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From Re-Gifts To Utter Insults, Here’s 30 Christmas Presents That Ruined The Holiday Spirit
“It’s the thought that counts” is an excuse made up by people who are terrible at giving gifts. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Not only is it hurtful and embarrassing to unwrap something completely useless, but it’s also a hassle to figure out how to get rid of it—making the whole thing unnecessarily wasteful. And let’s not forget the awkward act you have to put on to pretend you like it. Truly, a nightmare from start to finish.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the worst Christmas presents people have ever received. Scroll down to see them, and let us know if you’ve ever been stuck with something just as bad!
More info: Mumsnet
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My mum once got me a beautiful, glossy diary with renaissance art on every other page.
Then she read my diary, decided she didn't like what I'd written (I was 14) so she said she "burned it".
Thanks mum!
FuturamaFan 11 months ago
Mine just tore out the pages where I had written "if something happens to me, my parents should be held responsible." Well tore out the pages, put it back and pretended like nothing happened. Not bothered with a 15 year old crying to sleep every night, or the self harm or them pulling their hair out. Nothing matters, unless its their own life. 20 years forward, told me they were miserable with their married life, tried to end it with a spoonful of acid. Am I supposed to act sympathetic now? Nope, I am still not mature enough to let things go. So I said "a spoonful? That's too little to do anything". Thoughts?
lindsaygerring 11 months ago
Yeah I have some.thougths f**k them cut them totally put ypir ldoe this is ypur timezone they've had theirs n their f**k ups should not on any way if been.passed down to you
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Michael Largey 11 months ago
And If she didn't like what she read in the report on her daughter's medical examination, she could have burned that too, curing her child of all the conditions reported.
lindsaygerring 11 months ago
You have your time now live ypur life be hapoy ypu are enough just the way that you are f**k them.dpnt even look back you do you . You dot ned people.like that in your life they failed you ina tumultuous very important stage of growth amd being and there's no excuse cut loose n sail off with the wind at ur back girly be happy.smile amd luve ur life on your own terms.f**k.them.
RELATED:
#2
The most bizarre present I received was from two employees.
It was a china lobster pot, with gold highlights, with china lobsters and crabs running all over it decorated with china roses and a vase as part of the back of it. I think DH and I laughed for about 30 minutes straight after opening it. It took pride of place in our bathroom for many years until a visitor broke it . The following year they gave us a brown resin fish with red rhinestone eyes which I also admired greatly as it was completely insane.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
You received conversation starters and funny memory creators. Best gifts ever.
Janissary35680 11 months ago
The first one sounds like Majolica ware, which can (sometimes) be quite valuable.
Lyoness 11 months ago
I'm wondering if the employees were trying to send a message with their aquatic themed gifts. Like...maybe they thought she was a tad fishy?
Look, if you’re stressed about gift-giving, you wouldn’t be the first, and you definitely won’t be the last. In fact, 56% of people admit they feel this way—especially parents with young kids (66%), millennials (64%), and women (64%). But that doesn’t mean you should give up entirely and settle for something completely random, because honestly, that’s probably not much better or sometimes even worse than giving nothing at all.
#3
My MIL got me a baking tray again. I have no idea why, because I hate any form of cooking.
She also gave me a gift token for DH’s favourite restaurant, that I don’t like at all.
DH got me quite pretty, very overpriced polyester PJs, two sizes too big.
I have recently started night sweats and hot flushes. If I didn’t like polyester before, I sure as hell can’t wear it now.
On the plus side MIL hates cats with a passion, and my cat sat staring at her furiously all through the christmas dinner. It really put MIL off her food and that was very funny.
Janissary35680 11 months ago
The cat knows and has your back. MIL would be advised to check her coat before putting it on when leaving the house. 😾
Orange Panda 11 months ago
And purse. Before my last cat died, she pooped in my purse. I had broken the handle so didn't use it for ages. I went to clean it out and throw it away, and there was a last gift from my little fluffy goofball.
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Schmebulock 11 months ago (edited)
Obviously get MIL cat stuff for Christmas and dipshit husband an extra small speedo.
Kiki Likes Sweets 11 months ago
I usually read it as Dïckhead but I think it's dear husband.
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DragonofMordor 11 months ago
Cats are good judges of character. And they are very protective of their chosen humans. MIL is lucky she didn't end up bit.
Abraxas59 11 months ago
The cats got you lol 😂 as for the night sweats lol I just been thru that embrace it it saves on heating bills lmao kick off the covers n only wear cotton I’ve loved the menopause lmao I’m 60 started it ten yr ago own internal heating system I’m on antidepressants anyway so they stopped the mood swings mostly oh and no more monthly’s bonus x
#4
Every year a certain family member gets me bath bombs. I cannot use them as i am alergic to them. I have suggested things i would prefer every year like chocolates or a good bottle of wine. This family member always fails to listen. I am fed up of pretending to be greatful.
JP Doyle 11 months ago
I'm allergic to milk and kept getting cheese gift boxes. The next year I didn't bother hinting, I just smiled when I got the cheese box and handed them their gift with a "Here's your gift in the same spirit." It contained a face cream she was highly allergic to and would never use. The complaint that she "cannot use that because of allergies" was countered with "exactly, it's in the same spirit as the cheese I can never eat."
DC 11 months ago
Let me guess: They were upset and hurt beyond butts, right?
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Petra brown 11 months ago
I am getting socks to small for my feet every year from a close relative ... I accept them with a big and honest smile because they go in the box I assemble each Christmas for the needy
Lara Verne 11 months ago
My aunt used to give us (family members she didn't like) cheap items that usually were useless. Like socks, but 10 times bigger that I need. When I was 13, she gave me anti-wrinkle cream.I gaveit tomy grandma, who used same brand. Grandma once got Hannah Montana themed pens :D Aunt also keeps giving grandma tea she didn't like . Grandma usually give it to me, because I like this flavour...
