Worst Christmas present?

I had that last year, from Ariel. I hid her for a couple of hours. I'm only just beginning to realise why some of our toys used to end up under the stairs when we were little. I didn't seem to mind it when mine were little, but now, with the tv on, DGS playing games on my computer and DGD's Ariel it's just too much. If DD ever suggests such a gift again from me I shall swiftly refuse and think of something else PDQ.

It sounds like the stuffed dog that played "How much is that doggie in the Window?" when you pinched its ear, not even the whole verse, just the first two lines over and over again.

It spent the next couple of years at the back of the wardrobe, then went to a charity shop to plague some other poor family.

Then there was the mug that played a tune when you lifted it and light reached the its base. Eventually the base parted company with the rest, and was stored at very the back of a drawer. Then some bright spark discovered that he could hide it in a cupboard where it would burst into song as the door was opened, or in a pile of teatowels to start up when the one above it was lifted. You never knew where it would strike next.

I like that idea!

A noisy toy with no switch off function - can the batteries be removed?

Something that I wish someone could explain to me - those huge, chunky mugs with sayings printed on them, in recent years "Keep calm and ..." - why do they keep producing those? Does anyone actually like them? My heart sinks when I spot a wrapped "mug shaped box" (usually a gift from someone who doesn't know me very well, this year a nephew's latest girlfriend. And it is from a supposedly upmarket label shop too. I just don't get it.

And (I'm not moaning about this, just saying) - I told husband to tell everyone not to buy me knitting wool as I still had some from my birthday in July. He did as he was told because daughter said to me "I thought you didn't want any more wool?" - and guess who had told everyone and then promptly forgot? Husband!

Lona you have my sympathy because we had two yes two if they hadn't cost so much I'd have stamped on the bloodynoisy things.

Oh Kiora Nightmare!!

I was just preparing to chuck out the box of the unwanted mug - when I found a gift receipt! And it was pricey too (for what it is), so I'll bee off to exchange it pronto.

GS aged 3 was given a blow up T Rex which is 7 feet high with a tail about 6 feet long just what we need in our already overcrowded establishment and ideal for tripping up a hapless turkey-carrying Granny! Luckily the 4 GC's bounced on it so much that it self-deflated by lunch time and it didn't come with a puncture kit - shame

My MiL gave my daughter a saucepan ( used) which she didn't like and hadn't washed up, inside 2 cans of Stella wrapped in Xmas paper. She gave my son an ash tray( he doesn't smoke and doesn't allow any one to smoke in his flat). It did give us all a laugh though, still laughing about it now.

I received 100 postcards with cat pictures on them from my ex sister in law by marriage. They are small and thin, what on earth would I do with them except recycle or take to the charity shop. I can add the last 2 years gifts as well, cheap ornaments. Eveybody else gave me food in one shape or form and I need chocolates and biscuits like a hole in the head.

A case of very expensive red wine sent by a friend from abroad,,, I am allergic to red wine,,,, and he knows it, and will not be visiting for at least 5 years ,,,duh

It makes good presents for others though, Felice.

Just let these unwanted gifts circulate around your area as a charity or other organisations raffle prizes. They might raise a lot of money over a few years and never get used.

GD wanted Blu blu the baby dolphin, we bought it ...arghhhhh. Both GDs got Furbies and furblings, the creatures chattered on all day.

Dd gave one of hers a music set! The flipping penny whistle was squeaking away somewhere all flipping day - we appear to have mislaid it

Strangest present:a rainbow striped scourer that arrived with my sister's annual calendar. I fear she may be becoming eccentric!

DH bought me the strange exercise ball thing ' to strengthen your hands for your golf grip'!!! How does one strengthen something destroyed by arthritis - what will he buy me next year incontinence pads- we are barely speaking!

Teetime it sounds like a kind thought to me, perhaps he just doesn't understand the effect of arthritis.

This year, all chocolate and Avon smellies. Pretty reasonable really, unlike the year DH gave me a sonic toothbrush, what was he trying to say?

I had shown Mr P a coat and a cardigan in one of the Lidl brochure thingies, even written the size down to next to them. he also knew that I needed a new toweling bathrobe. I had also dropped hints about a Hudl, but knew that was unlikely to materialise!

What I actually got was a digital air compressor and an electric gadget for removing hard skin from your feet

I have trouble reaching my feet sometimes so hope he is going to help you to use it, is this the new 50 Shades of Grey !!!!!!!!!

peace here at the moment, recording of Puss In Boots on and DGS putting all his toys one by one on the floor to see if he can use them with any of his new stuff. Nice tidying up job but who cares x

phoenix .

My worst is a present I gave, not one I received. I gave someone a musical Christmas snow globe and it was met with derision and, "Did it come from a pound shop?" Everyone laughed at it and voted it the worst present of this or any year.
It actually cost £20. I offered to exchange it but the recipient insisted she'd keep it. I felt embarrassed and sorry and I know I'm rubbish at suiting the gift to the person.