FLINTSHIRE residents have been encouraged to consider buying charity gifts for loved ones this Christmas after research has found millions of pounds are wasted every year on potentially unwanted presents.

The new research shows people in Wales spend an average of £47 on Christmas presents they suspect their loved ones won’t like.

Further analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support suggests in Flintshire, that means up to £5.8 million will be spent this Christmas on unappreciated gifts.

The extent of this wastage became clear when British adults were asked to estimate how much they spent on Christmas gifts people might not like.

For some, the problem is even worse – nearly a fifth of people in Wales (19 per cent) reckon they spend more than £100 on gifts that may not be appreciated.

The poll found many worried they would appear ‘stingy’ if they didn’t spend the cash, with 43 per cent of Brits admitting they were concerned - perhaps because they were wary of judgement by loved ones.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) of people in Wales surveyed admitted that they always or often receive Christmas gifts that they will never use, and over half (52 per cent) wish they could agree with their family and friends to spend less on Christmas presents.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of people in Wales would prefer to have a donation made to their favourite charity than receive a gift at all.

Eleri Brady, regional fundraising manager for the charity, said: "People work very hard for their money, so no one wants to see it going to waste.

"It’s heart-warming the research shows many people would prefer to have a donation made to charity than receive a gift.

"If you’re thinking of swapping a traditional gift for a charity gift this year, Macmillan’s virtual gifts are a great way to make a donation in someone’s name.”

To donate to Macmillan today to help the charity be there for people with cancer this Christmas visit www.macmillan.org.uk/christmas2019