Marina Fogle, the wife of beloved British adventurer and presenter Ben Fogle, has made a startling confession about the early days of their marriage. She admitted she genuinely feared their union "wouldn't last" after a spectacularly misguided first Christmas together, where her practical presents fell disastrously flat.
The Festive Faux Pas That Sparked Doubt
The couple, who met in 2006 while walking their dogs in London's Hyde Park and married later that year in Portugal, experienced a rocky start to their festive traditions. In a candid article for The Times, Marina explained the root of the problem. Ben hails from a family of "intuitively good gift givers" who seek out rare, sentimental treasures. In stark contrast, Marina describes her own approach as pragmatic and herself as "absolutely hopeless" at choosing presents.
This clash of styles came to a head after they moved into their first home. With practicality in mind, Marina headed to John Lewis. For their first Christmas as a couple, she presented Ben with a bundle of household items she deemed useful for their new life together.
A Cringe-Worthy Unwrapping
The reality of her choices became painfully clear as Ben unwrapped his gifts. Instead of a thoughtful keepsake, he received:
- A set of telephones with an integrated answering machine.
- A cluster of remote-control lamp plugs.
- A toilet roll holder.
- A doormat.
Marina recalls the unmistakable look of "disappointment on his face." The moment was so awkward she quipped: "Part of him had to be wondering how long this marriage would last." Meanwhile, Ben's gift to her was a ring adorned with three emeralds, symbolising him and their two pet dogs—a deeply personal and romantic gesture that highlighted the gulf between their gift-giving philosophies.
Learning the Art of the Gift
Despite the inauspicious beginning, Marina states she has enjoyed "some successes" over the years. Her most triumphant purchase was a portrait of Ben's cherished late dog, Inca, painted by artists Olly and Suzi. She was forced to give him the emotional gift early when Inca passed away just before Ben's 40th birthday, leaving the TV host "lost for words."
She concedes, however, that buying for Ben remains a challenge, as he has a "tendency to buy everything he wants" ahead of Christmas. He is also not infallible, having once bought her a "beautifully crafted" folding bar that she "despised."
With "nothing left to buy," Marina humorously reveals her current stash of potential presents for him includes a clever bread knife, an electric barbecue cleaner, and an in-flight neck support. She fully expects him to detest them and predicts they'll be hidden away within five years, proving that some habits—and their enduring, loving marriage—are here to stay.
