"Why I'm Skipping Christmas Gifts for My Kids – My Partner is Shocked, But Here's My Reason!"

THERE’S one activity I think every family should do in the run-up to Christmas.

No, it’s not a visit to Santa’s grotto (old men with fake beards creep me out), and it’s not either (kids on rollercoasters plus copious sugary treats sounds like a recipe for vomit, if you ask me).

I’m not buying ANY gifts this Christmas, even for my two kids – my man is horrified, says Kate WillsCredit: Mark Hayman When Kate told her partner Guy about her plans to stop buying Christmas gifts, he was worried they would look tight or thoughtlessCredit: Supplied

Instead, everyone should make a trip to their local tip to see the mountains of crap we all throw away every single day.

It’s a sobering sight, and last time I was there, I vowed to never buy a present again.

I’ve never really enjoyed – not because I don’t love the people in my life, but because that love doesn’t easily translate into the purchase of a bottle of scented bubble bath at 5pm on

Yet, for decades, I’ve done my duty scouring the shops for suitable (what can you really get for under a tenner?), and swiftly re-gifting random candles.

But now I’ve had enough, and this year I’m not buying a single present – even for my kids.

For me, it’s a logical decision, given most of us have more stuff than we could ever need, and many gifts end up in landfill – according to research, only 1% of purchases made over the Christmas period are still in use six months later.*

We’re all feeling the squeeze, yet the average Brit expects to spend £378 on .**

Another study found festive shopping can be more stressful than watching a horror film or taking an exam.***

Plus, it’s a stress that almost always falls on women.

A OnePoll survey found that 93% of women say they’re responsible for buying all the for everyone in their family, and I have friends who buy – and even wrap – all their own gifts to stick under the tree.

When I said to my partner Guy that I didn’t think we should buy our adult family any presents a few years ago, he was worried people would think we were tight or thoughtless.

And when I told him that this year, I didn’t think we should get anything for the kids either, he was horrified.

I’ve had enough, and this year I’m not buying a single present – even for my kids

Kate Wills

But our eldest daughter Blake, five, has more toys than she could play with in 10 lifetimes, and our youngest daughter, Harper, is four months old and only wants milk and cuddles.

What’s the point of buying yet more tat that one of us inevitably ends up carting to the shop in a few months’ time?

Kate says her eldest daughter already has more toys than she could play with in 10 lifetimesCredit: instagram/katewillswrites If it were solely up to me, I wouldn’t even do stocking presents, says Kate Kate’s anti-present policy doesn’t mean she won’t be showing affection for peopleCredit: instagram/katewillswrites

If it were solely up to me, I wouldn’t even do stocking presents, but I’ve agreed to compromise, so Guy and I will get Blake a couple of small things that she actually needs, such as gloves, as these are “from Santa”.

I’m sure she will ask why she’s not getting presents from us like all her friends do, but I’ll explain that every family does Christmas differently.

And no doubt she’ll still get lots to unwrap from relatives.

My anti-present policy doesn’t mean I won’t be showing my affection for people. I’ve booked my sister a massage, I’ll be taking my niece and nephew ice-skating, and I’m giving my friend an evening of babysitting.

What’s the point of buying yet more tat that one of us inevitably ends up carting to the charity shop in a few months’ time?

Kate Wills

Can they put these gifts under the tree to unwrap? No. But they’re no less thoughtful, enjoyable or joyful for that. And I really don’t want to receive gifts, as I’m drowning in stuff as it is.

It feels great to boycott Christmas shopping, and use that time and to have some me-time or relax with my family, away from the bright lights and loud music in sweaty shopping malls.

Not buying presents is the gift that keeps on giving.

• Follow Kate on Instagram @katewillswrites.
• *GWP Group **MyVoucherCodes ***Ocado  Stockist