While there’s lots to love about Christmas for those who celebrate, it does have a reputation for being wasteful, stressful and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Choose to shop with us, and not only does every gift do good by funding our expert care for local families in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, but you can also shop sustainably with second-hand finds, and affordable options, saving money this Christmas.
Keep on reading for a gift giving guide that does good and feel inspired to make your local Hospice part of your Christmas this year.
For the music lover
There’s only one place to head. Well, three. Browse vinyl, instruments, tapes, books, CDs and memorabilia in our friendly Off the Record store in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes, or if you’re on a budget, make a visit to our Off the Record section in our Stacey Bushes Clearance Outlet. Doing all your Christmas shopping online? Head to the vinyl section of our eBay shop.
For the crafter
If you’ve got a thrift-flipper or upcycler in the family, then gift them a project and head to our Clearance Outlet for clothes from £1, £3 and £5, or get pre-loved furniture at our Furniture Store in Kiln Farm, as well as a small selection in our Olney, Buckingham and Bletchley shops. You could bundle together with crafting essentials, such as a sewing machine or sander, ready to get them started. You can also find wool, yarn and crafting supplies in a selection of our shops.
If you’re not sure what project would suit them, you can pick up a gift card from our shops.
For the reader
It’s thoughtful and easy to wrap! And that’s not the only reason a book is the perfect gift. Pair with cozy socks, or fancy hot chocolate or tea bags, and create a perfect night-in package. Head to our volunteer-run bookshop in Stony Stratford, or find a small selection in our other stores and online.
For the adventurer
Have you got a ‘not materials but memories’ person on your gift list? How about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Book them on to a skydive for Willen Hospice, or an IOU for when bookings open for our Abseil challenge and Great Wall of China trek in January.
For the ‘who’s a good boy/girl’?
Quite possibly the most-spoilt contender on your gifting list is the one with four legs and fur. Our shops are stocked with brand new Christmas-themed pet toys and accessories. Make their Christmas even more special with a visit to Santa at our Dog Grotto – you read that right! – taking place in in our Newport Pagnell Christmas Shop.
For the fashionista
Thanks to our amazing sorters at our Donation Centre, the clothes that reach our shops are in the best condition, ready to be loved again, or even for the first time – many have the tags still on them! Plus, they’re all at an affordable price compared to buying brand new.
Find great quality items from big brands in our shops, eBay store and on Vestiaire Collective which offers discounted designer fashion. Take a look! You’ll find Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Prada – all the big names that would get Miranda Priestly’s approval.
We have shops all over MK and surrounding areas, including new ones in Brooklands, Oxley Park, Winslow and Wolverton.
For the children and young at heart
Head to our brand-new shop, ‘Kids’ at the Community Shop in Kingston Centre (opening November). We’re excited to open this shop just in time for Christmas to offer local families children’s toys, games and clothes at low-prices to help make what might be a financially challenging Christmas that bit easier.
Kids will be open for 9 months in collaboration with the MK Community Foundation.
For the….the…I’ve-no-idea!
Mindlessly scrolling ‘gifts for her’, ‘gifts for him’ with an increasing sense of panic? How about a gift that’s fun and supports a well-loved local charity? If you – and the gift receiver – are over 18, then you can gift a Willen Hospice Lottery Subscription, giving them to chance to win £1,000 each week they play, plus a weekly rollover which could reach up to £7,500! Full terms and conditions on our website.
You can also buy Willen Hospice Winter Draw tickets or scratchcards online and instore. You can slip a scratchcard into a Christmas card, in with a gift, or if you’re feeling creative, try searching DIY scratchcard wreaths.
If the lottery isn’t a good suit, then how about making a donation to our Christmas appeal in their name? This is a wonderfully generous gift that will do so much good for the families in our care this Christmas and beyond.
For the stocking fillers and Secret Santa giftees
Our shops have so much choice for low-cost gifts under £5, something that’s harder to come by these days! Pick up a 2027 Willen Hospice calendar from just £2.50, plus jewellery, homeware, accessories, diaries, notebooks and more. Find you nearest shop, or plan a charity-shop-crawl and visit a few.
For the organised
While you’re in our shops you can also pick up wrapping paper, gift tags, bags, boxes and cards so you can get Christmas sorted all in one shop! If you really want to revamp this Christmas, then you MUST visit our Christmas pop-up shop in Newport Pagnell.