Remi (He/Him) 11 months ago
Almost sounds like she kept mixing up your and your grandma's gifts
Load More Replies... Lyoness 11 months ago
Every time it happens smile gratefully and say "it's so sweet of you to give me these, but unfortunately I'm allergic and can't use them. Why don't you pass them on to someone else?" Then smile sweetly. Repeat as necessary, but next time add "like I've said before.." "and I'm sure you just forgot". Repeat as necessary.
Miki 11 months ago
I am guessing this person has already passed this line.
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CanadianDimes 11 months ago
Either gift them back or find something they dislike or can’t use and keep giving that until they get the message (assuming you’ve told them directly you can’t use bath bombs)
XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧 11 months ago (edited)
I'd just give them back. I absolutely loath pears. I've mentioned this to a certain family member countless times and they always send me gift baskets with fancy pears & wine. I don't make a big deal over it because the wine is usually good & I can give the pears to my horses/goats/alpacas as a treat. Last year though, I got all pears. It started to feel passive aggressive, so I sent them back with a nice little "Thank you but no thank you. I've told you for 4 years I hate pears" note. This year I got chocolates 😁
Instead, you can dedicate some time to becoming a better gift-giver. Of course, some might say that only people with a natural talent for it can be any good, but I believe it’s a skill anyone can learn. If you’re willing to put in the effort, that is.
#5
The guy I was dating put £10 in a card. The card was definitely one from a pack, not one he'd specifically chosen for me. Then he got mad because my presents to him were better.
One year, for my birthday (which I know isn't the question but it's right after Christmas), my family gave me a stadium tour of the football team my dad and brothers support. I don't give a s**t about football...
Nancy Doggett 11 months ago
I hope you gave the stadium tour to a friend who would appreciate it.
Betsy S 11 months ago
Naw. I'd burn it right in front of them. How insulting!
Load More Replies... Katie Barnes 11 months ago
This year in the family gift exchange (choose a name, 50-100$ spending range) my husband's super rich brother gave him a 50$ bill in a card. We chose names in September. Everyone else had beautiful, thoughtful gifts to open. My BIL is clearly a class act.
#6
A homemade (but low quality) ham sandwich and a bottle of cheap (really cheap) wine.
I don't eat ham and don't drink alcohol. It was like the guy just gave me half his lunch and some petrol station quality booze.
DC 11 months ago
It's somewhat funny, but in all honesty: What difference does it make? Especially to somebody who doesn't like ANY wine, simply not their cuppa, that ... ?
Load More Replies... #7
A box of biscuits from my mother. The same year my sibling got a car.
_-DungeonKeeper-_ 11 months ago
No, you get a box of biscuits. Your sibling gets a car.
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Susan 11 months ago
Reminds me of the year they took my little brother to Disney World for my birthday.
Kristiina 11 months ago
One Christmas my brother got 5k worth of stuff and I got 50€ gift certificate. This was 30 years ago and I'm still upset about the injustice.
Katie Barnes 11 months ago
If your parents are anything like mine they'll explain that "he needed it more than you". Sigh.
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Katie Barnes 11 months ago
My parents explained that kind of thing to me: "he needs it more than you". Yes, because he's unemployed fully by choice (work is hard, he doesn't''t want to get up to an alarm) and I actually work. So frustrating.
If I had to boil it down to one thing, I’d argue that the ability to choose fabulous gifts comes from having a good sense of context. A gift doesn’t need to be expensive to stand out—even something as trivial as a box of matches can feel perfect when it fits the occasion. What I’m saying is, if you’re picking out something for someone you know fairly well, it should ideally carry a bit of personal meaning.
#8
One of my older sisters gave me half a pack of Christmas window stickers.
Then she had a strop because I didn't buy her some fancy perfume she'd asked for. I got her a book.
The reason I got her a small token gift in the shape of a book is because she has form for shitty gift giving and I don't engage with her any more. For my wedding she gave me a few pounds in loose change (I got her a kitchen aid for the record, something she asked for and something that cost me a lot of money). She's not short of money and neither is her husband.
I knew she'd give me junk again this year so there was no way I was spending anything other than a tenner on her. She's an entitled cow.
Roxy222uk 11 months ago
What does she say when you ask her why you bought her a Kitchen Aid but she only gave you loose change? If it's your sister and the relationship is in danger of breaking completely, might as well just ask.
Nancy Doggett 11 months ago
Try to find the same pack of Christmas window stickers, take off the ones there were in the pack she gave you and then give her the other half next Christmas :D
Katie Barnes 11 months ago
After 5 years of buying my brother, SIL, and nephews thoughtful gifts and getting literally nothing in return we stopped buying for bro and SIL and now just buy for the nephews. I didn't mind when they got us a bargain box of chocolates or something small, but to not bother at all hurt.
#9
MIL got me a chest freezer which didn't fit into my house but conveniently fitted into her utility, she looked after it for me for years. Surprised she didn't charge me for storage.
ॐBoyGanesh 11 months ago
Oh hell no! I wouldn’t have let her look after it. I’d give that honor to the street curb.
#10
My husband got me SEVEN (individual) pairs of socks that don't fit. Despite my helpfulness of providing a wish list.
Women's socks don't fit me as I'm very tall and have proportionate feet, so I wear men's.
I especially can't wear slippers socks as they are super snug. He proudly presented three pairs "because he's not seen me wear mine and thought I needed new".
His face when I said no, they just don't fit like the pair last year, and the year before and I've told you multiple times.
Still. Beats the year he said he'd seen an electric blanket in Lidl and I in no uncertain terms said do not buy me that. He did.
CanadianDimes 11 months ago
I wouldn’t be surprised if she was always an afterthought
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Nikole 11 months ago
As I sadly know from experience, people can learn to put up with a lot.
Load More Replies... CutePanda 11 months ago
I didn't even get a gift this year :(. I gave gifts to my husband, son and daughter. I gave (not too subtle hints) to my husband, but apparently he didn't get them. Now I am happy enough to see my family happy with the gifts I bought for them, but somewhere in the back of my head it feels like mine doesn't matter.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
I am thinking that the hubby is taking her comments as sarcastic and thus, meaning the opposite of what she states....
