Rotten Fruit & Used Pyjamas: Brits' Worst Christmas Gifts Revealed

New research has laid bare the festive faux pas and disappointing presents that left many Britons less than merry this Christmas. A significant number of people found themselves on the receiving end of gifts that missed the mark entirely.

The Most Unwanted Presents of 2024

A survey conducted by the consumer champion Which? revealed that 21 per cent of people received an unwanted or unsuitable Christmas present in 2024. The findings, published on Saturday 27 December 2025, highlight a catalogue of festive misfires that went far beyond simple socks or novelty ties.

Among the most memorably poor gifts reported were used pyjamas and a bundle of rotten fruit. In a particularly pointed sporting blunder, one Chelsea fan was less than thrilled to unwrap a book dedicated to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

What Happens to Unwanted Gifts?

Faced with a disappointing present, Britons employ a variety of strategies. The Which? survey found that 33 per cent of recipients resigned themselves to keeping and using the gift, while a slightly larger group, 34 per cent

The disposal methods favoured by respondents included:

• Re-gifting the item to someone else.
• Donating it to a charity shop.
• Selling it online through marketplaces.

Only a tiny fraction took direct action with the giver, with just 1 per cent returning the gift to them. An equally small number, 2 per cent, admitted to simply throwing the unwanted item in the bin.

Consumer Advice for Smoother Returns

To avoid being stuck with an unsuitable present next year, Which? offers clear advice to shoppers. The key recommendation is to always obtain a gift receipt when making a purchase. This simple step can make the return process far smoother for the recipient.

The consumer group also notes that many retailers helpfully extend their return policies during the festive period, offering more time for gifts to be exchanged. However, they stress that proof of purchase is typically still required, making that gift receipt or a clear note of where the item was bought essential.

This guidance empowers consumers to give and receive with greater confidence, ensuring the festive spirit isn't dampened by a present that can't be used.