A new survey has laid bare the most spectacular festive gifting failures in the UK, with pre-worn sleepwear and decomposing foodstuffs ranking among the most bewildering offerings.
The Catalogue of Festive Fails
The consumer champion Which? polled more than 2,000 members of the public in January 2025 about the presents they received the previous Christmas. The findings revealed that roughly one in five people received an unwanted or unsuitable gift for Christmas 2024.
When asked about the worst gift they had ever received, respondents reported a truly baffling array of items. The list included:
- Used pyjamas.
- A rotten coconut and pineapple.
- Marmite-scented deodorant.
- A Tottenham Hotspur book given to a dedicated Chelsea fan.
One particularly ill-conceived present saw a respondent gifted a helicopter flying experience by their own daughter, despite them suffering from vertigo and a fear of flying.
What Happens to Unwanted Gifts?
The survey also investigated the fate of these disappointing presents. The responses painted a clear picture of post-Christmas pragmatism:
33% said they kept the item and would use it, while 15% admitted they would keep it but never actually use it. A significant 34% confessed they got rid of the gift entirely.
Of those who disposed of their presents:
- 12% passed it on to a friend or family member.
- 11% donated it to a charity shop.
- 8% sold it on an online marketplace.
The Hurdles of Holiday Returns
For those attempting to return an unsuitable gift, the process was not always smooth. Which? reported that nearly half of those who tried to return a gift encountered an issue.
Consumer law expert Lisa Webb commented on the findings, stating: "It's hard to think of a more disappointing present than used pyjamas or rotten fruit but our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted gift."
She offered crucial advice for future gift-givers: "It's always worth getting a gift receipt so your loved one has the option to return their gift if needed." Webb also highlighted that for online orders, sometimes only the buyer can request a refund. However, if the item was marked as a gift during purchase, the retailer's policy may allow the recipient to handle the return.
The survey serves as a timely reminder that while it's the thought that counts, a little practical consideration can prevent a festive present from becoming a perennial joke.
