Give Brilliantly: The Giving Tree Returns

Give Brilliantly to Someone in Need

The Oracle’s much-loved Giving Tree returns this festive season from 14 November to 20 December, in partnership with Connect Reading.

Here’s how to take part:

• Pick a tag from the Giving Tree in-centre.
• Buy the item listed.
• Drop it off at one of our collection points.

The amazing team at Connect Reading will wrap and deliver your gift to someone in need across our community.

Every present helps bring a little light to someone’s Christmas morning.

Thank you for helping us make this season one of kindness and connection. Together, let’s show that The Oracle is not just a place to shop, but a community that cares.

Don’t just give, Give Brilliantly with The Oracle.

The Giving Tree 2026: how it works

The Giving Tree is a Christmas gift appeal run by Connect Reading (Reg. Charity No. 1113150). Every tag on the tree is a real Christmas wish from a child or adult supported by a local charity, school or community group.

1. When and where. The tree is on Level 1 of The Oracle from Saturday 14 November to Sunday 20 December 2026.
2. What's on a tag? Each tag shows a gift, the age and gender of the person it's for, and a code. Tags never show names or anything that could identify someone.
3. The gift: Gifts are worth up to £15. Please buy the gift on the tag, as it's what the person asked for. Please only buy new items. If the exact item isn't available, a similar gift of similar value is OK.
4. Keep the tag on. Attach the tag securely to the gift so we can get it to the right person. Please return the gift unwrapped (although putting them in an unsealed gift bag is fine)
5. Returning your gift. Bring your gift to any of the Drop Off Points in The Oracle Shopping centre by Friday the 18th. Gifts that arrive later may not reach their recipient in time for Christmas.
6. Taken a tag but can't buy the gift? Please hang the tag back on the tree, or email thegivingtree@connectreading.org.uk ASAP, so no one misses out.
7. Lost your tag? Bring the gift to the Drop Off anyway and include any details you can remember (age or gender).
8. Where do the gifts go? Our volunteers sort the gifts and pass them to the recipient charities and schools. They then give them to the people they support. To protect people's privacy, the recipient's details are confidential.
9. Prefer to donate? You can give online at donate.givetap.co.uk/f/connect-reading/givingtree. Donations help us fill the gaps and bring Christmas gifts to more children and families in our community. This means no one goes without. UK taxpayers can add Gift Aid.
10. Tags may run out. In the final few days, sometimes the generosity of Reading is so big that we populate the tree with QR code donation tags. This helps us buy last minute gifts for unreturned tags.