MotherofGuineaPigs 11 months ago
My brother and I used to give each other the tackiest gifts we could find. He won with curb feelers.
Tina Girard 11 months ago
Yeah, one Xmas, my ex got me sweat socks ("they were on sale honey!")
Patricia Steward 11 months ago
If he's not listening to her about that, I guarantee he's not listening to her about lots of stuff.
CanadianDimes 11 months ago
“We have a great relationship except he doesn’t give a flying fūck about me!”
Load More Replies...A set of matches can go from being an awfully cheap and degrading gift to something magical if it’s the same one your mom used before moving to a different country and thought she’d never find again. A toothbrush might seem like a terrible choice—until it’s a sleek, high-end version that comes in a case with printed initials.
During the holidays, I once gave my dad a keychain for his car keys after he’d spent weeks complaining that he couldn’t find one that didn’t look silly. I had a personal message engraved on it, and he absolutely loved it. Later, when he took his car in for maintenance, the mechanic noticed the keychain and remarked on how sweet it was, which made the gift feel even more special.
#11
When I was about 17 my mother and sister got me a pair of next jeans a couple of sizes too small so I could “fit into them” because I was “going to go on diet anyway”
for context my sister has seriously disordered eating even years after this incident so it’s more a reflection of her own self esteem I think
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 11 months ago
For those wondering, Next is a clothing retailer in the UK (and Ireland?). Capitalisation of the name by OP would have probably helped here.
Belle_Pandamonium🇧🇻l 11 months ago
They sell (or at least sold, Next here in Norway. )..
Load More Replies... Abraxas59 11 months ago
Being from uk next sizes are small to ! telling anyone what they got told is despicable I’m a recovering anorexic I’m at 60 finally happy with how I am if none told me that I wouldn’t be so bloody polite n I’d never say it to my my 23-20 yr old daughter n son it’s how eating disorders start it’s cruel
#12
A half used bottle of perfume
Nancy Doggett 11 months ago
I gave my mom a half full bottle of perfume(a seller I knew from eBay gave me a great deal lol)-but it was a fave of hers that was expensive and I had broken her bottle when I was a little kid. But she WANTED it and I knew it would have special meaning to her lol.
#13
After having my first baby in the November, I asked my mum for a pair of boots for Christmas, when she gave me my present I was quite excited as it was a box the same size as if it was the boots I wanted, when I opened it I was mortified to see it was a soft doll with a baby one in its pocket,
when I asked her why she thought I would want that as I had a 4 week old baby, her
response was “well I like it so if you don’t want it then I’ll have it” she then went and put it on her bed
Lyoness 11 months ago
People who buy presents that are really for themselves have a special place in (a Simpson's themed) hell.
Anne Roberts 11 months ago
I got a lawnmower for Mother's Day once. My ex-husband was the one who mowed the lawn, not me.
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Tina Girard 11 months ago
One Xmas, my ex got my daughter an RC car - which would have been ok if she was, you know, interested in RC cars. He had a great time that day.
Upstaged75 11 months ago
As someone who always gives very thoughtful gifts I can't imagine doing anything like that. I pride myself on getting people something they would REALLY like. Just buy it for yourself if its something you want - don't pretend you got it for anyone else.
Spittnimage 11 months ago
My goodness! The people that shop for themselves when they're supposed to be buying gifts for others. 🤦🏼♀️
DowntownStevieB 11 months ago
My family has a policy that, once you have a kid, the gifts are for the baby. It's a good policy.
Perhaps the best way to capture this idea is with one word: sentiment. Rodney Perry, digital creator, cultural critic, and founder of the Simply King podcast, sees it as the heart of any memorable present.
“I believe this applies to anyone with any connection,” says Rodney, who takes pride in being a thoughtful gift-giver. “If you can’t think of the perfect gift, use this method: give two gifts—one that’s sentimental, and another of relative value.”
#14
My fil and his second wife, who was horrible, bought me an expensive bottle of an obscure liqueur every single year. I don't drink alcohol often and if I do, I certainly don't drink that muck. I tried to tell them not to get me anything and told them several times that I don't drink, but every year it turned up.
Anyway, my friend's mum was always grateful for them as prizes in a raffle she organised!
ॐBoyGanesh 11 months ago
I’ve opened c**p gifts like this and just left them where I found them. No need to burden myself with it. Just set it down wherever I had opened it. Maybe someone else would enjoy it or, if at the giver’s house, give them opportunity to contemplate why I abandoned their thoughtless thing.
David 11 months ago
I mean if they give you an expensive bottle of booze you don't drink, then you have a very valuable thing to regift for someone you know who will appreciate it. I did that with a nice wine once, I am not a really a drinker, and dont appreciate fine wines, but it made a great gift.
Susan 11 months ago
My step sister and her husband buy me and my husband nasty liquor (for him) and nasty wine (for me) every Christmas. No matter how thoughtful our gifts are we always get some version of the same thing. They're always super excited about our gifts to them and we have stopped saying thank you for our in hopes of them realizing how awful their gifts are, not working so far...
T Lee Mac 11 months ago
Get them the same cheap c**p they get you next year.
Load More Replies... #15
My then mid twenties SIL bought my husband (her brother) and me (also mid-twenties) a framed photo of herself.
Carl Roberts 11 months ago
"Not the actual photo". It's actually a stock photo, so why the F are the eyes censored??
#16
My first husband only ever gave me one gift. A vile plastic bracelet with some cheap gemstones glued onto it. You could see all the glue.
I dumped his sorry arse years ago but was absolutely fuming when I saw the birthday present he gave to our son for his 40th ....it was a used CD I remember him buying many years ago of the musical Oliver. Not wrapped no card just a note to say please send this back when you've watched it.
Nancy Doggett 11 months ago
Son should send him a box of condoms with a note "never have any other kids please"
#17
DH once gave me a posh (Japanese?) carving knife as my Christmas present.
I hadn't asked for one, so I was a bit confused - until the turkey was ready to serve and he said "where's that new carving knife?" and proceeded to open up "my" present and use it.
