The worst Secret Santa gifts revealed – most Brits HATE a classic festive present & others loathe any kind of voucher
11/23/2024 03:51 PM
FINDING the perfect Secret Santa present can be a challenge but there are certain items you’ll want to avoid.
A poll of British adults revealed the festive gifts most people hate, including a popular Christmas buy.
The research, carried out by online retailer Northerner, uncovered which Secret Santa gifts people truly hate to receive,
And since Secret Santa gift giving is at an all-time high, this information may be useful as you draw up your shopping list.
With festive tunes already playing on the radio and Christmas markets packed with people, now is the time to hone in on your buys.
And while your little ones outline exactly what they want in a letter to Santa, your co-workers or extended friend group aren’t quite so forward.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to get them, we can reveal what not to buy.
And what better time than ahead of the Black Friday Sales next week?
As Brits continue to feel the pinch on the purse strings, Secret Santa style exchange of gifts is becoming increasingly popular.
Research found that the number one most hated Secret Santa gift of all time is socks.
According to Northerner, up to 81% of Brits admitted that receiving a pair of socks is a disappointment.
A total of 85% of those polled agreed that novelty socks are even worse.
A big trend for gifts this year has been “useful gifts” so while a pair of socks might tick that box, the public have spoken – do not purchase socks for your Secret Santa.
Other seemingly useful gifts were also rated badly by respondents with items such as shower gel receiving 76% of votes.
Mugs also proved to be unpopular at 68% and beers edged them out with 69% of the vote.
Stationary, key rings, and cigarettes also featured in the top 10 list.
Inappropriate gifts also left a bad taste in Brits mouths with drinking games, naughty calendars, and penis shaped chocolates also receiving poor ratings from respondents.
Top 20 worst rated Secret Santa gifts
- Socks – 81%
- Shower gel – 76%
- Beers – 69%
- Mugs – 68%
- Stationary – 61%
- Key ring – 61%
- Penis shaped chocolates – 59%
- Cigarettes – 54%
- Grow your own boy/girlfriend – 52%
- Joke book – 51%
- 'Sexy' calendar – 48%
- Lottery ticket – 42%
- Drinking games – 41%
- Fizzy drinks – 40%
- DVDs – 40%
- Tea/ coffee – 38%
- Photo frame – 35%
- Scarf – 32%
- Tacky homeware – 31%
- Vouchers – 30%
While the Secret Santa tradition has become popular amongst colleagues, this research revealed that 41% of working Brits would like to see the routine banned from the workplace.
On the other hand, 63% agreed that a Secret Santa system works well for friendship groups and large families.
Saving money was reported as being the biggest benefit, with 71% of people agreeing.
"Gift giving can be very stressful, especially if you receive a Secret Santa who you don't know very well,” said Markus Lindblad from Northerner.
“It's interesting to see that some of the most commonly given gifts are actually the most hated by Brits – perhaps the secret to a good gift is creativity.
“Hopefully this list is helpful for people searching for inspiration and if you are considering buying someone cigarettes or beers, maybe think twice this year.
“Look at some more interesting and healthier alternatives like nicotine replacement products or alcohol-free drinks.”