With Christmas time coming up, everyone is making their lists, but no one is making the list of things they don't want. I'm here to help. When shopping for others (or even yourself, honestly) avoid these 25 things.
1. Fidget spinners
They were cool for a moment, but that moment has passed. A message to all adults everywhere: Your child does not want a fidget spinner. Don't waste your money.
2. Socks
This entirely depends on the type of sock. If someone wants to get me a nice pair of fuzzy socks with cute patterns on them, be my guest. But a pack of plain white socks from Walmart? Pass.
3. Gag gifts
A couple of years ago I bought my brother a one-foot-tall blow-up doll as a joke. He didn't think it was funny.
4. Fruitcake
Go ahead, find me one person who likes fruitcake. I'll wait.
5. Clothes that don't fit
Don't be like this guy. If you're unsure what size someone is, don't guess. Buy them something else instead.
6. Clothes that aren't your style
If you don't go shopping with me on a regular basis, please don't buy me clothes.
7. Chokers
Word on the street is that chokers are going out of style for 2018. (I never thought they were in style, buuuuut...)
8. Crocs
Crocs are a no from me. Always and forever.
9. A pet
I love pets, but it's important to remember that pets should not be given to someone who is under-qualified to give them the care they require, or worse, does not want one. So many animals get returned to shelters after the holidays. Do not give someone a pet unless you know that they are going to shower it in love and affection.
10. An obvious regift
Do not, under any circumstances, give someone a gift that obviously is a regift. Don't give them half-filled-out crossword puzzles or a personalized picture frame with the wrong name. For the love of God, do not regift someone something that they bought you in the first place. If you're questioning when you should regift something, here's the simple answer: never.
11. Old calendars
Make sure you're buying calendars for the upcoming year. I do not want a calendar that is only valid for one week.
12. Children's toys
Make sure the gifts you're giving are age-appropriate. No teenager wants a children's toy.
13. Underwear/Lingerie
Unless you're buying underwear or lingerie for your SO, this is a no-no. If you decide to go forward with your underwear purchase, make sure you give it to someone in private. No one wants to open a lace thong in front of their grandma.
14. Coal
Hahahahahahah...not funny.
15. Exercise gear
Even if you had good intentions, this sends a message that you think someone needs to lose weight. The only exception to this is if someone actually asks for exercise gear.
16. An unwelcome surprise
A new baby sibling? I'm adopted? You're getting divorced? News flash to everyone: keep these 'surprises' separate from Christmas.
17. A gift card to a place you never go
Nothing is worse than a gift card to a place you've never shopped at before. What the heck am I supposed to do with a $20 gift card to Hollister?
18. Candles
I love candles, but it's hard to buy them for someone else. Everyone likes different smells.
19. T-shirts with embarrassing slogans on them
T-shirts like this should only be bought if you're online shopping and you're intoxicated.
20. Deodorant
Everyone needs deodorant, but no one wants to receive it as a Christmas present. It sends the subliminal message that your loved one smells bad.
21. Perfume, cologne, lotion, or body wash
Just like above, this sends a message to your loved one that they smell, or have dry skin. This gift screams "I didn't try very hard when shopping for you."
22. School supplies
The only time someone wants to receive school supplies is when they're in elementary school. After that, they just give students anxiety.
23. The box-within-the-box
This is only funny until you get to the third-or-so box. After box number three, it's just tedious.
24. Food
Food is delicious, but it's not a gift. It spoils and eventually there's nothing left to remember your gift by.
25. Souvenirs
Lots of people bring their loved ones souvenirs from their travels. While this is a nice thought, the souvenirs mean nothing to the people who were not along on the trip.
Moral of the story: When in doubt, give your loved ones cash!
