Around 26% of toys bought at Christmas are neglected by the end of January, and 40% will be thrown out within the first 3 months of being unwrapped. Combined weight of electronic toys comes to 3.2b kg
As someone with kids, I still feel like I "hate Christmas". Not only all the waste, especially packaging, but the "obligation" to buy all your nieces/nephews toys - which has turned into just buying things off their wishlists that the parents picked.
so... why don't i just buy for my kids, and you yours, and we'll see you for dinner?
but then yes - all the waste! Having to "pick something", and then of course grandma buys the most random, lowest quality stuff I have ever seen. I don't even know how she finds them.
Parents won't stop buying presents for their grandkids. I've asked and tried. They're too used to the consumerism of the era - have to buy things to show their love.
For Christmas and her birthday my niece gets a craft box subscription, and a day out with Aunty Charlytune. She gets so many presents from family, friends of family, and friends, it's ridiculous. This Xmas I did get her a little handmade witches chest off Etsy that was filled with little potion bottles and trinkets, it was less than £15 though and I think she'll make a really good witch so really it's a practical gift.
This year 100% of the gifts were purchased from Facebook Marketplace, including a full lot from a collector that was divided out as an Advent Calendar of actually cool usable stuff. Way cheaper, way more appreciated, helped some people in the community get a few bucks back without creating more waste