What is the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?

A Coca-Cola Monopoly game and a touch-screen tablet for preschoolers are among the five worst toys of 2011, according to the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.

The organization, which tries to counter "the harmful effects of marketing to children," questioned the Vinci Touchscreen Mobile Learning Tablet's educational value; one member called it "insidious."

"It's likely to convince parents that they are doing something positive for their babies when that couldn't be farther from the truth," said CCFC member Anne M. Deyser of Westborough, Mass.

As for the Coca-Cola 125th Anniversary Collector's Edition of Monopoly, "Why give your kids the classic version of America's favorite board game when you can immerse them in an ad for Coca Cola?" the CCFC asked. "Type 2 diabetes sold separately."  

Also on the list: the I Am T-Pain (inappropriate role model), Monster High Ghoul Spirit Fearleading Doll 3-Pack (sexualization) and the WWE Colossal Crashdown Arena (violence).

Yet many of us could say that the Vinci tablet or Coke Monopoly game would have made way better gifts we've been given in the past. Take the knife block from a boyfriend, for example. Or Starbucks coffee given to a Starbucks barista. Or a scratchy sweater?

What is the worst gift you've ever received? Or is every gift a good gift because, presumably, someone has put thought into it? Could anyone accuse you of having given a bad gift? Share your stories in the comments field below, or email them to us at yournews@cbc.ca.

Back to the toys.



(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)