Nearly half of us admit that finding the right Christmas gift is difficult but even more of us admit to feeling that we end up giving for the sake of giving. Around £8 billion will be spent over the coming weeks as we head towards this year’s festivities and much of that will result in unwanted gifts with lotions, executive toys and unusable gadgets being the most frequent offenders. Christmas is an important time for thinking about others and those unwanted gifts could easily be exchanged for something life-changing for those less fortunate. Celebrities often lend their names to charitable causes but Nathaniel Parker has seen the extent of suffering and poverty in the developing world first-hand. An issue close to his heart, he’s hoping we can make a difference in 2009.

Approximately £8 billion will be spent on Christmas gifts this year but the latest research suggests that four in five adults will receive something they neither like nor need. Last year, approximately £1.7 billion was spent on unwanted gifts.

Nearly half of us (46%) admit to finding it difficult to choose gifts for friends and family and 61% of Brits admit to giving simply for the sake of giving, buying token presents that they know won’t be wanted or valued by the recipient.

Celebrities often lend their name to charitable causes but Nathaniel Parker has seen the extent of suffering and poverty in the developing world first-hand. He’s passionate about the impact that ethical charities can make, especially at Christmas.

Interviewees: Nathaniel Parker

Credentials: Nathaniel is a Hollywood Actor & Television Star who is also the Charity Patron for Concern Worldwide. He has helped the charity’s Darfur and Chad Crisis Appeal and continues his support.