Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

What's the worst Christmas present you've ever had?

Interviews,Yvonne Pardo
Saturday 22 December 2007 20:00 EST
Comments

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.

In the run-up to the 25th, last-minute shoppers are still scouring the streets in search of the perfect Christmas gift. But not every gift is a hit. We asked shoppers in Convent Garden, London, to recall the least exciting present they had ever received

Ali Dearman, 16, Sixth-form student

I got a Baby-G watch, which is a girl's watch, instead of the G-Shock watch I really wanted.

Ros Fetnasi, 41, charity manager

I was given an exhaust for my motorbike many years ago my least exciting Christmas present ever.

Mike Lee, 50, Chief executive

A very old friend gave me a metal parrot. Our friendship hasn't been the same since.

Gideon Van Niekerk, 28, Teacher

There is no bad gift, although I did get a pin-striped suit last year which was a little strange as I'm not into suits. But I did need one.

Hilary Latham, 60, Homeopath

A great-aunt gave me a set of laminated hankies with nursery rhymes when I was a teenager.

Peggy Ainsworth, 76, Retired

I suppose the most boring has to be a cuddly toy I got from a distant relative a couple of years ago. I liked it anyway, though.

Joanna Smith, 32, Lawyer

I got an old lady's scarf from M&S from my boyfriend last year. It had a horrible brash pattern friends said I looked like a BA air hostess.

Darius Ziatabari, 26, Magician

An orange bar of soap from Lush from my mum last year. It smelt of bad oranges.

Andy Holcombe, 44, Marketing Manager

One sprout, in my stocking. Daughter, Sally, (5): a flannel; son Ben, (12): another flannel.

David Sarquis, 53, Professor in Mexico City

One of my students gave me a dozen red roses four years ago, which I thought was a little inappropriate.

What's the worst Christmas present you ever had? To have your say on this or any other issue visit www.independent.co.uk/IoSblogs

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