The strain on families this Christmas

By supporting our annual Toy Appeal, you can help bring the magic back for families struggling to afford Christmas this year. The need is more significant than ever, as our research* shows that concerns over finances may also be impacting children’s wellbeing.

Nearly half (48%) of parents or carers surveyed feel they have failed their children because they cannot afford the gifts their children are hoping for this Christmas.
1 in 6 parents or carers surveyed (16%) are unable to afford Christmas presents for their children due to financial constraints, an increase from 1 in 7 (14%) last year.
68% of parents surveyed are planning to give their children more practical presents this year, such as schoolbooks, clothes, or bedding, rather than the ‘fun’ gifts that typically bring joy on Christmas morning.
Almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed will go without things in the run up to Christmas to enable them to afford to buy presents this year.

Over 3 in 10 (31%) parents/carers surveyed are concerned that their children will themselves be worried about the cost of Christmas and family finances this year, and over a quarter (28%) fear that their children will think they’ve been ‘naughty’ as they won’t receive gifts because their parents can’t afford to buy them this year.

Last year, our Toy Appeal provided over 15,000 gifts to children across the country and this year we’re aiming to do more and ensure that every child that we support experiences the magic of Christmas morning.

Family Action CEO, Sir David Holmes CBE, said: “Our research has revealed the heartbreaking impact that financial pressures are having on families this Christmas. Many parents are worried that their children might feel they’ve been ‘naughty’ or that they’ve done something wrong if Santa doesn’t come, and we know this may lead to them needing to have difficult discussions with their children as a result.

Every family has its own story, and some are more difficult than others. This year even more families are going without and are struggling to keep the magic of Christmas alive. It is extremely sad to hear that many parents and carers feel that they have failed their children as they simply can’t afford to buy the gifts their children are hoping for.”

Family Action CEO, Sir David Holmes CBE

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to affect families across the UK, we are urging communities to come together to help bring joy to children and young people who might otherwise go without and to ensure that no child misses out on the joy of unwrapping a special present on Christmas morning.

Sir David Holmes CBE concludes: “By supporting our Toy Appeal, you can help bring the magic back to a family’s Christmas, making a world of difference to parents and children facing tough times.

Donate or find out more about how you can support Family Action’s Toy Appeal.

Your gift, no matter how small, can bring a smile to a child’s face and light up a family’s Christmas.

Donate to our Toy Appeal

1 in 6

parents & carers surveyed are unable to afford Christmas presents for their children due to financial constraints

48%

of parents & carers surveyed feel they have failed their children

28%

fear that their children will think they've been 'naughty' as they won't receive gifts

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1017 parents/carers of children under 18 years. The data was collected between 23.07.2024 – 05.08.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

The strain on families this Christmas

Read more Family Action news...

Cygnets Pre-School Outstanding Ofsted result

Ending gender-based violence: a call for collective action

New parenting programme launches in Medway

Young Carers in Healthcare project shortlisted for prestigious award

Family Action Bridge Young Carers Service is awarded ‘Investing in Children’ status

Back to school with Cardiff FOOD Club

Support Peterborough FOOD Club

Summer fun for Friendship Works youth advisors

National School Breakfast Week – learning from the National School Breakfast Programme

Thousands of families to benefit from £100,000 Poundland Foundation donation

Family Action Celebrates one year of the Bolton Listening Lounge

Funding awarded to Family Action for PAC-UK to expand FamilyConnect