NEWS COPY
British couples struggle to get it right at Christmas – with a shoehorn, a toilet seat and a TIN OPENER among the worst presents gifted to a loved one.
Nail clippers, windscreen wipers and a bag of rice also emerged as gifts mistakenly thought suitable for the other half.
While others have been unlucky enough to open up a box of teabags, a mop and an air freshener on the big day.
The study of 2,000 adults in a relationship found clothing, shoes and underwear are among the gifts men rarely get right when buying for a loved one.
However, women aren’t perfect either – and have upset a partner by gifting the wrong aftershave, a poor choice in music or box set, or a disappointing trip away.
Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at Beaverbrooks, which carried out the study said: “We’ve been helping our customers choose gifts for their loved ones for 100 years, so we know how important it can be to find the perfect present.
"But our research shows that many couples still struggle when it comes to finding that dream gift.
“Whether it’s taking the time to choose something special together, or dropping subtle hints about what you might like to receive – there are plenty of things couples can do to make sure they are getting it right every time."
The research also delved into people’s reactions to the gifts they had been given – and found that women are more likely to tell a partner if they don’t like what they’ve been bought.
They are also far more likely to drop hints about what they want, to avoid disappointment.
In fact, it seems the longer couples have been together, the more honest they are.
Almost a quarter of those who have been in a relationship for seven years admit they have returned a gift from their partner without telling them, compared to just 14 per cent of couples who have been together six months.
A quarter of couples sensibly opt to choose Christmas presents together rather than risking getting it wrong, while 16 per cent of women and 15 per cent of men share a list of wants.
When it comes to dream gifts, women would love to receive a holiday (87 per cent) from their spouse, followed by a necklace (81 per cent), flowers (81 per cent) or a ring (80 per cent).
A sparkly 76 per cent would be delighted if they received diamonds.
However, they would be most unhappy if they received cleaning equipment for Christmas (52 per cent), as well as cookery lessons (37 per cent) and something for the car (33 per cent).
The nation’s men would also be happiest if their partner gifted them a holiday (80 per cent), followed by a new car (75 per cent).
A further three quarters would be pleased to receive chocolate, while 73 per cent would favour cash over a gift and 65 per cent would welcome a watch.
Men would not be impressed with any gifts which suggested they need to work out in any way - exercise equipment (25 per cent) and gym memberships (35 per cent) would not be well received.
The study also revealed men are the more generous gifters, spending just over £180 on the partner, while women splash out around £130.
While men spend more money, women spend longer thinking about what to buy, and are more likely to buy presents earlier in the year – with one in 10 men admitting they’ll be making an emergency dash to the shops on Christmas Eve.
And, when it comes to agreeing on a budget, more than half of couples admit to setting a Christmas present budget with their other half – but a tenth of them ‘rarely’ stick to it.
On average, Brits believe a couple needs to have been together for three months and one week before they buy each other a Christmas gift.
The poll found millions of blokes fall foul of their other half by buying underwear and clothing which is the wrong size, totally inappropriate or distasteful.
One in 20 women say their partner gets their presents wrong every single time – struggling to choose things like the right handbag and jewellery.
Researchers via OnePoll.com discovered 15 per cent of men have ended a relationship with a partner who bought them a terrible gif.
This is worrying for those 71 per cent of women who have no idea what to buy their partner for Christmas this year.
Just eight per cent of women have called time with a loved one over a bad gift, but 11 per cent have been left really upset after being given something really ‘practical’ such as cleaning products or cookware.
In response to the findings, the family-owned jeweller, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, has created a Christmas Gift Finder to help people pick out the perfect Christmas present for their partner.
Anyone who uses the finder before Friday 13 December will be in with a chance of winning £1,000 towards their Christmas gift wish list.
Lorna Haddon said: “This year we wanted to do something extra special for our customers, which is why we’ve launched our online Christmas Gift Finder to help gift givers across the UK make their Christmas truly magical.”
To use the Christmas Gift Finder, visit: www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/christmas/gift-finder
Worst Gifts Received by Couples
1. Mop
2. Shoehorn
3. Vacuum cleaner
4. Toilet seat
5. Air freshener
6. Nail clippers
7. Bag of rice
8. Tea bags
9. Windscreen wipers
10. Dish drainer
11. Fake dog poo
12. McDonalds toy
13. Humidity reader
14. Energy tablets
15. A painted stone
16. Tin opener
17. Tape measure
18. Salad spinner
19. Car cleaner
20. Burnt cake
Best Gifts Received by Couples
1. Clothing
2. Shoes
3. Music
4. Ring
5. Watch
6. Underwear
7. Socks
8. Necklace
9. Diamonds
10. Earrings
ENDS
