Marmite deodorant tops list of worst festive gifts
Used pyjamas, rotten fruit and Marmite-scented deodorant have been named among the UK’s most disappointing Christmas presents, according to new research from Which?.
The consumer group surveyed more than 2,000 people in January 2025 about the gifts they received last Christmas and found that one in five (21%) had received an unwanted or unsuitable item.
When asked what they did with their unwanted gifts, a third (33%) said they kept and used them, while 15% kept them but did not plan to use them.
Instead of returning or exchanging the item, more than a third (34%) said they got rid of the gift altogether. One in eight (12%) gave it to a friend or family member, one in ten (11%) donated it to a charity shop, and 8% sold it online. Smaller numbers admitted to giving it back to the person who bought it (1%) or throwing it away (2%).
Among the strangest unwanted gifts reported were a Tottenham Hotspur book given to a Chelsea fan and a helicopter ride gifted to someone with vertigo and a fear of flying.
Nearly half of those who attempted to return their gift said they faced difficulties. The most common issues were problems posting or sending back the item (14%), receiving a damaged replacement (12%), and being unable to get a cash refund despite having a receipt (11%).
Which? noted that many retailers extend their return policies over the festive season, allowing refunds, exchanges or vouchers. However, consumers are urged to check the terms carefully, as vouchers may expire or become invalid if a retailer ceases trading.
Lisa Webb, Consumer Law Expert at Which?, said: “It’s hard to think of a more disappointing present than used pyjamas or rotten fruit but our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted 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.”
Which? advises customers to retain proof of purchase where possible and to explore secondhand marketplaces or charity donations if they cannot return an item.
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