The festive season often brings joy, but it can also deliver presents so baffling they leave us questioning how well our friends and family truly know us. A new survey has now catalogued the most disappointing Christmas gifts received across the United Kingdom, with some truly eye-watering examples coming to light.
The Most Unwanted Presents of 2024
Consumer champion Which? surveyed more than 2,000 members of the public in January 2025 about the gifts they received the previous Christmas. The findings revealed that roughly one in five people received an unwanted or unsuitable present for Christmas 2024.
When asked about the worst gift they had ever received, respondents shared a catalogue of festive faux pas. The list included used pyjamas, a rotten coconut and pineapple, and a jarringly inappropriate book about Tottenham Hotspur for a dedicated Chelsea fan. Other notable misfires included marmite-scented deodorant and a helicopter ride voucher gifted to someone with both vertigo and a fear of flying.
What Happens to Unwanted Gifts?
The survey also explored what people do with presents they do not want. The responses painted a clear picture of post-Christmas pragmatism:
- 33% said they kept the gift and would use it.
- 15% admitted they would keep it but never use it.
- 34% confessed they got rid of the item entirely.
Of those who disposed of their gift, 12% passed it to a friend or family member, 11% donated it to a charity shop, and 8% sold it on an online marketplace.
The Challenge of Returning Unwanted Presents
Attempting to return a disappointing gift is not always straightforward. Which? found that nearly half of those who tried to return a gift encountered a problem. Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?, offered advice to festive shoppers.
"It's hard to think of a more disappointing present than used pyjamas or rotten fruit," Webb said. "Our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted gift."
She emphasised the importance of including a gift receipt to give the recipient the option to exchange or return the item. Webb also noted that for online orders, sometimes only the original 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 themselves.
The survey serves as a timely reminder that while thoughtfulness is key during the holidays, a little practical consideration regarding returns can save loved ones from a festive disappointment.
