Christmas is a time for thoughtful giving, but for a host of Australian celebrities, the festive season has delivered more than its fair share of awkward and bewildering moments. While some A-listers receive lavish presents, others are left utterly perplexed by gifts that range from the confusing to the downright inappropriate.
Inappropriate Presents and X-Rated Surprises
Married At First Sight star Nasser Sultan revealed to the Daily Mail that he regularly receives unusual gifts from fans. One offering left him particularly stunned. "One person gave me a $200 gift voucher to a male w***ehouse, to get a massage in Sydney," he explained. The gift was confusing for Sultan, who is not gay and has dated high-profile women like SBS star Karla Grant. He joked, "I was like, 'Oh my Lord'. So, I gave it to my neighbour."
Another bizarre gift from a fan was an X-rated product. "I got a blow-up doll, it was hilarious... I think I still have it, I should sell it on eBay," he said. For this year, Sultan stated he would prefer something simple, like a voucher for a nice restaurant.
Regifted Gyms and Insulting Trimmers
Comedian Tanya Hennessy shared her own tale of festive disappointment with the Daily Mail. She was once given a present back that she had originally gifted to someone the previous year. "One year I got a gym membership and I was like, 'no'. You know, people are so mean," she recalled.
She also mentioned receiving a nose hair trimmer, which she found rather insulting. "I was like, well, 'this is suggestive'. Maybe I do need to see a waxer more regularly," she quipped. Hennessy added that such gifts, like the gym membership, felt like a relic of the early 2000s and hopefully wouldn't happen now.
TV Personalities Recall Festive Fails
Other well-known faces have also suffered from questionable gift-giving. Speaking to Nine Honey in 2019, AFL WAG Bec Judd said she disliked receiving 'double-ups' under the tree. Veteran presenter Sylvia Jeffreys poked fun at her brother for once gifting her a Coca-Cola yo-yo he had retrieved from a McDonald's Happy Meal.
Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic bemoaned the worst present he ever received: a bread maker from his brother Pete. His colleague, David Campbell from Today Extra, said he once received an unattractive painting that "did not make the journey back to my home."
Even Channel Nine veteran Richard Wilkins admitted to being a bad gift-giver on one occasion. He hastily wrapped some old chocolates for a cousin, only to realise they were three years past their use-by date after they were opened.
In contrast, veteran radio star Chrissie Swan highlighted the true spirit of giving. Speaking to Women's Weekly in 2023, she said, "The real joy of getting a gift is knowing a person thought about you and found something just for you." She cited her son Leo's thoughtful purchase of a cross-body bag for his sister as a perfect example of a meaningful present.