He has got a lot better at present buying since then...
on second thought.... 11 months ago
"He has got a lot better at present buying since then..." Dit the carving knife play an active role in his learning process?
#18
Ped Egg from my MIL, i asked DH why an earth she got me that and he said because i was always moaning my feet were rough. No dear YOU were always moaning my feet were rough
Janissary35680 11 months ago
Same principle. Might even double as one in a pinch. 😂
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Yellow dot 11 months ago (edited)
Now that just seems mean. Idk the back story but if cutesie faced caterpillars make her think of you, who are you to complain? Really seems like YOU were the one with the problem. She bought you a gift that made her think of you. A cutesie faced caterpillar (your words) is not just a green.worm. it's an art piece, probably one that made HER smile and she probably hoped YOU would smile, too. Instead you had a snarky, ungrateful comment that definitely worsened the relationship.
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#19
My ex husband once gave me two books as stocking fillers - one that was something I would never read, and I had already read the other one. He was always kind, but almost never thoughtful
Limey 11 months ago
“Always kind but never thoughtful” is one of the most insightful things I have heard in quite a while.
Nikole 11 months ago
True. Some people really do try, but aren’t just great gift givers. Another reason why lists are helpful if not necessary.
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#20
I had a boyfriend twice my age when I was 18, we'd nearly dated a year by the time Christmas came round.
For weeks, he kept going on about the amazing Christmas gift he'd got me, I was so excited. I'd bought him some posh aftershave and a nice shaving kit and was looking forward to exchanging presents.
The day came and I giddily opened my present, only to find a money box, a chalk, clown money box... With it's big red shoe chipped... I kind of looked round, bewildered, thinking it was a joke, but it really wasn't! He was so smug and so proud of himself for getting me this perfect gift.
Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate anything I'm given, I'm not ungrateful at all, I never have been. But it was the whole run up to this gift that was the issue. It was amazing, I'd absolutely love it etc... Talk about a let down! Before anyone jumps in to say maybe it was all he could afford, it wasn't! He had enough money to go to the pub every night for a few beers! Obviously I wasn't high on his list!
I think it "sadly" got broken not long after that!
(We broke up a couple of months later when he tried to get me to get with the barmaid of our local pub! She had the good grace to let me in on what was going on, when I shunned her advances. So I marched back into the bar and promptly poured my pint over his head and stomped out! Never saw him again!)
Feathered Dinosaur 11 months ago
Grown up man preying on teenage girls says all we need to know really
Roxy222uk 11 months ago
I was really sympathising with her parents having to sit back, hold their tongues, and hope that it would play out quickly.
Load More Replies... Schmebulock 11 months ago
The fact that he was 36 and dating an 18 yo should have been the blaring siren on top of the red flag.
BrownEyedPanda 11 months ago
Complete with billboard-sized flashing lights and a PA system with a repeating message: "RUN! THIS MAN IS A PREDATOR! RUUUUUUN!!"
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Nancy Doggett 11 months ago
Maybe he was giving you a self-portrait of himself. I hope you realize now that he was grooming you.
Courtney Christelle 11 months ago
“I started dating my boyfriend (who is twice my age) at 17!!!” Wtf!?
#21
A box of naice but out-of-date chocolate biscuits from an Uncle. It was a regift as we had given them to him last year. He didn't even bother to remove the gift tag that I had stuck on!
Tim Fawcett 11 months ago
Sounds like the staart of a family tradition - see how long you can keep them shuttling between different members of the family...."Whose turn is it for the biscuits this year?"
Yellow dot 11 months ago
Are you joking or are you actually trying to make a point?
Load More Replies... Uncle Schmickle 11 months ago
These are nice, but not gift worthy. Pick 'em up cheap from the supermarket.
#22
Twilight pin badges from an ex. I don’t even like the movies that much
Malakai 11 months ago
I would unironically love this pin 😂 It's so bad it's good--how can you not love the god awful glitter!
XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧 11 months ago
Right? I would love this too! It's pretty terrible, but admittedly I'm a little obsessed by how terrible it is. 🤭
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and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 11 months ago
Ngl, that’s hilarious. I would hate it, I think twilight is gross, but the sparkles are HYSTERICAL.
#23
A size 18 to 20 dressing gown from DH. I am small size 10 🤔. I was less than impressed and managed to wrap it aoj d me twice. Thankfully I took it back to Tesco as he kept the receipt to swap it. The lady who swapped it burst out laughing when I told her it was for and wondered if he wore his Christmas dinner instead of got to eat it.
#24
Cotton wool pads. Two packets, each separately wrapped and under the Christmas tree. From my parents. I was 22, broke and certainly not someone who "had everything" or hard to buy for- I love reading, music, you name it. Even a voucher would have been fine!!
Jenna Kay 11 months ago
One year my dad proudly gave me a set of tartan plaid plates with red roosters on them, saying he knew how much I liked roosters. I do not, in any way, have an attachment or fondness for roosters at all, and never have. Neither did I care for plaid. I have no idea why he deemed they were perfect - but I did get very upset when the last one broke a few years ago, because I love my father very much and when I used them, I thought about him.
kaycee14 11 months ago
Washable make-up remover pads, eco-friendly since they replace cotton balls or wipes. Useful, but not a main gift.
Load More Replies... #25
So much choice with my MIL. I should have known the bar was set low when the first year I was dating DH she got me a crochet toilet roll holder for Xmas . Nothing says welcome to the family more than that
There followed numerous random presents over the years . I particularly liked the purple dress phase where I received no less than 5 purple dresses in a row for birthday and Xmas. All different styles and sizes from an 8 to a 14 and all arriving without tags so couldn't even return. I have never shown a preference for purple clothes so who knows where that came from
She died a few years ago and I do miss her at Xmas
Anne Roberts 11 months ago
Yup. Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like toilet paper.
