Kelso photo retailer will swap unwanted Christmas presents for personalised gifts
A photo retailer in Kelso is inviting locals to trade in their unwanted Christmas presents for a free personalised gift – turning festive flops into thoughtful keepsakes.
Hector Innes Photography, located on 33 The Square, will be collecting unwanted gifts between 9 and 12 January*. In return, visitors will receive 20 free 6x4 prints.
The retailer has pledged to donate the unwanted Christmas gifts to their chosen charity, Charity Begins at Home, who sell second hand goods in aid of local charities, groups and good causes.
The initiative follows new research from MyFUJIFILM which revealed 78% of Scotland locals prefer to give than receive gifts, with 26% admitting they unwrap a dud every year or most years.
Among the most common Christmas clangers received on Christmas Day are mismatched socks, broken mugs, toothpaste – and even a mop and bucket.
Once the awkwardness fades, unwanted gifts tend to vanish from sight. Over a quarter (27%) of Brits donate them, 22% hide them away at home, and 16% re-gift – a practice that 77% of Brits say is completely acceptable.
When it comes to what makes a present “bad”, the nation is united. Over a third (35%) say it’s simply not to their taste, 25% feel it’s not very thoughtful, and 21% say it’s something they’ve never liked.
But the research also reveals what Brits do want under their tree on 25 December. Functional items top the list (41%), followed by personal or sentimental gifts (36%), presents that spark happy memories (32%), and long-lasting keepsakes (29%).
When it comes to dream gifts, 24% would most like a framed photo of a special moment, and 16% say a personalised photo book — putting photo gifts ahead of novelty items, board games, and stationery.
Alastair Innes, owner of Hector Innes Photography, said: “We know many people receive gifts that just aren’t quite right, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring joy to someone else.
“By donating unwanted presents, our community can help make sure nothing goes to waste, and everything finds a home where it’s truly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming customers – and their unwanted gifts this January, and providing them with something they can truly cherish.”
For more information about Hector Innes Photography, please email [email protected].
*Terms and conditions apply. Hector Innes Photography will accept items including clothing and shoes, accessories, homeware and toys, books, music, films and video games, and technology. Items not accepted include medical equipment, anything broken or dirty, white goods, work uniforms and perishable items.