Disappointing Christmas Gifts
It wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one gift so misguided that it makes us wonder if our loved ones even know us. A survey from a consumer group has revealed the most disappointing Christmas presents received in the UK, with used pajamas and rotten fruit among the most disappointing gifts.
The Survey
In January 2025, the consumer group surveyed more than 2,000 citizens about their gifts last Christmas and also asked them about the worst gifts they had ever received. The latter question resulted in answers such as used pajamas, a rotten coconut and pineapple, Marmite-scented deodorant, and a Tottenham Hotspur book for a Chelsea fan. One respondent said her daughter gave them a helicopter ride even though they suffered from dizziness and fear of flying.
Unwanted Gifts
In general, the consumer group found that around one in five people had received an unwanted or inappropriate gift for Christmas 2024. When asked what they would have done with the unwanted gift, 33% said they would keep it and use it, and 15% said they would keep it but not use it. 34% admitted they had thrown the gift away, 12% gave it to a friend or family member, 11% gave it to a charity shop, and 8% sold it on an online marketplace.
Returning Gifts
The consumer group said nearly half of those who tried to return their gift said they had a problem. A consumer law expert said: "It’s hard to think of a more disappointing gift than used pajamas or rotten fruit, but our research shows a fifth of us have wondered what to do with an unwanted gift." The expert advised that it’s always worth getting a gift receipt so that your loved one has the opportunity to return their gift if necessary. Sometimes, for online orders, only the buyer can request a refund or exchange, but if the item was marked as a gift when ordered, the retailer’s return policy may allow a recipient to return or exchange it.
