Marmite-Scented Deodorant Named UK’s Most Unwanted Christmas Gift in New Consumer Survey
Which? poll finds quirky novelty item tops list of disappointing presents alongside pyjamas and mismatched nominations
A consumer survey of more than two thousand adults in the United Kingdom has identified a Marmite-scented deodorant as the most unwanted Christmas present this festive season, underscoring the challenge of novelty gifts that miss the mark with recipients.
The research, conducted by the consumer advocacy group Which?, found that an unusual body spray fragrance inspired by the nation’s famously divisive yeast extract topped the list of disappointing gifts, followed by items such as already-worn pyjamas and other mismatched presents like sports memorabilia given to supporters of rival football clubs.
The poll revealed that around twenty-one per cent of respondents reported receiving at least one unwanted or unsuitable gift in their holiday haul, with unusual novelty items and inappropriate experiences proving the biggest culprits.
Other examples cited included helicopter ride vouchers given to people with a fear of flying, indicating how mismatched presents can create awkward situations and unmet expectations.
Survey participants were asked how they dealt with unwanted items after Christmas, and a third said they kept and used them despite initial disappointment while fifteen per cent said they retained such gifts but did not use them.
A further thirty-four per cent disposed of unwanted presents rather than returning or exchanging them.
Among those who passed on unsuitable items, common approaches included regifting to friends or family, donating to charity shops, or selling items online, with only a small minority throwing gifts away or returning them to the original giver.
Which?
emphasised the importance of gift receipts and an understanding of retailers’ return policies, particularly for online purchases where only the buyer might be able to secure a refund.
The organisation’s advice highlighted that marking an item as a gift at the point of purchase can make it easier for recipients to exchange or return a present, making the holiday season less stressful for both givers and receivers.
As the UK reflects on its festive spending and gifting habits, the survey underscores the enduring popularity of novelty gifts even when they prove divisive among recipients.
The research, conducted by the consumer advocacy group Which?, found that an unusual body spray fragrance inspired by the nation’s famously divisive yeast extract topped the list of disappointing gifts, followed by items such as already-worn pyjamas and other mismatched presents like sports memorabilia given to supporters of rival football clubs.
The poll revealed that around twenty-one per cent of respondents reported receiving at least one unwanted or unsuitable gift in their holiday haul, with unusual novelty items and inappropriate experiences proving the biggest culprits.
Other examples cited included helicopter ride vouchers given to people with a fear of flying, indicating how mismatched presents can create awkward situations and unmet expectations.
Survey participants were asked how they dealt with unwanted items after Christmas, and a third said they kept and used them despite initial disappointment while fifteen per cent said they retained such gifts but did not use them.
A further thirty-four per cent disposed of unwanted presents rather than returning or exchanging them.
Among those who passed on unsuitable items, common approaches included regifting to friends or family, donating to charity shops, or selling items online, with only a small minority throwing gifts away or returning them to the original giver.
Which?
emphasised the importance of gift receipts and an understanding of retailers’ return policies, particularly for online purchases where only the buyer might be able to secure a refund.
The organisation’s advice highlighted that marking an item as a gift at the point of purchase can make it easier for recipients to exchange or return a present, making the holiday season less stressful for both givers and receivers.
As the UK reflects on its festive spending and gifting habits, the survey underscores the enduring popularity of novelty gifts even when they prove divisive among recipients.
