The Leith Collective Launches Free Christmas Exchange in Edinburgh
The Leith Collective has launched a free Christmas Exchange at its Edinburgh stores in Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, asking residents to donate unwanted decorations, Christmas trees, festive clothing and small gifts.
The initiative follows the organisation’s Winter Coat Exchange, which opened in October and has experienced exceptionally high demand. Both schemes allow people to collect donated items completely free of charge, without referrals or eligibility checks.
What Can People Donate to the Christmas Exchange?
The Edinburgh community interest company is encouraging people to search their cupboards, lofts and wardrobes for Christmas items they no longer need.
Donations being requested include:
- Christmas trees and decorations
- Unwanted Christmas jumpers
- Gloves and other warm winter clothing
- Small gifts suitable for passing on to others
Rather than buying anything new, residents are being asked to pass on unwanted items that could help another household celebrate Christmas.
The exchange also gives Christmas decorations and other seasonal goods another use instead of leaving them in storage or throwing them away.
Warm coats remain available through the existing Winter Coat Exchange.
Where to Donate or Collect Free Christmas Items
The Christmas Exchange operates at both of The Leith Collective’s Edinburgh shops. Residents can drop off donations or collect available items during store opening hours.
The Leith Collective, Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 10.30am–6pm
- Saturday: 11am–6pm
- Sunday: 11am–5pm
The Leith Collective, Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD
- Monday to Friday: 10am–8pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am–6pm
These are the hours published by the shopping centres. As individual store hours can change, it’s worth checking before making a special journey.
There is no charge for collecting donated Christmas items, and no requirement to explain why they’re needed. Availability will depend on what has been donated.
Building on Edinburgh’s Winter Coat Exchange
The Christmas initiative follows the Winter Coat Exchange launched by The Leith Collective in October.
That scheme allows people to donate good-quality coats and other warm clothing, making them available to anyone who needs them.
However, demand for winter essentials has been greater than the organisation can currently meet, prompting founder Sara Thomson to extend the exchange to Christmas goods.
Thomson said the group wanted to go beyond providing warm clothing and give families facing financial difficulties the chance to enjoy some of the traditions of Christmas.
The Leith Collective also operates retail spaces showcasing Scottish artists and makers, with reuse and waste reduction central to its work.
Anyone wishing to donate Christmas items or find out more about the exchange can visit We Re-Love, The Leith Collective’s website.