The 10 Worst Holiday Gift Ideas According to SixWise.com
Giving gifts is an art, and unfortunately many people are still at the finger-painting stage. Here's ten common gift ideas that should be avoided -- and why -- along with seven sure-bets when it comes to giving gifts, according to SixWise.com.
(PRWEB) November 21, 2006 -- According to SixWise.com, the #1 most subscribed to consumer health, wealth, relationships, and much more newsletter on the Web, this year in the U.S. alone, nearly $250 billion will be spent between Thanksgiving and December 31 on gifts.
"We've all been on the receiving end of an awful gift -- and though we don't like to admit it, we've all been on the giving end as well, so here's how to make sure the money you spend will more likely go toward something the recipient actually wants to keep. First we offer our "Top Ten Gift Ideas to Avoid list."
1. Exercise Equipment: This may be a great gift to give yourself if you actually use it, but nobody wants the five (okay, ten) pounds they gained over the holidays thrown back in their face. But that is exactly what your sweetheart will feel you're doing if you give him or her a Thighmaster this year. Leave the purchase of exercise equipment to the individual, unless they specifically requested it as a gift themselves.
2. Anything Used: If the box is crinkled, even slightly, they'll know it's been used! Same goes for clothing that mysteriously contains no tags, or popcorn tins that are slightly less than full.
3. Gifts That Require Work: Items like vacuum cleaners and leaf blowers are generally not the best "gifts," especially if you live in the same household as the person you are giving it to. Again, a possible exception is if they have been asked for -- no, begged for -- and even then ask yourself, would they really like something that adds fun or enchantment to life instead?
4. Socks: Most people are happy to buy their own socks, and would rather do so than receive them as a present. (Yes, even if they're covered in reindeer or have separate places for each toe.) Don't believe us? Consumer Reports found that socks were the most offensive and disappointing gift that people received in 2005!
5. Homemade Trinkets: There are some exceptions here -- for example, such gifts from children to parents -- but generally, the recipient will not appreciate the hours you spent hot-glue-gunning tiny Christmas bears to a wooden sleigh (that you also spent hours hand-painting with the family's initials and coat of arms). We know this violates some people's assumptions and best intentions, but according to experts and studies it is so!
6. Weird Items: It's tempting to buy that one-of-a-kind, fuzzy, fuchsia sweater vest for Aunt Sue, or that giant frog-shaped paperweight for cousin Pete, but, unless you know they've been yearning for one, chances are slim that they'll like it (and odd items may be difficult to return). Remember, there is a line between tasteful unique gifts and flat-out weird ones, and the line is not that fine.
7. Clothing: Although clothing is the most popular gift for 2006 shoppers, according to Consumer Reports, it also came in as the most disappointing category (with socks the worst among them) of gifts received in 2005. So unless you are absolutely confident that you know the correct size, color, fabric -- and style -- that the person will like, don't buy it. Less risky are neutral items of clothing that don't quite run these risks.
8. Lingerie: In a similar vein, lingerie is a risky bet. Pick out something she likes, and that's the correct size, and you may have done well -- but the chances of this are slim (no pun intended). More likely you'll buy something that's too big (and therefore implying she's fat), or too small (and therefore implying she's fat), or is the wrong style entirely (opening up a whole new can of worms).
9. Items That Could Hurt (or Annoy) Others: Your neighbor's kids may love a drum set, but would their parents speak to you afterward? Similarly, rollerblades are fun, but did your Uncle Theo tell you about his bad hip? Risky items in this category include slingshots, pellet guns and other toys that involve projectiles, items that involve loud, repetitive sounds, and sports equipment and/or power tools that fall into the wrong hands.
10. Novelty Gifts: You may think that a fly-in-the-ice-cube gag is the greatest thing, but chances are that novelty gifts such as these will not impress your loved ones (unless they're 5 years old). Also watch out for quirky things that you may think are cute, but will actually violate the rule above (think the "Singing Bass" fish that hangs on the wall or a snowglobe that plays "It's a Small World").
So, what should the giftgiver buy? Of course, keeping the individual and their tastes and preferences in mind is always rule #1 (and may possibly lead you to violate any of the "rules" above -- some people are genuinely excited by flexible ultramicrofiber dusters for the holidays!) But if your gift list has now been diminished, here are some items that etiquette experts consider safe to give, and usually truly appreciated by the recipient:
- Gift Cards
- Toys -- you can please both kids and their parents with the right educational toy, such as the Money Savvy Pig at SixWise.com
- Electronics
- Personalized gifts ... especially for women, such as a personalized photo throw rug (see http://www.happybirthdaygiftideas.com/personalized-gifts-for-her.html)
- Jewelry
- Soaps, bath salts, and other "neutral" toiletries
- Books and movies (best if you know the recipients' taste in books and movies)
- Tasteful unique gifts, such as personalized marble coasters (see http://www.happybirthdaygiftideas.com/personalized-gifts-for-her.html).
Among the most desired gifts, Consumer Reports found that electronics were tops for men, while women preferred gift cards, followed closely by jewelry. Also desired by at least a handful of the survey participants were good health and peace on earth.
Note: Republication of this and all SixWise.com articles is allowed as long as proper author credits and, if published online, live links are in place.
SEE THE ENTIRE "10 WORST HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS" ARTICLE NOW at SixWise.com.
SixWise.com is the home of the no-cost Be Safe, Live Longer & Prosper newsletter, now the #1 most subscribed to consumer health, wealth, relationships, and much more newsletter on the Web.
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