More than 14 million Brits dread the thought of receiving novelty gifts at Christmas, particularly novelty ties (27%)¹,  new research reveals. Other most hated novelties include personalised mugs, handcuffs, slippers, socks, leggings, onesies, and reindeer poo. Novelty desk gifts (such as mini desk golf) are another present loved ones should stay away from (18%). 

The findings, from a survey conducted by spirits company, Stravaig Spirits through Opinium Research of 2,000 Brits² delves into the UK’s most hated Christmas gifts and highlights what people should avoid purchasing this festive season. 

According to Stravaig Spirits’ research, the top five most disliked Christmas gifts to receive include:

  1. Novelty tie (27%)
  2. Novelty desk gifts (18%) 
  3. Joke books  (17%)
  4. Aftershave (16%)
  5. Beer glass (16%)
  6. Christmas jumper (15%) 
  7. Alcohol flask (15%) 
  8. Mini/novelty tool sets (13%) 
  9. Gardening tools (12%) 
  10. Boxers (12%)

Alongside novelty items, respondents shared that joke books (17%), aftershave (16%), and a beer glass (16%) wouldn’t be welcomed under the Christmas tree this year. Respondents expressed their distaste for receiving aftershave, with many commenting that Lynx Africa gift sets were their most loathed present to receive. 

Christmas jumpers and pyjamas are another no-go, with London (18%) and the North East (20%) venting their annoyance about receiving Christmas PJs. Scotland (20%), Yorkshire and Humberside (15%), the East of England (18%), and the South East (17%) dread receiving festive knitted jumpers on the 25th of December. 

Other bad clothing items Brits have received at Christmas in the past include a paisley shirt, driving gloves, a pink leather purse, a trilby hat, a cardigan with one of the pockets sewn in wrong, and two scarves from the same person. 

One male respondent commented “as I never wear jumpers, I hated the jumper my wife gave me at Christmas” and a female respondent shared her worst present:  “a jumper from my ex-boyfriend with a picture of us on it.” 

Whisky experts at Stravaig Sprits highlight other bad Christmas gifts including toilet accessories and weird food items. Shockingly, responses highlight that Brits are receiving Christmas gifts that they’re allergic or intolerant to, and could be detrimental to their health; including a peanut chocolate bar and fudge. Onions and a tin of beans also make the list for the strangest foodie gifts. 

The toilet-related items gift buyers seem to be a fan of include a portable loo, soap on a rope, a toilet roll cover, a plastic shower cap, talcum powder, shower gel, and shampoo. With this in mind and the abundance of Lynx Arica gift sets being found in stockings, what are Brits trying to say about their loved one’s hygiene? 

Wales (18%) also expressed their hatred for gardening tools. During the research, Brits divulged the worst garden-related items they’ve ever received including a garden centre voucher (respondent has no garden), a cheap pair of garden shears, an arrangement of fake flowers, and a book about plants.  

Co-founder of Stravaig Spirits, Ola Lopatowska, comments on the findings: “It’s really interesting (and funny!), to see some of the Christmas gifts that Brits have received over the years and what they’re worried to receive this year. It can be really hard to buy for family and friends, especially those that seem to have everything already, so I understand how some people might slip up on buying good presents, it’s easily done! 

“I also think people believe they need to buy rafts of presents for their loved ones, when this isn’t the case. I think one or two well-thought-out gifts would be more appreciated than a pile of presents that have been bought and wrapped at the last minute. 

“Specialising in Scotch whisky, we really understand what it means to create something that people will truly appreciate and value. So much time and care goes into each of our Tri Carragh bottles, and I think when people are shopping for Christmas gifts, they need to be mindful of how things have been made, and the care that has been taken to produce it. If shoppers think this way, they have a good chance of purchasing something for their loved one that they will cherish, and will remember for years to come.”

To read more on the UK’s most hated Christmas gifts, please visit: https://www.stravaigspirits.com/blog/most-hated-christmas-presents

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