Used deodorant is among worst possible gifts received, watchdog finds

That really stinks! Out-of-date food and used deodorant are among worst possible festive gifts received, consumer watchdog finds

• Survey found some gifts that are more likely to spark offence than gratitude
• Some were given a dustpan and brush, out of date chocolate & used deodorant
• One respondent got a book by a conspiracy theorist about doomsday and aliens

For many, the real joy of Christmas comes from the pleasure of giving a thoughtful present and seeing the face of the recipient light up.

However, for others, giving the perfect present does not seem to be high on the priority list.

A list of the worst possible gifts received, which was conducted by consumer champion Which?, found some that are more likely to spark offence than gratitude.

For example, there was the part-used deodorant, out of date food, a box of chocolates given to someone with a dairy allergy, and a book on conspiracy theories.

The miserable Christmas list included a dustpan and brush, out of date chocolate and wine, vodka gifted to a pregnant woman and used deodorant [File photo]

The research among 1,800 people found that one in four had received an unwanted or unsuitable present last Christmas.

Of these, one in four admitted they had given it away and one in seven exchanged it for something else from the retailer. One in 14 put them on eBay, while one in ten just put it in the bin.

A brave 2 per cent had taken the confrontational approach and given it back.

Which? found that women were more likely than men to give away their presents – three in ten women decided to find a new home for their disappointing gifts compared to one in five men.

The consumer guide also asked people about the worst Christmas gifts they have ever received.

For many, the real joy of Christmas comes from the pleasure of giving a thoughtful present and seeing the face of the recipient light up. However, for others, giving the perfect present does not seem to be high on the priority list [File photo]

The miserable Christmas list included a dustpan and brush, out of date chocolate and wine, vodka gifted to a pregnant woman and used deodorant.

One respondent had received a book by a conspiracy theorist about doomsday and aliens.

Another person received over £100’s worth of dairy chocolate from their grandmother despite being severely allergic to dairy.

An overwhelming three quarters of those surveyed said that none of the Christmas presents they received included a gift receipt – meaning they would not be able to exchange unwanted items.

Which? said: ‘Most retailers extend their return policy during the festive period, so if you have received a disappointing gift you may be able to exchange it for another item or a voucher if you have a gift receipt. However, customers should carefully consider whether to accept vouchers, as they could become worthless if the retailer goes bust.

‘You could consider donating your gift to charity or selling it on a second hand marketplace.’

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