Compassion UK Research Reveals Practical & Useful Gifts Top Christmas Shopping Lists This Black Friday

As people eye up Black Friday bargains this week, half of shoppers (50%) are focused on buying Christmas gifts that people will find useful or have specifically asked for this year, according to new research released today by Compassion UK.

Gifts that are funny, sentimental or expensive come bottom of the list when shopping for family and friends, whilst less than one in ten (7%) say that finding a bargain is the driving force behind selecting the perfect gift.

The research into the UK’s Christmas shopping habits was commissioned by Christian child development charity Compassion UK which has launched its ‘Make My Christmas’ Appeal to help give gifts to almost two million children living in poverty around the world this Christmas.

Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults found despite shoppers having an average of seven people to buy gifts for, two in five (38%) find Christmas shopping stressful or worrying, with women getting more stressed than men.

Amy Hiorns, COO of Compassion UK commented: “This week millions of people will be hitting shops and online stores to tick people off their Christmas shopping lists. Here at Compassion we handpick a gift for every child living in poverty around the world that is in our programme. Whether it’s a pair of shoes that is desperately needed, or a child’s first toy, Compassion’s programme staff purchase each gift locally. Despite almost two million children to buy gifts for, our team find Christmas shopping exciting and joyful, and of course the look on each child’s face when they receive their gift is priceless.”

Compassion UK’s Make My Christmas Appeal helping to ensure that the 1.82 million children who have sponsor families around the world receive a handpicked Christmas present this year. However, it also wants to bless the 160,959 children who are still waiting to be sponsored with a gift to unwrap too.

Compassion Ambassador and singer-songwriter Chloe Reynolds commented: “My list of people to give a gift to seems to grow every year. I come from a big family, and my siblings are now each making their own families too! I find it a real joy to buy gifts for people who are very close to me because I enjoy giving thoughtful presents.

“I’ve recently been to Kenya to meet one of my sponsored children. I presented her with a gift. Once she realised it was a skipping rope and that it was just for her, she clutched it to her chest and her face lit up with joy. I’ve donated to the Compassion Christmas Appeal because I want other children to know this same joy!”

Compassion’s aim is to see children around the world released from poverty in Jesus’ name. By working in partnership with local churches in communities experiencing poverty, Compassion will link a child in critical need with a caring sponsor. Monthly sponsorship means a child is supported by their local Compassion project where they will receive nutritious meals, emotional and spiritual support, medical attention and the chance to get a good quality education.

7 year old Prisca from Togo in West Africa is one of the 160,959 children who are still waiting to be sponsored. Prisca told the Compassion team: “I would be so happy to receive a Christmas gift, it would be my joy.” Prisca’s Christmas wish is for a backpack that she could take to the project. Prisca and her friends are looking forward to the Compassion project Christmas party as they sing, dance, eat and play games.

A donation of £10 can ensure that a child, like Prisca, still awaiting sponsorship receives a Christmas gift this year.