It’s a time for buying gifts, giving them and receiving them. But for a quarter of mums out there, they will be buying and wrapping their own presents from their children and partners.

The survey, conducted by Argos and YouGov, revealed that 31 per cent of mums start preparing for Christmas before October and more than half buy between 11 and 50 presents in total at Christmas, while 67 per cent receive 10 or less in return.

Nearly one in five mums spends more than 24 hours in total shopping for Christmas presents, so it’s no wonder then that 48 per cent say they find Christmas shopping a tiring experience.

In recognition of all of their hard work Argos is opening the Mums’ Grotto for one day in central London on Saturday 26 November.

Visitors to the Grotto will be able to meet special ‘celebrity Santa’, TV presenter and mums’ favourite Jeff Brazier, who will be asking the mums what’s on their Christmas lists. As well as meeting ‘Santa’ the mums will be able to indulge in pampering treats, including massages and mini-makeovers, enjoy aglass of bubbly and go away with a special gift from Argos.

Jeff Brazier says: “It’s nice to be able to celebrate mums at a time of year that can be very focused on children. I’m looking forward to being able to treat some of the mums who spend months preparing to make Christmas a magical time for their families.”

Carl Nield, Brand Development Manager at Argos says: “Mums can be the unsung heroes of Christmas so we wanted to do something to recognise their efforts. We hope to make them smile on Saturday with some presents from our Christmas gift guide and pampering treats from our range of health and beauty products.”

The Argos Mums’ Grotto will be open from 9.30am to 4.00pm on Saturday 26 November at 7 Berners Mews, London W1T 3AN. For priority entry, mums can Tweet @Argos_Online #mumsgrotto and let us know what would be the ultimate treat for them this Christmas.