The findings shed light on how shoppers deal with unsuitable presents and highlight the importance of gift receipts and extended returns policies…reports Asian Lite News
Marmite-scented deodorant and already-worn pyjamas have topped the list of the most disappointing Christmas presents, according to research that found one in five Britons have received an unwanted gift in their festive haul. The study suggests that while many people accept such gifts with good grace, a significant proportion quietly dispose of them once the festive period is over.
More than 2,000 members of the public were polled by the consumer group Which? in January about the gifts they received last Christmas, with 21% of those surveyed saying they had been given an unwanted or unsuitable present. The research aimed to understand not only what types of gifts miss the mark, but also what recipients typically do when faced with something they neither want nor need.
Among the most frequently cited disappointments was deodorant with the fragrance of Marmite, a limited-edition product released by Unilever, which makes both the savoury spread and Lynx body spray. While novelty gifts often attract attention in the run-up to Christmas, respondents suggested that such items do not always translate into welcome surprises on Christmas morning.
Other examples of unwelcome presents included rotten coconut and pineapple, pointing to the risks of gifting perishable food items. One respondent also reported receiving a Tottenham Hotspur book that failed to impress because the recipient was a supporter of Chelsea rather than Tottenham Hotspur. The anecdote underlined how personal interests, particularly sporting loyalties, can make or break a gift.
The survey also highlighted cases where gifts were unsuitable rather than simply disappointing. One respondent who suffers from vertigo and has a fear of flying said they were given a helicopter ride by their daughter. While the intention may have been generous, the example illustrated how experiential gifts can backfire if the giver is unaware of health conditions or phobias.
When asked what they did with an unwanted gift, responses varied widely. A third, or 33%, of those surveyed said they kept the item and would use it despite their initial disappointment. A further 15% said they kept the gift but did not use it, suggesting that politeness or reluctance to offend often outweighs practicality.
Once the dust had settled on the festive celebrations, however, many respondents chose to part with their unwanted presents. A third, or 34%, said they got rid of the gift rather than returning or exchanging it. This indicates that despite the availability of returns policies, many people prefer to quietly move on from an unsuitable present rather than face the potential awkwardness of returning it.
Among the most popular options for passing on an unsuitable item was giving it to a friend or family member, a choice made by 12% of respondents. Another 10% said they donated the item to a charity shop, while 8% reported selling it on an online marketplace. These approaches reflect a desire to ensure the gift is still put to use, even if not by the original recipient.
Only a small minority opted for more direct or wasteful solutions. Just 2% of those surveyed said they had thrown an unwanted present away, while only 1% admitted to giving it back to the person who bought it for them. The figures suggest that most people seek to avoid outright rejection of a gift, even when it misses the mark.
“Our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted gift,” said Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?. “It’s always worth getting a gift receipt so your loved one has the option to return their gift if needed.”
The consumer group pointed out that many retailers extend their returns policies over the festive period, offering shoppers additional time to return or exchange items bought as Christmas presents. This can allow recipients of disappointing gifts to obtain a refund, exchange the item for something more suitable, or opt for a voucher instead.
“Sometimes, for online orders, only the buyer can request a refund or exchange,” Webb added. “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.”
