The Top 10 Most Returned Gifts in the UK

Every year, we all spend lots of money during Christmas time trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones. But, although we may think we’ve found the perfect gift, a large majority of them are returned every year – and more than you may think.

Last Christmas, a huge £1.41 billion (Stone, Fashion United, 2024) worth of gifts was returned, and there were a number of reasons why people felt unsatisfied with their presents.

Here is a list of the top 10 most returned gifts in the UK, and some of the reasons why we don’t want to keep them: (Jenkins, Independent, 2023)

 

Shoes

Buying shoes for yourself can be hard enough, so finding the right pair of shoes for someone else can be an even bigger challenge. Not only do you have to consider the style and whether someone would like the shoe, you also need to know their shoe size and hope it fits properly. That’s why so many of us find ourselves returning shoes we have been gifted year after year. 

 

Kitchen Appliances 

Although a grand gesture, sometimes it can be very personal what someone chooses to have in their kitchen. That’s why buying someone kitchen appliances can be a big no-no. You may also gift them something they already own, something they don’t have room for, or something that they simply don't need. 

 

A Pair of Sunglasses 

A nice pair of sunglasses is something that everyone would probably enjoy being given, but they are so easy to get wrong. Not only can it be hard to judge whether they would suit someone’s face shape or not, but receiving an uncomfortable pair of sunglasses is another common factor as to why this gift might need to be returned. 

 

Beauty Products, Makeup or Skincare 

Lots of us have very specific makeup and skincare routines, so we don’t always tend to enjoy changing it up with new products. That’s why buying beauty products can sometimes be a risk to offer someone as a gift, especially when you take into consideration skin tones, skin types and product preferences. That’s why a large proportion of gifts that are returned fall under the category of beauty and skincare.  

 

Houseplants  

Although a kind gesture, houseplants can be a hit and miss gift. Some people may not enjoy the maintenance of plants, or perhaps don’t like certain plants, and so would rather return this gift to avoid the required upkeep. 

 

Candles 

Although a very popular and widely appreciated gift, candles are still amongst the top gifts that get returned. We all have different opinions on what we think is a nice scent, and as such a personal preference, it means that there is always the risk of giving someone a candle that they simply dislike the smell of. 

 

Video Games 

You will most likely only be giving someone a video game if you know they are an avid gamer. This means that there is often the risk of buying someone a video game that they already own, or perhaps don’t own for a reason! Usually, a voucher is preferred for a video game store so they can choose one themselves.  

 

Glassware 

Finding some stunning glassware may feel like a thoughtful and unique gift, but not everyone appreciates this addition to their collection. Many of us already own perhaps too many glasses, so any more will simply be unwanted. A lot of us prefer to have matching glassware, too, so being given a new and different style would be a reason that this gift is often returned. 

 

A Musical Instrument 

A musical instrument may feel like an exciting gift to offer someone, but it may also be too niche. If someone only has a small interest in learning to play said instrument, they may not find the use for the gift, which is why many of us have found ourselves returning instruments we’ve been given as a present.

 

Gift Ideas That (hopefully) Won’t Be Returned  

So, considering that the above-mentioned gifts are all usually returned, take some inspiration from the following products that can be offered as thoughtful presents and may be more appreciated. 

 

Table Lamps

You can buy someone a table lamp as the perfect homeware gift. It doesn’t overwhelm a room or require lots of space, but it is a functional, thoughtful, and appreciated gift. We have a range of options that would all suit varying tastes, so you can reflect your loved one’s personality through your chosen gift. 

 

 

Gentry Sculpture Gorilla Bust 

If you’re trying to buy a gift for someone with unique and eccentric taste, this product is perfect. As an eye-catching ornament, this gorilla bust offers individuality to someone’s home through its boldness. 

 

 

Bookends

Do you know someone that loves reading? This is the ideal gift for a booklover, ensuring they can proudly display their books in-between some stylish and sophisticated bookends. As a versatile gift, bookends work well for home offices, home libraries, and living rooms. 

 

 

Art Deco Gold Parrot Statue Mounted on a Black Stand 

Are you buying a gift for someone that loves animals? A statue such as this one is the perfect present to decorate their home with unique flair, offering individuality whilst acting as a memorable token that they can use for years to come. 

 

 

Photo Frames 

For a more personal gift, you can buy someone photo frames. Print off one of your favourite memories you have with that person and then frame it in a stylish photo frame, and and you will have created a thoughtful gift that they can use in their home. 

 

 

Cups & Mugs 

It’s well known that many of us enjoy hot drinks, and cups and mugs are very popular kitchen accessories that can jazz up our kitchenware. That’s why cups and mugs are always a favourite gift for many, and we have a range of sophisticated and stylish designs that would suit a range of home interiors. 

 

 

Octopus Holding Plate Antique Gold 

Provide an ornament for your loved one’s home with this holding plate, a brilliantly bold and unique home accessory that would match the taste of someone who enjoys being playful with their home decor.   

 

 

Cream and Gold Decorative Globe Ornament 

Many of us take pride in our home offices, and providing someone with a gift to sit neatly in their home office is a gesture many of us would appreciate. This globe ornament is a stunning choice, both a thoughtful and generous gift for someone that enjoys a touch of sophistication in their home. 

 

 

Buddha Statue 

Finally, another gift recommendation would be a Buddha-themed gift, such as a Buddha statue. If given to someone who you know enjoys Buddha-related products, it would feel personal as well as being a welcome addition to their home. 

 

 

Shop Gift Ideas With Us Today! 

Would you like some more inspiration? Take a look at our gifting category to find other products that would be the perfect gift option for someone you love. 

 

Reference

Jenkins Richard, 2023, Top items most likely to be returned by people in Britain, Independent, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/returns-shopping-uk-shopping-habits-b2254883.html 

Stone Danielle Wightman, 2024, Post-Christmas return: 1.41 billion pounds of items returning to retailers, Fashion United, https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/post-christmas-returns-1-41-billion-pounds-of-items-returning-to-retailers/2024010373366