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Red_panda 11 months ago
My exact thought! This could come in so handy! But also has the potential of getting really gross
Load More Replies... Limey 11 months ago
My MIL was an odd duck too. Very tight with money (not badly off, only bought the best for herself), just grudging about what she spent on anyone else. The Christmas after her mother (husband’s grandmother ) went into a home with dementia and they had cleared out her house, she gave out (wrapped) most of the old lady’s belongings. Sets of dishes, glasses, ornaments… stuff like that. No one really wanted a bunch of used stuff from an elderly lady’s house, but the worse part was seeing this poor old soul who had recently found herself in a home and not sure why, look more and more bewildered as people kept opening gifts and inside were her - probably once prized - possessions. It remains to me an act of careless cruelty. But then that was my MIL. selfish and self centered to the last.
Janissary35680 11 months ago
The holder is crocheted, not the toilet roll. Though that might be an interesting texture. Recyclable too. 😊
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#26
My sister in law once got me the cheapest, most awful neon pink gloves.
We no longer exchange gifts.
Paul C. 11 months ago
My SIL got my wife a glass case embroidered with Victorian woman, it was seriously Fugly! I'm an XXL size, she got me a Medium white Tshirt for a birthday. It barely went over my head. She went to America, my wife gave her £50 to get me a Sweatshirt of my favourite NFL team. Came back and said none of the shops had sizes over a Large.....In America!!!!
April Pickett 11 months ago
She lied. I think just about everywhere has XXL/XXXL-sized sweatshirts for men.
Load More Replies... #27
Well, as the steam mop was for my birthday, and to stick to the Christmas present theme, probably a Ralph Lauren jumper from a charity shop with a weird blue stain on the shoulder and actual gravy on the sleeves. I've never worn or wanted designer clothes in my life, and this one was two sizes too small and made of horrible tightly knitted thick wool, it was almost solid.
Anne Jones 11 months ago
My friend’s cousin (or uncle or whatever) once bought his wife an ironing board for Christmas. On his birthday in January his wife came home with some lovely new curtains for the front room. He commented that they were nice. She said “I’m glad you like them. They’re your birthday present”.
#28
A £50 voucher for ASDA. Every year for a decade. Nothing wrong with an ASDA voucher at all, It's just at the time I lived about 70 miles away from the nearest one, I asked from the next year if he could swap it for a Tesco one then I would be able to use them..
He went mad and never got me anything again!
#29
A stuffed squirrel wrapped in a tea towel !
JP Doyle 11 months ago
I may be weird, but I would have laughed at that and given it a prominent place on the mantle piece. Granted, I have a mystery Santa who sent me a stuffed wombat this year...
MotherofGuineaPigs 11 months ago
The tackier the better. They get places of prominence here. The glass owl nightlight, The diamond picture of two swans. My favorite - A painting of a guinea pig in a victorian suit
Firstname Lastname 11 months ago
As long as it's a toy squirrel and not stuffed roadkill, I'd enjoy this.
#30
On the light hearted side of things my then boyfriends step mum bought me a Hannah Montana lipgloss set when I was about 19 or 20, I might have even been a bit older! She'd only had sons and had no idea what was age appropriate for women, but she was the best so i didn't mind.
More recently an in law gave me and my DH a joint gift of a small box of those little incense cones, but the box was all smashed up and broken where they'd clearly pulled it out from the back of a cupboard where they'd sat for years.
Debby Keir 11 months ago
For my 18th Birthday, (big one in the UK) my new stepmother and father gifted me a plastic bathroom cabinet filled with Avon children's range of 'make-up'.
#31
My grandma got me a box with Granada written on it some place in Spain apparently, she has never been there and an umbrella inside with it was birthday wrapping paper from her sister to her, so all second hand gifts. My birthday is the week before I have had presents wrapped in Xmas paper or didn't get anything as I was told its nearly Christmas anyway
#32
Bright orange underwear from Agent Provocateur. I hated the colour, it wasn't practical, it wasn't comfortable and it didn''t fit.
I broke the strap just trying to get the bra on and promptly returned it and bought a very pragmatic camera bag that I loved.
Needless to say, the relationship ended within months.
#33
Well my aunt gave my dad a single pillowcase with "I don't need Google, my wife knows everything" printed on it.
We have no idea what she was thinking.
#34
A cheese board containing packets of cheese. unfortunately they didn’t tell us what it was or even to refrigerate. it sat under the tree for around 10 days. it was a fizzy cheese drink when we opened it. yes the living room smelled - i kept accusing people of farting.
ॐBoyGanesh 11 months ago (edited)
Perishable dairy products. Unmarked. The crows around my house leave me better gifts than that.
#35
Our tradition was we unwrapped presents in turn around the tree. I would have been I think 12/13 and quite self conscious with the entire family watching I opened up a stocking filler from my mum- four quite Lacey thongs. I nearly died on the spot and the boys in the family started sniggering. I asked why? She said she thought they would be useful when I played sports! I also had a bottle of greasey hair shampoo from an aunt and a set of coat hangers from another aunt- practical I suppose.
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 11 months ago
Some things just aren't gifts, and coat hangers are definitely on that list.
#36
A teddy bear that moved around on wheels and played Thriller when you switched it on.
MotherofGuineaPigs 11 months ago
We had the black cat with a wizard hat that danced to Thriller
BrownEyedPanda 11 months ago
A Talking Bass scared the cràp out of me. I saw it on a clearance shelf and reached for it. It turned to me and said, "What are YOU looking at?" Those things are almost as bad as the Talking Toilet.
Load More Replies... #37
A bottle of prosecco from a close family member when I was 6 months pregnant..!
#38
I once received a black corset type satiny undergarment bra type thing with bright pink roses all over it! It just wasn’t me. It was from M&S so I tried to return it only to be told it was years old and definitely not current season! How embarrassing!
#39
Anti wrinkle cream from MIL in my early 30’s erm thanks
The Scout 11 months ago
Actually, for those creams to have any measurable effect, you have to start at mid thirty the latest BEFORE the wrinkles begin to form... Otherwise it's too little too late.
Yellow dot 11 months ago (edited)
I started anti-aging creams at 16 because I never wamted to reach adulthood and was fearing "aging". I also believed I was peaking at 16 (not true, bahahaha). Anyway, I'm 27 now (not fearing the aging process as much) and still use anti wrinkle creams, and people can never guess my age! I know it wont last forever but I will continue on with my anti aging skin care routine!
