Donate
X-twitter Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in

Giving Tree Appeal 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions

How your support helps

The children and young people supported by Befriend a Child are growing up in challenging circumstances, and the festive traditions many of us take for granted may not be part of their Christmas. Small moments like pulling a cracker, sharing a Christmas dinner or discovering a present chosen especially for them, can bring real joy and help a child feel remembered and valued. 

With your help, every child we support can have a gift to open on Christmas morning, and have a special experience to look forward to in the year ahead – a reminder that their local community cares about them. 

Your kindness helps create lasting Christmas memories for local children and young people, and together we can make sure even more of them experience the magic this year.  

Being a Giving Tree Partner

What do we need to do as a partner? 

Taking part is simple: 

  1. We provide your organisation with Giving Tree tags.
  2. You display them on a Christmas tree or in a prominent place. 
  3. Staff, customers or visitors select a tag. 
  4. They purchase a gift and return it to Befriend a Child by the deadline. 
I'd like to become a Giving Tree Partner. How do I sign up? 

Simply get in touch with the Befriend a Child Giving Tree team and we’ll send you everything you need to get started : givingtree@befriendachild.org.uk 

Can our organisation take a mixture of gift tags and donation tags? 

Yes. We will provide a combination of gift and monetary donations tags for you to choose between. 

What if we can't take part using gift tags? 

You can support us through our Virtual Giving Tree Appeal, sponsored by Vattenfall: 

  • Display our virtual participation posters in your office, or circulate them via email 
We’d like to see how much our company have raised, can we do this? 

Yes! You can set up your own team JustGiving page here and you’ll be able to track your donations and total. We can then provide you with a graphic with your own JustGiving page QR code to display in your office or email to your team.

Can schools and community groups take part? 

Absolutely! We welcome support from schools, colleges, churches, sports clubs and community groups of all sizes. 

Can organisations outside Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire take part? 

Yes. Organisations from further afield can still support the appeal through donations, our Amazon Wishlist and other virtual ways of getting involved. 

Can we display tags for members of the public? 

Yes! Many cafés, salons, shops and community venues display Giving Tree tags for customers and visitors to take part. 

We don't have space for a Christmas tree. Can we still take part?  

Of course. Tags can be displayed on garlands, noticeboards, reception desks, staff notice areas or other communal spaces.

Can our organisation make a financial contribution instead? 

Yes. Financial donations are always welcome and help us deliver our services for children and young people, and pay for outings and experiences throughout the year.  

We still have tags left, will children miss out?  

Don’t worry, every child we support will receive a gift. Even if your tags aren’t taken, they can help to spread the word on Befriend a Child so we’re delighted for them to remain on display 😊  

Buying & Donating Gifts

Can individuals take part? 

Yes. The Giving Tree Appeal is open to everyone. You can collect a tag from us at 9 Bon Accord Square. 

Individuals can support the appeal by making a donation, purchasing a gift, using our Amazon Wishlist or encouraging their workplace or community group to become a Giving Tree Partner. 

What should I buy? 

Each tag includes an age to help guide your purchase. We’d recommend something fun, the latest trending toys, something cosy or something creative. If you’d rather not shop, you can support the appeal through our Amazon Wishlist or by making a monetary donation instead. 

Do gifts need to be wrapped? 

No, please leave all gifts unwrapped. Our team hand-pick gifts for each child based on their interests and needs and ensure all gifts are fairly allocated and appropriate for the child.  

When is the deadline for returning gifts? 

The deadline for returning gifts is Thursday 3rd December. This gives our team time to sort, record and prepare gifts before they are distributed. 

Can I donate gift vouchers? 

Yes absolutely! 

What happens if I miss the deadline? 

If you’re struggling to make the deadline date, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. 

While we can’t guarantee late gifts will be included in the main distribution, they will still be used as additional gifts for children and families who need extra support over the festive period. 

Can I take more than one tag? 

Absolutely! Many people, teams and departments choose to take multiple tags. Every gift makes a difference. 

Where can I drop off gifts? 

You can drop them off at our office at 9 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen AB11 6DJ – Monday – Friday 0900-1630. We will have additional drop off times in December.  

Can you collect our gifts? 

Depending on your location and the number of gifts being donated, collection may be possible. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. 

What age groups do the tags cover? 

The appeal supports children and young people aged 5 – 16. The suggested age for your gift will be clearly shown on each tag. 

Making a Donation

How do monetary donations help? 

Monetary donations allow us fund activities for the year ahead. These outings are at the heart of Befriend a Child’s services and help children to explore the world around them, develop new skills, create new friendships and grow in their confidence.  

Can we fundraise instead of collecting gifts? 

Absolutely! Every penny raised will help us to support local children. You can set up a JustGiving page for the appeal here: Befriend a Child’s Giving Tree Appeal 2026 – JustGiving

Haven’t answered your question?  

Please reach out to the team on givingtree@befriendachild.org.uk

 

X-twitter Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in
Donate