Southampton residents, businesses and community groups are invited to share some festive kindness by supporting the city’s annual Southampton Toy Appeal.

The Southampton Toy Appeal, now in its 38^th year, collects new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and young people from birth to 18 years of age who are supported by Southampton City Council’s Children’s Services, as well as families facing severe financial hardship. Gifts for teenage boys aged 12–18 are especially welcome. Ideas include headphones, phone accessories, sports equipment, rucksacks, hats and gloves, toiletries and shopping vouchers. Every donation stays in the city and is a chance to bring a little Christmas joy to a local child or young person.

To donate simply collect a gift label from a participating drop-off point, such as Westquay or MAST Mayflower Studios, attach it to your new, unwrapped toy or gift and hand it in or place it in the donation box.

Gifts can be dropped off during opening hours at:

• Westquay Level Three, next to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
• Civic Centre reception desk
• Central, Shirley, Lordshill, Thornhill, Bitterne and Portswood libraries
• Tudor House and Gardens
• Southampton City Art Gallery
• SeaCity Museum
• MAST Mayflower Studios
• Marlands Shopping Centre information desk
• Asda supermarkets located on the Western Esplanade, Totton and Eastleigh.

For the full list of donation venues, opening times and gift ideas, visit the Southampton City Council website and search ‘toy appeal’. Please check the latest information before making a special journey to donate.

A festive Land Rover convoy will bring an extra sparkle to this year’s appeal on Sunday 6 December 2026, with decorated vehicles delivering donated toys and gifts in support of local children and young people.

The Shire Land Rover Club convoy will drive through the city before arriving at the Civic Centre car park at 3:30pm for a free afternoon of celebration, with entertainment from a children’s choir, live music, and more as the community comes together to enjoy the festive themed event and support local children and families. Everyone is welcome and supporters can bring along a new, unwrapped toy or gift for the Southampton Toy Appeal.

Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council said:

“For me, Christmas is about spending time with family, but I know it can be a difficult time for children and young people who cannot do the same and for families facing severe financial pressure. That’s why the Southampton Toy Appeal means so much to me. Every gift is more than something to unwrap. It helps a child or young person feel valued, cared for and remembered.

I’m proud to support the appeal and grateful to everyone who gives their time or donates. If you’re able to add an extra toy or gift to your Christmas shopping, please do. Together, we can bring a little joy to children and families across Southampton.”

Gina Windsor, Marketing and Placemaking Manager at Westquay Shopping Centre said:

“Westquay is once again incredibly proud to support Southampton City Council’s annual Toy Appeal. Christmas is a special time of year, and we’re delighted to play our part in bringing the local community together to put a smile on children’s faces. Customers can get involved by visiting our donation point on Level 3, next to Auntie Anne’s, picking a child’s name tag, purchasing a gift and leaving it unwrapped in the donation box. Every gift will help make Christmas a little more magical for a local child.”

Businesses and community groups interested in supporting the Southampton Toy Appeal can find out more on the council website by searching ‘Toy Appeal’. From a single toy or gift to a workplace collection, every contribution helps make Christmas brighter.

The Southampton Toy Appeal closes on Friday 18 December 2026.