Bum bags at bottom of my list

A BUM bag was named worst Christmas gift ever received in a survey of Which? members.

Others included a book about drainpipes, a doormat, a knitting book, an iron, socks and washing-up gloves.

Giving anyone socks or washing-up gloves as gifts shows a tired mind,

While a knitting book in the right hands could be useful, an iron practical, a doormat humorous and a book about drainpipes inspired madness.

“Just what I wanted! I always fancied being a cat burglar.”

And yet the other week, reader Bill Place mentioned that bum bags were again becoming popular. “They are being sported by a plethora of self-conscious celebrities.”

Bum bags? Back in fashion? I bought one many years ago on holiday in Cyprus. It was practical because it held wallet, phone and passport but I was so self-conscious of looking a prat that I carried it in my hand rather than wearing it around my waist.

This obviously resulted in me leaving it in the first restaurant we called in. I dashed back to find the manager swinging it like a metronome as if counting me back in.

Instead I bought a man-bag that was worn on a strap from the shoulder and the bum bag was consigned to history. It would certainly make my top three of worst gifts: Along with socks and washing-up gloves.