Poll reveals worst types of Christmas presents

Some types of Christmas gifts almost always disappoint, a new poll has shown.

Clothes came out as the worst gift to receive and in-laws are among the worst offenders when it comes to giving presents, the survey by Promocodes.ie revealed.

Fashion items that don’t fit or just don’t suit were the most likely gifts to prompt those gritted-teeth smiles over Christmas, with 18% of 1017 adults surveyed by saying they would really rather choose their own gifts.

The poll shows perfumes, bath and shower items came in a close second on the Christmas gifts blacklist, with 14% of those polled saying they would be disappointed if a loved one placed these under the tree for them on Christmas morning.

The traditional gift of handkerchiefs was deemed most unacceptable by 8% of respondents. One in ten surveyed said tacky underwear and novelty gifts were also likely to find their way to a charity shop doorstep by New Years Day.

While most will turn over a new leaf in the new year, fitness equipment packed little punch, with 7% saying they just didn’t want it for Christmas, followed by 6% turning their noses up at the prospect of unwrapping a scented candle.

A plant bought at the petrol station came next at 5%, along with cheap and tacky jewellery.

Finally, ornaments performed poorly with another 5% of those polled. Other disappointing gifts included socks, kitchen gadgets, cheap chocolates and DVDs.

One respondent said: “The in-laws always do the worst job. It’s always cheap chocolates, which they don’t even bother to wrap up. Neither my wife or I have the heart to tell them that they end up in the local charity shop by the New Year.”

Another commented: “My husband has tried to buy me underwear before. I think he was buying for someone else because the size and colour were completely wrong!”

Darren Williams from Promocodes.ie said: “Buying the perfect present is definitely a lost art. Some try to play it safe and buy scented candles and smellies, which clearly seem to be met with disappointment by a large amount of (mainly) women.

“Spending more doesn’t necessarily help the situation. Personal gifts can be a wonderful and cheap idea,” he said.