The worst presents to give your partner on Valentine's Day

Romantic gifts make Britons cringe and some duff ones could even end relationships

Gemma Francis
Wednesday 13 February 2019 12:20 EST
Comments
Flowers may not always do the trick.
Flowers may not always do the trick. ((Getty Images/Vetta))

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If you want to impress your partner this Valentine's Day, it may well be wise to heed the advice of researchers who have disovered what not to spend your money on.

And the sort of things that British people allegedly would not like to receive include giant cuddly bears and an album of love songs. Even worse though, according to the research, would be to get a partner's name tattooed on the body.

The poll of 2,000 adults found that instead of looking forward to being surprised with a gift on what is apparently meant to be the most romantic date on the Gregorian calendar, many Britons dread the thought of what they might get.

In fact four in 10 loved-up Britons said they would cringe at the thought of an over-sized cuddly bear. A giant heart-shaped balloon is the last thing 28 per cent would want; while 46 per cent said they'd be moritied if their partner got a tattoo of their name to surprise them on the day.

The study, which was carried out by Just Eat, found other presents Britons would least like to receive include: an expensive bouquet of red roses, a giant cookie inscribed with the words, ‘I love you’, or a box of heart-shaped chocolates.

According to Just Eat data, pizza is the number one dish enjoyed on 14 February with five pizzas ordered every second between 7pm and 8pm around this time last year.

Just Eat's UK managing director Graham Corfield said “Judging by the amount of pizza ordered on 14 February, it seems the only type of cheese Britons want on Valentine’s Day is a slice of Quattro Formaggio.

“Hopefully, our anonymous gift exchange service will spare Britons that awkward moment where they have to put on a brave face and false smile.

“Instead, they can tuck into a pizza of their choice and enjoy the Valentine’s night in they really want.“

The poll also found more than one in five would cringe if an oversized bouquet of flowers arrived at their place of work, leaving them red-faced in front of their colleagues.

And 44 per cent would be embarrassed by a grand romantic gesture such as being serenaded.

But while most people are too polite to say anything to their other half, preferring not to hurt their partner’s feelings, one in 20 people would consider a duff gift to be a valid reason for ending the relationship.

Top 10 cheesy gifts Britons would least like to receive:

Fluffy pink handcuffs (50 per cent)

Tattoo of their name (46 per cent)

Giant cuddly bear (41 per cent)

Oversized card with love quote (29 per cent)

Giant heart-shaped balloon (28 per cent)

Album of love songs (28 per cent)

Heart-shaped locket (25 per cent)

Expensive bouquet of red roses (21 per cent)

Giant cookie with ‘I Love You’ written on it (20 per cent)

A box of heart-shaped chocolates (15 per cent)

SWNS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in