Used Pyjamas and Rotten Fruit Among UK's Worst Christmas Presents in 2024
A survey conducted by Which? in January 2025, involving over 2,000 UK adults, revealed that about one in five people received an unwanted or unsuitable gift during Christmas 2024. Some of the most disliked presents included used pyjamas, rotten fruit such as coconut and pineapple, marmite-scented deodorant, and a Tottenham Hotspur book given to a Chelsea fan. One unusual gift noted was a helicopter ride given to someone who suffers from vertigo.
Regarding how recipients handled these unwelcome gifts, 33% kept and intended to use them, 15% kept them but would not use them, and 34% chose to get rid of the gift. Among those, 12% gave the unwanted items to friends or family, 11% donated them to charity shops, and 8% sold them online.
Nearly half of the people who attempted to return their gifts encountered issues. Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert, advised keeping gift receipts to facilitate returns. She also pointed out that for online orders, the buyer often must request refunds or exchanges, but retailers may permit gift recipients to return or exchange items under their policies.
This information was reported by Sky News on 27 December 2025.
