10 Most Returned Christmas Gifts Revealed

Have you ever returned a Christmas gift someone has given you? You’re not alone, as a new study has found that one in nine UK shoppers will swap their gifts for something else after Christmas.

Previous research conducted by the Royal Mail found that the total number of returned gifts back in 2018 came to a staggering £1 billion, with the majority of returned items being women’s clothing.

Elsewhere, in data released by Global Data, it was revealed that 10.8% of UK shoppers will return their unwanted gifts this year. They also discovered that the majority of returns were made by those aged between 18 and 24.

It might be the thought that counts, but there’s nothing more frustrating than having to return a gift you already have — or one that you really don’t need. Interested to find out the top returned Christmas gifts? Then keep reading…

10 of the most returned Christmas gifts

1. Shoes

Coming in at the top of the list is shoes, as the study found that people are gifted styles they don’t like. Another reason they get returned is because people aren’t checking which size to buy beforehand.

2. Kitchen appliances

According to the study, kitchen appliances are also one of the top items to be returned. While toasters, kettles and coffee machines are of course incredibly practical, they are often returned at Christmas if it’s something the receiver already has. Unlike other gifts, none of us have much use for two kettles.

3. Video games

When shopping for an avid video gamer, purchasing a new game seems like a brilliant idea — unless, of course, they already have it. According to the study, it’s much more useful to purchase vouchers instead of games to avoid doubling up.

4. Sweets

Surprisingly, sweets and chocolates are also commonly returned after Christmas as people try to swap unhealthy foods for a ‘clean’ post-Christmas diet. They seem like an easy and inexpensive gift, but the study found they’re not always well-received.

5. Candles

Perhaps one of the most popular gifts to give this season, candles were also found to be commonly returned. The study uncovered that this is down to personal scent preferences, with many not liking strong, sweet-smelling scents. Instead of buying candles this Christmas, scent diffusers were voted a far better option as people can choose which scents they want inside.

6. Gym wear

This is also commonly gifted to those that lead an active lifestyle. With sizing and style variations, many also return gym wear they receive at Christmas. Giving items such as hats or socks works better than clothing.

7. DVDs

While DVDs were once one of the most popular gifts to give, they have now fallen out of popularity thanks to film streaming services such as Netflix. If you are keen to gift something practical to a film fanatic, vouchers are always a better idea.

8. Toddler clothing

Clothing for young toddlers is also one of the top items to be returned at Christmas, mainly down to people purchasing the wrong size. When buying gifts for babies or younger children, opt for items which aren’t size dependent such as toys or books.

9. Glassware

It’s always better to gift drinks instead of the glasses themselves, the study has found. Most people already have a large collection of glassware and probably don’t have space for any more. When gifting something personal such as this, it’s always best to ask them first.

10. Makeup

Makeup is a great choice for someone you know really well, but it can be a risky move for others. Items such as foundations and primers are often some which people return more than others, simply because the shades and ingredients inside might not be right for them.

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