A mum-of-five was caught stealing t-shirts and leggings for her children’s Christmas presents on Christmas Eve.
Avon lady Tanya Headley, 35, took the clothes – worth just £39 – from Primark in Rye Lane, Peckham.
The court heard that she was seen on CCTV putting the items in her bags before security stopped her leaving.
She was reported to have told them: “My kids asked me for them – they wanted some outfits for Christmas.”
Magistrates were told she had previously been cautioned twice for similar offences.
Headley, of Friary Road in Peckham, was granted unconditional bail until a pre-sentence report is completed.