A pungent personal care product has been crowned the nation's least desirable festive offering, according to a new survey. The dubious honour of the UK's most unwanted Christmas present for 2025 goes to a Marmite-scented deodorant, a gift that truly divides opinion much like the spread that inspired it.
The Top of the Unwanted List
The research, conducted by the consumer group Which?, polled 2,000 UK adults to uncover the festive gifts that most frequently miss the mark. The Marmite deodorant emerged as the clear loser, topping a list of presents that recipients would rather not have received. This follows a trend of novelty items based on the famous yeast extract, which has a reputation for polarising the British public.
Securing second place on the list of festive failures was a pair of socks featuring the face of a politician. In third place was a DIY denture repair kit, a present unlikely to bring festive cheer to anyone's Christmas morning. The top five was rounded out by a book on the history of paperclips and a ‘personalised’ video message from a lesser-known reality TV star, for which the giver had paid a fee.
What Makes a Gift Unwanted?
The survey highlights a clear disconnect between givers and receivers during the holiday season. Analysts suggest that unwanted gifts often fall into specific categories. These include overly practical or impersonal items, joke presents that fail to amuse, and gifts that seem like a blatant re-gift or an afterthought. The total value of unwanted Christmas presents in the UK is staggering, with millions of pounds worth of gifts ending up unused, stored away, or eventually thrown out.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, commented on the findings, urging consumers to think carefully about their purchases. She stated that the results demonstrate how easily gift-giving can go awry, leading to waste and disappointment. Concha advised shoppers to focus on buying quality items that the recipient genuinely wants or needs, rather than opting for cheap novelties.
The Consequences of Festive Faux Pas
The phenomenon of unwanted gifts has significant consequences beyond momentary disappointment. It contributes to a substantial amount of post-Christmas waste, as unwanted items are discarded or languish in cupboards. Furthermore, the pressure to buy gifts can lead to financial strain and stressful shopping experiences, undermining the spirit of the season.
Consumer experts recommend several strategies to avoid giving a gift that ends up on next year's unwanted list. These include:
- Paying close attention to hints dropped by friends and family throughout the year.
- Considering experience gifts, such as theatre tickets or a meal out, which create memories rather than clutter.
- Not being afraid to ask for a specific wish list, especially for close family members.
- If in doubt, a thoughtfully chosen gift card from a favourite retailer is often preferable to a misguided surprise.
While the Marmite deodorant may have spread its unique scent to the top of the unwanted list this year, the broader lesson is clear for festive shoppers. A little consideration and planning can ensure that Christmas presents bring genuine joy, rather than becoming a source of comedy or clutter in the new year.