Load More Replies... Featherytoad 11 months ago
I just make sure I'm well hydrated so wrinkles don't set in. My skin loves the Florida humidity.
Angela C 11 months ago
I, too, stay well hydrated. Also I'm fat which helps with the wrinkles as well
Load More Replies... #40
A poncho from primark with the £1 price label still attached from my now ex-SIL. She had bought my mum a Tiffany jewellery set and handed that over at the same time. She hated me but then again she hates everybody
Crystal Spencer 11 months ago
She probably hated her, too, but was trying to buy the mom, per se.
Load More Replies... #41
Pringles.
Nicely wrapped but they were a flavour I would never eat ever. That was the whole gift. After I had specially ordered something very expensive from America, paid extra postage for it to come to the U.K., and import duties and fees. All because it was the “one thing she really wanted” that year and I knew there was no one else who would get it for her.
Our relationship has expired since.
Tickets to go and see a film my SIL’s husband wanted to see was very weird. I ended up giving my gift to SIL because I just wasn’t interested and everyone who knows me knows I already have a cinema pass for that cinema and free tickets through that pass. It was weird.
#42
A book on napkin folding from MIL
Orange Panda 11 months ago
I wanted one when I was a kid, so my parents got it for me. Let me tell you, it was hard!
Load More Replies...
#43
A bottle of perfume from MIL (who I detest) called Envy that was so vile it made me nauseous. I’m sure that wasn’t planned…..
Roxy222uk 11 months ago
While the name may have meaning, I can't imagine a company went through the hugely expensive and time consuming process of developing and marketing a perfume that smelt disgusting, so obviously some people liked it?
Broad Panda 11 months ago
It's a Gucci cologne. I like it. But scent is a very personal and particular thing.
Load More Replies... Debby Keir 11 months ago
My ma in law used to gift perfume she'd bought duty free on her holidays. I gave her a list of the ones I liked, but for 5 years running I got one I hated - the same one for 5 years, despite saying, thanks but perhaps a different one next time?
XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧 11 months ago
Envy was pretty popular in the 90s, so perhaps it wasn't meant as a bad thing? It does smell pretty awful, but I have a perfume intolerance, so I'm certainly not the best judge,.
A girl 11 months ago
No ban but use discretion. Your SO loves it. Date night use. Your coworker has asthma, ditch it
Load More Replies... #44
I worked with a lovely lady many years ago, her fiancé got her an iron for Xmas, but as she knew beforehand about it he also got her a surprise pressie to open….
guess what?
Yep an ironing board
Huddo's sister 11 months ago
Unless specifically asked for, appliances and cleaning products should never be gifts.
#45
My mum bought me an umbrella for Christmas when I was 12
Daune Tullina 11 months ago
I also got an umbrella for my 12th birthday from my mom. Such an odd gift. At least my brother bought me a great gift- a Ratt record.
#46
5 weeks after having a baby mil bought me an old lady cardigan 2 sizes too big. Went straight in the charity bag
#47
I have a December birthday, and a couple of years ago MIL got me an iron for my birthday and an ironing board for Christmas.
#48
I received a voucher for afternoon tea for 1.
Guess I’ll pay for someone to join me !
DelvianBlue 11 months ago
Maybe they wanted to go with you and intended to pay for themselves?
SnackbarKaat 11 months ago
I won a price once with the lottery in the neighbourhood... Lunch in a hotel for 1 person.
Megalodon Meg 11 months ago
Totally disagree! I went to afternoon tea for my birthday and it was absolutely lovely.
Load More Replies... #49
I got a muffin tray. I don't bake and have never baked. I don't like muffins so I've no idea why I got a muffin tray.
#50
I got two backscratchers from my DM.
Kiss Army 11 months ago
Me too! I have the expandable ones in every room, the car and at work. (I also have a shoulder injury so I can't reach my back but I will keep them once healed because they are handy as heck!)
Load More Replies... Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 11 months ago
You need two, one for upstairs and one for downstairs (of the house, you filthy animals!)
#51
I once got a tin of Heinz spaghetti… it was a ‘joke’ present for my dad. It was such a weird shape and feel as a gift that I ended up opening it in front of my best friend (I was 14-15) she was from a posher family than me. It was just a weird thing to do - I mean I did quite like eating Heinz spaghetti but just why?
Limey 11 months ago
In the uk, yes, in tins. Little kids tend to like it and then as an adult you like it because you liked it as a kid. In the uk, typically served on toast.
Load More Replies... BookFanatic 11 months ago
Growing up, my parents always put a can of mandarin oranges in my stocking. I'd put a can of black olives in my mom's, and a tin of sardines in my dad's.
Scary Laugh 11 months ago
Ahahahahaha, for Christmas this year I got my Dad a tin of Heinz beans! He really liked it. (It DID have a customised label which references an unusual set of events from my childhood, which involved beans.)
#52
Framed photos of my big old face. Lovely
Debby Keir 11 months ago
With gifts like those, it's the frame that's the gift - stick a photo you like in it.
#53
Aww you've just reminded of the year my sister in law bought me:
Deicer for my car.
My husband used it one morning to deice my car & then by the time I got out there it had frozen onto the windscreen & I couldn't see out.
I saw it in the garage the other day & felt the rage all over again.
Said sister in law has now died & I fear my husband will want to keep the deicer forever as a reminder of how thoughtful she was (n't)
#54
I don’t think I’ve ever received anything truly awful. No half eaten boxes of chocolates or clothes that are several sizes out. I did once receive (unsolicited) a handbag that tested my ‘Oh, how lovely’ face. It was an orange, velvet bucket bag. It was just so random.
G A 11 months ago (edited)
A friend has given me some awful charity shop c**p as 'joke' presents. I turned it round when he gave me a Dr Who toy (I'm a Star Wars fan) that turned out to be worth £50. He asked if I liked it, I said no, but I liked the thing I bought myself with the cash when I sold it.
