15 people reveal the worst Christmas gift they ever received

From portable body scales to cleaning products, we asked people to reveal the worst Christmas gift they have ever received. Here are the presents you don’t want your family, friends and favourites to feel pressured to keep for a lifetime.

“My grandmother once gave me a set of ornate mosaic stepping stones inscribed with the names of our beloved dead relatives. I never put them in the garden. Somehow it felt disrespectful to be walking over them every day.” Andrew*.

“Last year I was given a kitten. He is the ultimate living, breathing gift that keeps on giving – every single day for at least the next 10 years. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I was more a dog person.” Luke*.

“My first Christmas as a mother, I received a one-year gym membership and a full body wax. From my three-month-old baby.” Tania*.

“My friend fancies herself as an artist, and every Christmas gives me a very large painting she has created just for me. It’s generous and a gift from the heart, however, her style is not mine, and my house is quickly becoming a gallery of her work. Unfortunately, given their size, I can’t even hide them in a cupboard when she isn’t around.” Tina*.

“I was so excited when my boyfriend gave me the dress I had been hinting about for months. Unfortunately, it was two sizes too big. You can imagine how thrilled I felt.” Caris*.

“My mother-in-law gave me a high-tech mop-and-bucket last year, and the year before a very expensive vacuum cleaner. I tried very hard not to read between the lines.” Vanessa*.

“My least favourite gift, and one I seem to attract every year is a random cup or mug. I am very pedantic about having matching crockery and receiving one that doesn’t fit into my collection, even if it’s really pretty, sends me right off. I don’t know what to do with it, so usually I ‘accidentally’ drop it and it ends up in the bin.” Marnie*.

“My mother once gave me a three-year subscription to a parenting magazine. I’m single and have made it clear I don’t see children in my immediate future. Neither fact appears to have deterred her thought process.” Annabelle*.

“One year I was given a Hang Up Light – a clothes hanger and light in one. It is made of copper and features built-in lights so it can illuminate whatever is hanging off it. Why I have no idea.” Olivia*.

“A work colleague once gave me a tube of bacon-flavoured toothpaste. I’m a vegetarian.” Simona*.

“Our relatives gave us a menagerie of inflatable animals for the swimming pool. There were five of them. It was an excellent group present idea, especially for a big family with a pool … which we don’t have.” Chrissy*.

“The year I turned 40, my mother gave me a 360-degree magnifying mirror with high-power lights. There isn’t a pore you can’t see, and it takes up most of the bathroom bench. It is also the ideal gift for developing life-long insecurities. Thanks, Mum.” Meg*.

“I received a cerise wool cardigan complete with pearl buttons one year. I’m saving it to wear when I’m 90.” Kylie*.

“One year, I received the most expensive and beautiful crystal whisky decanter and glasses. Which is just lovely, except I don’t drink.” Therese*.

*All recipients’ names have been changed to protect their loved one’s feelings.