While stores seem to never run out of gift ideas, finding the right one can be a real challenge. You have to consider the preference of the person you're giving it to and you also have to factor in your budget. Despite your good intentions, you could end up giving something the other person won't like. However, there really are certain things you must avoid giving altogether because they're downright the worst gifts to get.
1) Bathroom scale
Forget "it's the thought that counts" as nothing is more impersonal and insulting than receiving a bathroom scale. What "thought" are you exactly telling someone when you give a bathroom scale? Regardless of the occasion, a bathroom scales is not a thoughtful present, according to Evening Times.
2) Self-Help books
Similar to bathroom scales, it's like you're telling a friend they are nutty or broken when giving them self-help books and that's kind of insulting. Besides, it negates the idea of "self-help" because if they really want to motivate themselves, they would have bought the book already. If you're really bent on giving books, why not scour the fiction section? "The Buried Giant," "A Brief History of Seven Killings," and "The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels" are some of the recommend titles, according to Chicago Tribune.
3) Socks
Socks have long been part of the worst gift list, especially plain black or white socks. No one really loves getting them because they already have enough in their dresser drawers. Besides, it's always easy to buy a pair anytime, so there's really nothing special about getting socks unless you're giving a funky pair to creative people like artists, fashionistas and musicians, according to National Post.
4) Christmas-themed towels or table napkins
When can your friend or aunt use these items after opening their presents? Next Christmas, but by then, they might have already forgotten about them. Christmas-themed towels and napkins are pretty useless gifts, so don't waste your money on them. Christmas decorations are also a no-no, regardless if they look adorable.
5) Calendar or planner
You're not a company giving away corporate gifts to clients, so gifting a dear friend a calendar or planner might be seen as uncaring and impersonal. If they specifically asked for this, then go ahead. You could give someone who is into adult coloring a coloring book calendar like Posh by Thaneey McArdle or Secret Garden Wall Calendar by Johanna Basford. These items are currently trendy, but make sure that the one you're giving it to is into grown-up coloring.