#55
I got a bottle of vodka as a secret Santa gift in work. I’m not a big drinker, don’t really drink vodka and was also quite heavily pregnant at the time.
Still though, i did have some cocktails many months later that I quite enjoyed so maybe it wasn’t such a bad gift!
#56
A toaster from XMIL, ours had broken so she gave me one so that her precious son could have his toast in the morning.
I don't ever eat toast!
#57
Oh, and the toilet rolls I used to get every year from my mum, and not as a joke either
Abel 11 months ago
The toilet roll hysteria when covid was demential! People lost their mind!
Load More Replies... #58
Microwave cleaner from my MIL
#59
A plastic bag full of free hotel toiletries that my Mil had collected whilst on holiday in Japan. Everyone else got a thoughtful gift.
#60
From my MiL back in the 70s, a shortie nylon overall in lurid shades of purple and orange. Every year she used to knot my DC a jumper each for Christmas. They used to cry if I tried to get them to wear them because the necks were so tight it almost pulled their ears of to get them on and off.
#61
A periscope!
#62
My mum and dad bought me a dish washing up brush a few years ago. One that looks like a lady’s head on the handle. I was so angry I unwrapped it and chucked it in the bin in a major strop all within seconds.
yet my brother would of got exactly what he asked for and a hell of a lot more. I’m still angry about that bloody brush!
G A 11 months ago
My Nan gave me a wineholder in the shape of a ginger sneering butler one year. I don't drink wine and it was so fvcķing ugly I heaved it straight in the bin. I did not thank her, and I upset my Mum when I said her (mum's) present was complete sh1t.
Roxy222uk 11 months ago
I do think people forget that as someone gets older they aren't out and about as much, nor do they browse online much, and often rely on paper catalogues and the few shops they can get out to. They've lost touch with what's in and what's tacky, and they see something they think is nice, or fun, or amusing, and buy that. It's nothing more sinister than that.
Load More Replies... #63
A wall mounted wooden key holder with a painted Native American man on it. I don't know why the gifter was so convinced I'd like it.
#64
A box of 3 flowery hankies from an aunt when I was a teenager.
A size 18 nightie with the 'sale' sticker still stuck to it, from my Dad. I was a size 8 at the time and he had plenty of money.
#65
A couple of years ago my STBXH (it's so great to type that😆) got me a bottle of Waitrose Essentials balsamic vinegar in my stocking. He thought it was hilarious - I didn't, and still don't, get the joke
Huddo's sister 11 months ago
Bizarre! I wouldn't turn my nose up at balsamic vinegar as it's one of my favourite flavourings, but I really don't like people who give gag gifts. Such a waste!
Roxy222uk 11 months ago
I don't know why it's supposed to be funny. Waitrose balsamic vinegar would be a great gift to get in my stocking. That said, if he knew she wouldn't like it then it isn't funny, it's just stupid. I don't get this type of prank either. I suspect they're something about power.
Load More Replies... 
#66
spare hard drive
Michael Largey 11 months ago
I got one - by request - a couple of Christmases ago from my loving and indulgent wife.
#67
Earrings from the in-laws. I've not had my ears pierced for 20 years.
quentariel 11 months ago
Are you sure your in-laws knew or remembered that? Earrings seem to me as a polite and nice gift, an easy one that is usually appreciated.
#68
A gardening set when I didn’t have a garden at the time off DH aunt. The same year I berated her after she insulted me to all the family behind my back that I was ungrateful because I never sent her a thank you text for a birthday present. I did send a thank you and screenshot it complete with date and time stamp and sent it in an actual card to prove a point. She still thinks I’m arrogant, I’m just really petty and dislike being spoken about badly when I’m a nice person. Last year she got squirrels in her loft. Had to fumigate and deep clean because of urine and faeces. I got a pack of ritz crackers in a half eaten tube that had been clearly been pissed on with a half eaten soap set. DH got a mouldy pair of squirrel piss slippers and mauled boxer shorts. Everyone else had fresh expensive gifts that weren’t stored in her loft. We haven’t bought for her this year and don’t have plans to see her. We’ve told family we don’t want presents. Zero agro would be splendid.
#69
I got two presents from DO. One was two pairs of ski socks. I've never been skiing in my life. Then he started nudging me to open the second present. It was silk liners to go inside the ski socks.
Huddo's sister 11 months ago
DO? Why can't people write what they mean, it's not like they are charged per letter like when we first started texting.
Craig S. (EvilSausage) 11 months ago
I don't know what DO or DH mean, and the latter has come up repeatedly in this article. I did notice that there are a lot of British idioms, though, so I'm assuming that it's internet slang that is unique to that part of the world. Anyway, if someone can be bothered to explain the meaning to this American, I'd be much obliged.
Load More Replies...
Craig S. (EvilSausage) 11 months ago
Well wait, I don't ski either, but ski socks sound like they'd be great for keeping my feet warm and dry when I have to be out and about on a winter's day.
#70
The gift that helped me realise my ex boyfriend was cheating on me!
Abel 11 months ago
I am trying to use all my imagination, but I cant picture it!
Load More Replies...
What do you think ?
Lousha 11 months ago
The "best" gift exchange I've heard about was between my BIL and his then girlfriend. She gave him an iPad. He gave her a power lead "because you complained at some point that you don't have a long enough one in the living room" . My partner and I also once found a gift wrapped package in a shopping bag in the shop where we worked. Some customer probably put it down while talking to us, then walked away without. Because of the layout of the shop we didn't see it until closing time, so had no clue who left it. Set it aside, thinking they'll be back because it was from a very expensive shop. After a few months we gave up and opened it. At first I only saw the top of a figurine, and it had a Santa hat on, so I thought, yay, posh Christmas decor! When we fully unwrapped it, it turned out to be a fairly large, very realictic mongoose, with fur and everyting, dressed as Santa. It was incredibly tacky and ugly! It stayed in the back of the shop for years, dunno' what became of it later
Debby Keir 11 months ago
In the UK, we have a money guru named Martin Lewis. Every Christmas, he talks about all the people who get into debt, buying useless presents. If X gifts you something worth £10, then you feel you need to spend £10 on them, even if you don't have it. He advises strongly that only buy for your close family, and if you aren't sure what they want, then give money (not necessarily a voucher, as lots of firms go bust before you can spend it). If you relieve aunt Flo of the necessity to buy you a gift, she then has more money to spend on her family, so it's a win win. And if you have some pennies left over, make a donation to a food bank or your favourite charity. It's supposed to be the time for giving, but NOT the time for giving cr*p.
