As the festive season approaches, memories of Christmas presents past come flooding back. Some gifts are remembered with joy, while others are recalled with bewilderment or even horror.
The Art of Gift-Giving Gone Wrong
One Guardian reader recalls receiving a dress that could only be described as an act of aesthetic violence. The garment defied conventional description, being of no definable colour or shape while somehow managing to be simultaneously too large and too small. The addition of ruffles completed what became a family laughing stock.
"Oh no," my mother said when I tried it on, while my father was laughing too hard to speak. Yet the recipient bears no ill will toward the giver, acknowledging that gift giving is hard and everyone has their off moments.
When Gift-Giving Strikes Gold
On the flip side, sometimes presents hit the mark perfectly. Another reader shares the joy of receiving a mug featuring their favourite influencer pig - a simple but deeply personal gift that showed real thought and understanding of their interests.
These polar opposite experiences highlight the emotional rollercoaster of gift reception, from tears of joy to tears of confusion.
Share Your Gift Stories
The Guardian is now inviting readers to share their own experiences with memorable presents. We want to hear about the gifts that moved you to tears - whether from happiness or horror. Tell us about the items that made you say "What!" in delighted surprise or "What?" in utter confusion.
Your responses can be completely anonymous if you prefer, and are secure through encrypted submission forms. The Guardian will only use provided data for this specific feature and will delete personal information when it's no longer required.
Whether it's a Christmas present, birthday gift, retirement present or any other occasion, your stories of the best and worst gifts received could feature in our upcoming coverage of the holiday season's most memorable moments.
