A new consumer survey has revealed the most disappointing Christmas gifts received by Brits, with used pyjamas and rotten fruit topping the list of festive faux pas.
Unwanted Gifts: The Festive Let-Downs
Research commissioned by the consumer group Which? found that around a fifth (21%) of people received an unwanted or unsuitable gift during Christmas 2024. The survey, conducted by Deltapoll in January 2025 and involving more than 2,000 UK adults, asked participants about the worst present they had ever received.
Among the most memorable disappointments were a pair of used pyjamas and a rotten coconut and pineapple. The misfires extended beyond poor condition to a complete lack of thought for the recipient's tastes or circumstances. One person was given a book about Tottenham Hotspur despite being a devoted Chelsea supporter, while another was gifted a helicopter ride voucher, a terrifying prospect for someone with vertigo and a fear of flying.
What Happens to Unwanted Presents?
The survey delved into what becomes of these misguided presents. It discovered that a third (33%) of recipients had kept their unwanted gift and intended to use it. However, a significant proportion, one in six (15%), had kept the item with no intention of ever using it.
Instead of returning or exchanging the present, 34% had disposed of the gift. Common methods for offloading these items included re-gifting them to other family members or friends, donating them to a charity shop, or selling them on online marketplaces. Less popular options were giving the gift back to the original giver (1%) or simply throwing it away (2%).
Navigating Gift Returns and Your Rights
Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?, commented on the findings. "It’s hard to think of a more disappointing present than used pyjamas or rotten fruit," she said, "but our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted gift."
Webb emphasised the importance of a gift receipt, stating it gives the recipient the option to return the item if necessary. She also highlighted a key point for online purchases: "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 returns policy may enable a recipient to return or exchange it."
Many retailers extend their returns policies over the festive period. Which? notes that proof of purchase is usually required for a return. Some stores may not refund to a credit or debit card unless the original cardholder is present. However, if an item was purchased as a gift, recipients may often exchange it for a gift card, voucher, or credit note.
