A survey by housebuilder Barratt Homes has found that – unsurprisingly – one in five Scots are choosing to stash their presents in cupboards, despite it being one of the most likely places for them to be discovered.

However, the result has also led Barratt Homes to devise the perfect solution. Instead of storing all gifts in one location, the secret to success is to hide gifts throughout the home; in a strategic move that will pose a challenge to those mischievous hunters and prevent them stumbling across a grotto’s-worth of presents.

By taking advantage of drawer space or smart storage solutions that are offered by Barratt Homes, Scots are being advised to spread their gifts as well as Christmas cheer.

In fact, two-fifths of Scots even admit to having a special drawer at home, making the space behind the socks the perfect stashing spot for presents; so long as no one else in the household knows of your special drawer.

Those that may not have a special drawer have turned to more inventive solutions. More than 16% use crawl spaces under the stairs or bed and a hardy few brave the outside elements to store gifts in the garage (5%).

A spokesperson for Barratt Homes said: “Storage is a really important issue for customers, particularly at this time of year with Christmas presents needing to be hidden. Having a favourite cupboard or drawer is also a very natural thing, whether it’s for placing items we use a lot, or once in a blue moon. The results just underline how all homes should have storage built into the design to make them Christmas ready.”