G A 11 months ago
I agree totally. But some people just won't take NO for an answer. I have friends and family like that. I'm not well off myself, and I'd rather not bother and just get myself things I want.
Load More Replies...
Justme 11 months ago
I would never be mad at a gift. Some people are hard to shop for, some people just don’t have the budget for good gifts, just say thank you and move on.
Debbie 11 months ago
Most of the time it's a bad gift because the giver didn't put any effort in it. Thoughtfull gifts don't have to cost a lot. Some gifts can be offensive or hurtfull - like a huge inequality in gifts, or when they do expect their own gifts to be pricey.
Load More Replies... Helena 11 months ago
I am the family bad gift giver. I definitely try, but man I stink at it. I am just not in the same brain space as them, so can't anticipate what they'd like.
Pencil 11 months ago
Unlike most people, I think necessary items, like cleaning supplies, can be a great gift if done right. Some are really expensive so you give, say, a huge box of trash bags and a card explaining that now they don't have to buy more for a year and can spend the money on something they actually want. Nobody wants to spend money on ink cartridges for their printer so the gift is now they don't have to. Just make sure to get the right brands. And people who know you already know that you're not a great gift-thinker-upper so they'll understand the thought behind it.
Load More Replies... Uncommon Boston 11 months ago
MIL -- Southern Bella that fit over a roll of toilet paper. Her skirt covered the toilet paper. Wow. Aunt - bag from a cosmetic gift with purchase with the product list included. Last year boy friend mentioned he got me a camping stove. He forgot to put it under the tree because he was using it. This year he put the gift on my credit card, promised to pay me back, it has been a week
Cat Keeper 11 months ago (edited)
One year got a pencil (not fancy one) regular one. My daughters grandmother her fathers mom got me a bag of beans. And another year my brothers grandmother from his dad couldnt remember my name and always called me stella, got one of the many gifts for my brother and slapped a Stella name tag on it and gave it to me, then promptly told me it was for my brother. And then one year his grandmother didn't even bother with the wrong name tag, just an unmarked gift (for my brother), said they just wanted to make sure i had something to open.
Lousha 11 months ago
The "best" gift exchange I've heard about was between my BIL and his then girlfriend. She gave him an iPad. He gave her a power lead "because you complained at some point that you don't have a long enough one in the living room" . My partner and I also once found a gift wrapped package in a shopping bag in the shop where we worked. Some customer probably put it down while talking to us, then walked away without. Because of the layout of the shop we didn't see it until closing time, so had no clue who left it. Set it aside, thinking they'll be back because it was from a very expensive shop. After a few months we gave up and opened it. At first I only saw the top of a figurine, and it had a Santa hat on, so I thought, yay, posh Christmas decor! When we fully unwrapped it, it turned out to be a fairly large, very realictic mongoose, with fur and everyting, dressed as Santa. It was incredibly tacky and ugly! It stayed in the back of the shop for years, dunno' what became of it later
Debby Keir 11 months ago
In the UK, we have a money guru named Martin Lewis. Every Christmas, he talks about all the people who get into debt, buying useless presents. If X gifts you something worth £10, then you feel you need to spend £10 on them, even if you don't have it. He advises strongly that only buy for your close family, and if you aren't sure what they want, then give money (not necessarily a voucher, as lots of firms go bust before you can spend it). If you relieve aunt Flo of the necessity to buy you a gift, she then has more money to spend on her family, so it's a win win. And if you have some pennies left over, make a donation to a food bank or your favourite charity. It's supposed to be the time for giving, but NOT the time for giving cr*p.
G A 11 months ago
I agree totally. But some people just won't take NO for an answer. I have friends and family like that. I'm not well off myself, and I'd rather not bother and just get myself things I want.
Load More Replies... Justme 11 months ago
I would never be mad at a gift. Some people are hard to shop for, some people just don’t have the budget for good gifts, just say thank you and move on.
Debbie 11 months ago
Most of the time it's a bad gift because the giver didn't put any effort in it. Thoughtfull gifts don't have to cost a lot. Some gifts can be offensive or hurtfull - like a huge inequality in gifts, or when they do expect their own gifts to be pricey.
Load More Replies... Helena 11 months ago
I am the family bad gift giver. I definitely try, but man I stink at it. I am just not in the same brain space as them, so can't anticipate what they'd like.
Pencil 11 months ago
Unlike most people, I think necessary items, like cleaning supplies, can be a great gift if done right. Some are really expensive so you give, say, a huge box of trash bags and a card explaining that now they don't have to buy more for a year and can spend the money on something they actually want. Nobody wants to spend money on ink cartridges for their printer so the gift is now they don't have to. Just make sure to get the right brands. And people who know you already know that you're not a great gift-thinker-upper so they'll understand the thought behind it.
Load More Replies... Uncommon Boston 11 months ago
MIL -- Southern Bella that fit over a roll of toilet paper. Her skirt covered the toilet paper. Wow. Aunt - bag from a cosmetic gift with purchase with the product list included. Last year boy friend mentioned he got me a camping stove. He forgot to put it under the tree because he was using it. This year he put the gift on my credit card, promised to pay me back, it has been a week
Cat Keeper 11 months ago (edited)
One year got a pencil (not fancy one) regular one. My daughters grandmother her fathers mom got me a bag of beans. And another year my brothers grandmother from his dad couldnt remember my name and always called me stella, got one of the many gifts for my brother and slapped a Stella name tag on it and gave it to me, then promptly told me it was for my brother. And then one year his grandmother didn't even bother with the wrong name tag, just an unmarked gift (for my brother), said they just wanted to make sure i had something to open.
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