Nearly half of UK parents lose hidden Christmas presents – here’s where they stash them
Yes, fridges, bins and even air fryers make the list of the UK’s weirdest gift-hiding spots
If you’ve ever frantically searched your house on Christmas Eve trying to remember where you stashed that “must-have” toy from October, you’re not alone. A new survey reveals that over half of UK parents (53%) have hidden Christmas presents so well… they’ve lost them.
According to the study by The Entertainer, nearly half (45%) of parents also admit they’ve forgotten what they’ve bought altogether – only to panic-buy duplicates in the final countdown to Christmas.
And while wardrobes and lofts are still popular hiding places, it turns out a surprising number of mums and dads are getting seriously creative (and maybe a little chaotic) with where they stash Santa’s secrets.
Parents’ most creative (and chaotic) hiding spots revealed
From stuffing LEGO into laundry baskets to hiding dolls in the fridge (yes, really), UK parents are going to surprising lengths to keep Christmas presents out of sight – and out of their kids’ hands.
Here are the top five unusual hiding places UK parents admit to using:
- Under a pile of clothes (43%)
- Inside unused cooking appliances (11%)
- Inside white goods like the fridge or freezer (11%)
- Inside an indoor or outdoor bin (8%)
- Inside decorative pots or between sofa cushions (7%)
It’s a bold move, hiding presents in bins, and one that’s led to more than a few toys being thrown out by accident.
Some parents even get tactical with decoy boxes and fake labels to throw their kids off the scent, with over a third (35%) admitting they disguise presents as everyday items.
Classic hiding places still going strong
Of course, not all parents are tucking gifts into toasters. Plenty still rely on traditional hiding spots – although these aren’t exactly foolproof either, especially with eagle-eyed little ones.
Here are the top five most common hiding places:
- Inside wardrobes (29%)
- Under the bed (20%)
- In the loft or attic (18%)
- In storage boxes (8%)
- In cupboards - including under the stairs and airing cupboards (6%)
Other parents opt to store gifts off-site, at a relative’s house or even their workplace, to avoid the risk of discovery (or memory loss).
“From wardrobes to washing machines, parents never fail to amaze”
Heather Robbins, Chief Commercial Officer at The Entertainer, says the festive creativity of UK parents is impressive – even if it occasionally backfires.
Every festive season, parents devise clever hiding spots to outwit their curious children but sometimes they outsmart themselves!
“From wardrobes to washing machines, the creativity of UK parents never fails to amaze, and with Christmas just around the corner, we wanted to reveal the most common and unusual hiding spots for presents to help families stay one step ahead," said Robbins.
Creative play still trumps screens for many parents
The research also highlights a continued trend towards screen-free, hands-on play, with toys like slime, teddy bears and soft plushies climbing the rankings.
“They encourage opportunities for creative play away from screens, provide comfort and emotional support, and help develop children’s imagination,” says Robbins.
So whether you’re hiding Squishmallows in the salad drawer or LEGO in the laundry basket, it seems one thing is clear: Christmas is as much about keeping surprises under wraps as it is about the gifts themselves.
And if you’re still not sure where to start, take it from other parents: maybe don’t use the bin.
Want more Christmas ideas?
If you're looking for Christmas inspiration, check out our guide to the must-have Christmas toys or 2025 (expert-picked and tried and tested by kids) or take a look at some of the winners of the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2025!
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.