Marmite-scented deodorant, used pyjamas and rotten fruit: Which? reveals the UK’s most disappointing Christmas presents

Marmite-scented deodorant, used pyjamas and rotten fruit have been named as some of the nation’s worst gifts, as new Which? research reveals one in five received an unwanted present last Christmas.

In January 2025, 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 (33%) said they kept it and will use it and one in six (15%) said they kept it but would not use it. 

Instead of returning or exchanging the present, a third (34%) admitted they had gotten rid of the gift - one in eight (12%) gave it to a friend or family member, one in 10 (11%) gave it to a charity shop and eight 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 (1%) and throwing it away (2%). 

The consumer champion also asked people about the worst present they have ever received. Among them were marmite-scented deodorant, used pyjamas and rotten coconut and pineapple. 

One respondent received a Tottenham Hotspur book even though they supported Chelsea and another was gifted a helicopter ride by their daughter - despite having vertigo and a fear of flying. 

Nearly half of those who tried to return their gift said they experienced an issue. The most common issues were; issues posting or sending back the item (14%), the replacement item being damaged (12%) and being unable to get money back despite having a receipt, so having to accept a gift card or store credit instead (11%). 

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 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 as 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 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.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Which? surveyed 2,047 adults in the UK between 24th and 27th January 2025. Fieldwork was carried out online by Deltapoll and data has been weighted to be representative of the UK population (aged 18+).

Which? advice on what to do with unwanted gifts is available here: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/i-want-to-return-my-goods-what-are-my-rights 

Which? guide on secondhand marketplaces is available here: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/shopping-sustainably/article/shopping-sustainably/best-and-worst-places-to-shop-second-hand-online-aq4XN0M2mb4B 

About Which?

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, empowering people to make confident choices and demand better. Through our research, investigations and product testing, we provide trusted insight and expert recommendations on the issues that matter most to consumers.

Fiercely independent, we put people over profit - shining a light on unfair practices, influencing policy and holding businesses to account to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone.

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