Our experts reveal what becomes of all those mattress toppers – plus Gok Wan’s shopping secrets and a gift guide to take your present-giving up a gear

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We do a lot of testing here at the Filter, and that means our experts can end up with a lot of products, from air coolers to suitcases, mattresses to sunrise alarm clocks. We are particularly proud of our commitment to donating them to charity if they don’t need to be returned, so as Christmas approaches, we asked three of our writers where their unwanted items ended up – and who they helped.

“The best part of reviewing mattresses isn’t the naps or the lie-ins – it’s the part where someone comes to take them away,” writes Jane Hoskyn. “Donating them to my local hardship charity Scratch is a win-win: families get to sleep in comfort, and my house gets its floor space back.