Women's unwanted gifts nightmare
A survey of women living in Exeter has revealed that nearly 80 per cent have received unwanted presents with more than half practising a pleased face before being given a gift.
The poll, by Persimmon Homes South West, also revealed not only the ultimate list of bad presents but who are the worst gift givers. A quarter said some presents had caused a row while more than half have now told people not to bother giving them gifts as they know they will not like them.
A circuit board, tin opener, ironing board cover and a toilet seat made the worst presents list. Of those questioned, 15 per cent said novelty gifts were the worst along with clothes in the wrong size while perfume you don’t wear, cleaning products and socks made the ‘don’t bother’ list.
Persimmon Homes launched the survey to coincide with their countdown to Christmas in the hope it will give people plenty of time to mend their ways. The builder also aims to buck the trend for poor presents by offering a trio of festive gifts to be won. The winners could have their mortgage interest-free for the next two years, win £2,000 to spend in John Lewis or receive an Apple iPad Mini in an online competition.
The survey showed more than a third of women admit they would re-gift unwanted presents while one in ten simply throw them away. And it’s work colleagues who are the most likely to give something you don’t want, followed by partners, friends, uncles, aunts and mums.
Comedienne Kate Robbins, who revealed the results, said: “It is every woman’s worst nightmare to receive a dreadful gift, but you've got to feel sorry for a curvy friend of mine who received a month's supply of 'slimming milkshakes' from her boyfriend as a Christmas gift.
“One year my dad decided to bestow upon me a windscreen wiper blade and a key to bleed my radiators. Worst ever, my sister in law was given a set of bathroom scales when she was nine months pregnant! I know it’s the thought that counts, but come on, there’s a limit.”
Nina Hester, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “We were surprised by the results of the survey. It is amazing how many woman face re-giving their gift because they hate it so much. However, we hope the winners of our competitions will receive something they will definitely be happy with.
“We couldn’t think of a better gift than to give your family a new home as there is still time to move into one of our developments before Christmas. We have a beautiful range of new homes across the region ready to move into with the added incentive that you could be mortgage interest-free for the next two years.
“We anticipate that there will be a high demand for these properties and would urge anyone looking to move to visit one of our developments.”
For more information and to view the full terms & conditions visit www.persimmonhomes.com/christmas
