The Ultimate Anti-Gift Guide: Gifts To Avoid This Holiday Season
'Tis the season of giving, but not all gifts are created equal! In the spirit of steering clear of festive faux pas, we’ve detailed out five gifts that are rarely a good idea and some alternatives we would offer in their place!
Our best guide to gift giving: Rather than brainstorming a list of items you could get a person, create a list of what makes a person happy. Then look at each of the things that makes them happy, and see if there is a way for you to enhance or create that experience for them. If they love spending time with family members, consider organizing and covering the costs for an activity you can do all together. If they have a specific hobby, consider specialty supplies or a class to improve their skills. If they love to shop, take them on a shopping spree at their favorite store. There are lots of ways to get creative and show that you care, but as a bare minimum, steer clear of the gifts below.
Pets
While the idea of a cute, fluffy companion is heartwarming, the reality is often a different tale. Each year, shelters around the country see a significant uptick in pet returns and surrenders after the holidays from new owners who are no longer able to care for their animals. It’s so important to remember that pets are not impulse purchases; they're long-term commitments. Even for those who have been planning to adopt a new four-legged companion well in advance of the holidays, you want all members of the household to meet the pet before bringing it home with you. Children and any co-owners should be introduced to an animal in a controlled environment to ensure a good mutual fit, or you risk creating a stressful or even dangerous situation for all parties involved.
Instead of a pet, try:
- A trip to a local zoo or safari park- A donation to a local animal shelter
- A commitment to begin the process of preparing for and adopting an animal together
This is only appropriate when you will be a co-owner of the pet with the recipient.Cleaning Products
While a clean home is great, giving someone cleaning supplies as a gift might send the wrong message. It's like saying, "I noticed your place is a mess, so here's a mop!" Even for loved ones who may genuinely enjoy quality cleaning equipment and supplies, gifting these types of items carries an inevitable tone of judgment. This is an even worse gift if you live with the recipient as it implies that utilizing that cleaning product is their responsibility, and not yours.
Instead of cleaning products, try:
- Cozy and seasonal home goods like a nice throw blanket or high-quality candles
- A spa day or massage, and a guarantee that you will handle all home-care tasks while they are out of the house
Self-Help Books
Ah, the subtle art of saying, "I think you need some improvement." Self-help books, while often valuable, can be a sensitive gift. Nobody wants a step-by-step guide on how to fix their life for Christmas. Your gift to someone should celebrate who they are now and what makes them happy today, rather than how they can become better.
Instead of self-help books, try:
- An inspiring memoir or book from their favorite genre
- Cover the cost to subscribe to a new entertainment service for 2024 and make some personal recommendations for shows you think they would love
Gym Memberships
New Year, new you? Perhaps, but forcing someone onto a treadmill isn't the way to go. A gym membership may seem like a thoughtful gesture, but it could backfire. Even for fitness fanatics, this gift could hit quite a sensitive spot. You never want a gift to imply that there is something wrong with your recipient, and giving them a gym membership sends all the wrong messages.
Instead of a gym membership, try:
- For exercise enthusiasts, give them a gift card to try a unique and fun fitness class like boxing or aerial yoga
- Products that can be used for more than just fitness, like a stylish water bottle or trendy athleisure clothing
Generic "As Seen on TV" Style Gadgets
While these gadgets promise to revolutionize mundane tasks, they often end up collecting dust in the back of the closet. Your intentions might be good, but chances are, your friend doesn't need a device that turns vegetables into spaghetti or a contraption that claims to "revolutionize" sock-folding. Unless you already know someone who struggles with specific tasks, like perhaps tools that can help make daily tasks easier for people with limited mobility or strength, these gadgets simply take up valuable storage space (and eventually, landfill space).
Instead of a generic gadget, try:
- A subscription box that aligns with their hobbies or interests, be it a monthly book club, a curated selection of gourmet snacks, or a box featuring unique and handmade items.
- If they have a hobby, provide them with high-quality supplies or tools related to their passion, whether it's painting, gardening, or crafting.
In Conclusion
The key to a successful holiday gift is thoughtfulness. Before you click "buy now" on that questionable present, consider the message you're sending. Opt for gifts that show you care and appreciate the unique tastes and preferences of your loved ones. Remember, it's the thought that counts – just make sure the thought isn't, "I had no idea what to get you, so here's a mop."
May your holiday season be merry, bright, and free of well-intentioned, but ultimately cringe-worthy, gifts!