You can now buy empty cardboard boxes for 1p for kids this Christmas
Forget L.O.L Surprise! and Hey Duggee paraphernalia
The box a Christmas gift arrives in is often much more exciting than what's inside. As parents will know, kids end up spending far more time inside a big empty piece of cardboard than they do playing with their actual toys.
So online toy store Bargain Max has launched the Box Clever - an empty cardboard box for just 1p. We can't tell if it's a smart, money-saving Christmas idea or totally bonkers...
'Picking out Christmas presents - particularly for kids - can be overwhelming,' says Daniel McKay, Marketing & eCommerce Director at Bargain Max. It's true that there are so many options that it can be hard to know where to begin.
'However, if you speak to parents, they’ll tell you that most kids think the box a present comes in is just as much fun as the present itself. This Christmas, save yourself the hassle and pick up a Box Clever for your little one,' Daniel adds.
It’s so cheap that you can bulk buy the empty cardboard box for kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. But you might run the risk of being called a Scrooge...
Homes writer and mum Laura Crombie is not impressed by the whole idea. 'Personally, I think this is a bit ridiculous! You get overrun with boxes at Christmas anyway, so I'm not sure why you'd want to pay for an extra one.
'Yes, 1p is cheap but there's also the environmental impact to consider - trees are being cut down to make the boxes, there will be vehicles used in delivery and not everybody will recycle them correctly,' adds Laura. 'I'm afraid it's a no from me. I'd rather get creative with the mountains of packaging I'll already have!'
Now is also a good time to get organised with Christmas shopping for friends and other family members. You can make budget gifts like this look fabulous with stylish gift wrapping ideas for Christmas.
We're itching to go all out with our Christmas living room ideas - but we'll try and hold off til mid November. The Box Clever from Bargain Max is currently out of stock on the website, but it's worth keeping an eye out for it.
What do you think - worse than a lump of coal or a present they'll actually love?
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Millie Hurst was Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home from 2020-2022, and is now Section Editor at Homes & Gardens. Before stepping into the world of interiors, she worked as a Senior SEO Editor for News UK in both London and New York. You can usually find her looking up trending terms and finding real-life budget makeovers our readers love. Millie came up with the website's daily dupes article which gives readers ways to curate a stylish home for less.
-
How to divide hellebores – an expert guide to getting more winter flowers for free
Fancy filling your garden borders with hellebores? Here's how to propagate them via division
By Kayleigh Dray
-
Check out this stunning Art Deco style bathroom transformation
This eye-catching bathroom combines pattern and colour beautifully
By Stephanie Smith
-
Aldi Christmas candles are dropping next week - and the alternative to The White Company's ceramic candle is the one to look out for
The quiet luxury candle from Aldi is the one we're backing as this year's sellout
By Kezia Reynolds
-
The best Christmas bedding sets to give your bedroom a merry and bright makeover
We're already counting down the sleeps 'til Christmas... with some full-on festive style
By Amy Lockwood
-
A sleep expert shares her top tip to get kids to sleep on Christmas Eve
Treat yourself to a full nights sleep this year
By Rebecca Knight
-
New Primark Christmas Mickey Mouse bedding Disney fans will adore – in stores now!
The new festive bedding is delighting Disney fans on Instagram
By Tamara Kelly
-
If Kids dream Christmas trees were real – which of these would you choose?
From food trees to Dino trees their little imaginations have run wild with these festive creations
By Tamara Kelly
-
Disney fans delight at Primark’s characterful new Disney Christmas collection
From metallic Minnie Mouse baubles to a charming Mickey Mouse wreath Primark have it all...
By Tamara Kelly
-
Get set for Christmas with affordable Lidl wooden toys – from just £1.49
The range includeS a train set, wooden balance bike and 28-piece doll’s house to encourage traditional play
By Tamara Kelly
-
This Asda Harry Potter bedding just made our Christmas... and it's the perfect last-minute gift
Potterheads rejoice!
By Tamara Kelly
-
Declutter the kids’ room after that December delivery from Santa
Christmas is over and the children’s toy boxes are bulging but here are a few easy ways to clear some floor space again
By Tamara Kelly