Some would sniff at being given socks, others might sulk at the sight of yet another pair of slippers.

But there are far worse things that could have been left wrapped up under the Christmas tree.

Out-of-date vouchers, dead plants and self-help books have been named among the most terrible presents we have received. As the nation starts planning for Christmas, three quarters (73 per cent) confess they have been given an awful gift in the past.

By far the worst thing to give a loved one is an expired voucher, according to a third (28 per cent) of those surveyed who have been unfortunate enough to receive one.

Dead plants (28 per cent) and out-of-date chocolates (25 per cent) were also rated among the most disappointing in a list of the top 40 worst gifts.

A fifth (22 per cent) of Britons say they have excitedly opened a present on Christmas morning only to discover it is a pack of loo roll – while 21 per cent have even been given a wig or a box of weedkiller (21 per cent).

Ill-fitting clothes (20 per cent), a mop and bucket (19 per cent), a 12-month subscription to a dating site and a packet of risotto rice (18 per cent) were also named in the survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Argos.

Shoe polish (17 per cent), cleaning products (16 per cent), an ironing board (15 per cent), a pack of razors (13 per cent) and hair removal cream (19 per cent) also featured.

Re-gifted presents also appear in the list, with one in five (21 per cent) receiving something they wrapped up for the giver the year before. One in five (20 per cent) recipients say they've had something the giver clearly got free from work. Britons get an average of two unwanted presents every Christmas.

One in 20 admit they have never received anything they truly loved, despite 80 per cent dropping hints to friends and loved ones.

In fact, to avoid disappointed faces on Christmas morning, we drop an average of 13 hints in the run-up to the big day, with four in ten taking no chances and announcing exactly what they want.

This year Argos has teamed up with reality star Pete Wicks to launch a Christmas Gift Hint messaging service to help ensure gift-givers are hitting the mark.

Between 27th November and 8th December, worried Brits are invited to apply for the chance to receive a personal Christmas Gift Hint from Pete. 

Head to ArgosChristmasGiftHint and if you are 18 or over you can enter in the details of your desired Christmas gift, and the name of the person you hope to receive this gift from.

If chosen, Pete will record a festive hint in the form of a short video that can then be shared across your social media channels, ensuring that they get the hint.