A burial plot, toilet seat and a second-hand tumble dryer: Which? reveals the UK’s most disappointing Christmas presents

A second-hand tumble dryer, an offer for a burial plot and toilet seat have been named as some of the nation’s worst Christmas gifts, as new Which? research reveals one in five have received an unwanted present

In February 2024, the consumer champion surveyed more than 2,000 members of the public about their gifts last Christmas and found that one in five (21%) had received an unwanted or unsuitable gift.

When asked what they did with the unwanted gift, three in 10 (28%) said they kept it and will use it and one in six (16%) said they kept it but would not use it.

Instead of returning or exchanging the present, three in 10 (31%) admitted they had gotten rid of the gift – one in eight (12%) gave it to a charity shop, one in 10 (10%) gave it to a friend or family member and five per cent sold it on an online marketplace.

Less popular ways of getting rid of unsuitable gifts included giving it back to the person who gifted it (3%) and throwing it away (1%).

The consumer champion also asked people about the worst present they have ever received. Among them was a second-hand tumble dryer a 19-year-old received from her boyfriend, an offer for a burial plot and a toilet seat.

One respondent – who is vegetarian – said they received roast beef and another said they got shower gel regifted from the year before.

The majority of those who tried to return their gift said they experienced an issue. The most common issues were; wanting to exchange the item but finding there was no replacement available (26%), having problems getting hold of customer service (14%) and the shop not accepting the item at all (13%).

Many retailers extend their return policy during the festive period, so if you have received a disappointing gift you may be able to get a refund or exchange it for another item or a voucher. However, customers should carefully consider whether to accept vouchers, as they could become worthless if the retailer goes bust and often come with an expiry date.

You will usually need to provide proof of purchase, like a receipt, in order to return an unwanted item. Some retailers do not allow refunds to credit or debit cards unless the original card holder is present, but they may allow gift recipients to return gifts in exchange for a gift card, voucher or credit note so long as the item was marked as a gift at the time of purchase.

If you do not have a gift receipt and you do not feel comfortable asking for one, you could consider donating your gift to charity or selling it on a secondhand marketplace such as eBay or Vinted.

Lisa Webb, Consumer Law Expert, said:

“It’s hard to think of a less appropriate Christmas gift than a burial plot or a toilet seat, but anyone can struggle to get it right when buying for friends and family. Our research shows a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with a disappointing Christmas gift.

“It’s always worth getting a gift receipt so your loved one has the option to return their gift if needed.

“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.”