By Deanna Lynn Sletten
The best part of giving Christmas gifts is seeing the surprised expression on the face of the receiver but if that surprised look is born out of shock instead of happiness it can be a big problem. Even well-meaning people can buy a gift that falls under the category of worst Christmas present ever. The gift may be a purple and green sweater that doesn’t fit, a joke gift that isn’t funny or a gift that may relay the wrong message. To avoid giving such a Christmas gift this year here are a few guidelines on gifts you should avoid giving.
Gifts with double meanings
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Exercise equipment – Unless your loved one specifically said she wants a treadmill then you may be treading on thin ice. What your loved one will think the gift is saying is that she’s fat and needs to exercise. It is best to avoid this argument at all costs and stay away from the exercise equipment aisle when holiday shopping.
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Lingerie – You may think your wife will love the slinky nightie or panties and bra set but the truth is you probably will love it more than she does. What she thinks is that you don’t think she is sexy enough, you want her to look trashy or you don’t appreciate her as she is. Then there is the size issue. If it is too large she’ll assume you think she’s fat and if it is too small she’ll feel fat. It’s best to stay out of the lingerie shops no matter how much you’d like her to have some.
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Household appliances or outdoor equipment – If your wife asks for a blender to make margaritas then you’re safe but don’t buy her a new vacuum cleaner because you think she needs it. The same goes for the leaf or snow blower for your husband. You’d better make sure it is really wanted or else the message your spouse will see is that you don’t think they do enough around the house. Since these items always mean work it is best to avoid them and buy something fun instead.
Clothing
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Clothing in general is usually disappointing for people who would rather have a fun gift instead. Men and small children are especially disappointed with clothing as gifts. As for women and teens, if you are not absolutely sure what they like or what size to get then it is best to skip the clothing option. Try a gift card to their favorite clothing store instead.
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Socks are considered the absolute worst gift you can give to anyone. Socks are boring, especially when they are the only gift you are giving the person. Socks are okay if they are of the decorative or fuzzy warm variety and they are a stocking stuffer and not the main gift. Otherwise stay away from giving socks to anyone.
Gifts you want but give instead
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You go out and buy the children the latest video game unit even though none of them asked for it. You think it will be fun so you give it to them instead of giving them something they want. Refrain from using the kids as an excuse to buy a toy you want. You might as well just admit you want it and buy it for yourself so everyone is happy.
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Buying your friend some name-brand perfume or lipstick may sound like a great gift but if you do it just so you can have the free gift then it isn’t really very nice. It is even worse if your friend doesn’t even use that brand. It’s great to look for deals but refrain from turning a great deal for you into a gift for your friend.
Gag gifts
You just don’t know what to buy your grandfather so the next thing you know you are wrapping up the singing mounted fish because you thought it was funny. Well, it may be funny for a minute or two but will grandpa really want to hang it on his wall? Giving a gag gift just means that you really didn’t know what to give the person or you didn’t put any thought into their gifts. Do yourself a favor and walk past the gag shop when you are Christmas shopping.
All-pro gifts
Your uncle is a golf enthusiast so you buy him club covers or your niece plays tennis and you buy her anything with a tennis theme to it. While this may seem thoughtful the truth is that once a person has a sport or hobby they love all they receive is gifts relating to that activity. It can get old fast. On top of that if they have been participating in this activity for awhile they probably already have everything they need. Skip the obvious and try finding a gift that they will like that doesn’t relate to their sport or hobby.
Of course there are always exceptions to every rule. If someone circles a catalog page of the exact golf clubs, lingerie or an item of clothing they want then you are safe to buy any one of the items mentioned above. But if no mention has ever been made of a particular item it is best to skip it and find a gift that won’t start a fight or bring a look of shock to the eyes of the ones you love.