new home.”

Convenience may also encourage more families to get involved, with 35% of parents saying a local drop-off point would make them more likely to donate unused toys.

To find your nearest participating Hungry Horse pub and discover more about the initiative, visit the Hungry Horse website.

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Authors

Serafina Kenny journalist headshot

Serafina KennyDigital Journalist

Serafina Kenny is a Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes news and features and has expertise in health, nutrition, relationships, and history. She has previously written for Business Insider, Women's Health, Stylist, Men's Health US, The i Paper, Dazed, and more. You can contact her with tips and story ideas (or compliments!) at serafina.kenny@immediate.co.uk.

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