Marmite-scented deodorant and already-worn pyjamas have topped the list of the most disappointing Christmas presents, according to research that found one in five Britons have received an unwanted gift in their festive haul.

More than 2,000 members of the public were polled by the consumer group Which? in January about the gifts they received last Christmas, with 21% of those surveyed saying they had been given an unwanted or unsuitable present.

Deodorant with the fragrance of Marmite – a limited edition product released by Unilever, which makes both the savoury spread and Lynx body spray – as well as rotten coconut and pineapple were among the biggest disappointments reported, as well as a Tottenham Hotspur book which was not enthusiastically welcomed by its recipient, a Chelsea fan.

The consumer group asked people about other duds they had got: one vertigo sufferer with a fear of flying was given a helicopter ride by their daughter.

When asked what they did with an unwanted gift, a third (33%) of those surveyed said they kept it and would use it, while a sixth (15%) said they would keep it but not use it. Once the dust has settled on the festive celebrations, a third (34%) of those surveyed admitted to getting rid of the unwanted present rather than returning or exchanging it.

Among popular options for passing on an unsuitable item were giving it to a friend or family member, which 12% of respondents did, while 10% said they had given it to a charity shop and 8% had sold it on an online marketplace.

Only 2% of those surveyed said they had thrown away an unwanted present, with just 1% admitting to giving it back to the person who bought it for them.

“Our research shows that a fifth of us have been left wondering what to do with an unwanted gift,” said Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?. “It’s always worth getting a gift receipt so your loved one has the option to return their gift if needed.”

Thankfully, many retailers extend their returns policy over the festive period, allowing many people who received a disappointing gift to get a refund or exchange it for another item or a voucher.

“Sometimes, for online orders, only the buyer can request a refund or exchange,” Webb added. “But if the item was marked as a gift when ordered, the retailer’s returns policy may enable a recipient to return or exchange it.”

Which? advises consumers they will usually need to provide proof of purchase in order to return an unwanted item. Some retailers do not allow refunds to credit or debit cards unless the original card holder is present. Depending on the returns policy, they may, however, offer a gift card, voucher or credit note.