There’s a gift for everyone at charity stops both online and in-store this Christmas.

Whether you’re looking for crafts and activities to keep the kids occupied, charming decorations and cards, or stocking filler presents to pamper, charity shops have it covered.

They’re stocked full of fabulous Christmas items at a bargain price at a time when many people are struggling.

At Cumbria Cerebral Palsy, it’s always their biggest selling time of the year and staff do not expect this year to be any different.

A spokesman said: “The amount of choice available is amazing, whether you are looking for decorations, a tree, wrapping paper, candles, Christmas jumpers, or even that special gift for someone.

“We have new items, often unwanted gifts that were donated to us, gorgeous jewellery at a snip of the price you would pay in town, unopened smellies for the ladies, and good quality toys to make the children happy.”

Charity shops have been hit hard by the pandemic and Eden Valley Hospice is just one of those. But they’re hoping more people then ever this year will turn to them for presents.

A spokesman said: “Charity shops are well known for offering people great value and great quality items. Across the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw shops in Carlisle, Penrith and online we have a huge range of good, quality donated items.

“But charity shops are much more than offering great value items. When people shop in the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw shops, they are not just picking up a great deal, they are supporting people in the local community with life-limiting illnesses.”

Although charity shops were temporarily closed, Cancer Research UK was still open online for people to shop till they dropped.

Head of retail operations Josephine Mewett said: “Following the guidance from the UK Government, all our Cancer Research UK shops in England were temporarily closed.

"However people across Cumbria can still support us by shopping for their Christmas items online at cruk.org/shop. From new Christmas cards and gifts to pre-loved designer clothes and collectibles, we are fully stocked with everything you need to share special moments this season. And as well as being sold at bargain prices, every sale will help to fund life-saving research into cancer.”

The British Heart Foundation is also on hand to help make Christmas as easy as possible this year.

Retail director Allison Swaine-Hughes said: “Our wallets might be a little lighter this festive season, but shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality.”

“Although your local charity shop may be closed, there are still plenty of ways that you can shop with us to find fantastic items at affordable prices. Our online shop has a variety of quality Christmas cards, giftware and winter accessories, with all proceeds going towards our life saving research.

"Our eBay and Depop shops are also great places to find one of a kind items ranging from antique jewellery to retro homeware and clothes.

“This year, we are calling on the public to take on our Charity Shop Challenge and buy at least one preloved gift for loved ones. While it may be a different Christmas for many of us, it doesn’t mean that it has to be any less special.”