Everyone has a story about getting a bad gift. Gift giving is hard to get right, because it’s a surprise, and there is some guessing you have to do! But sometimes you get a gift that just makes you scratch your head. You’re polite, of course, you say thank you and smile, but inside you’re wondering: How did he think that’s what I wanted? Gifts that are practical, but not very fun or romantic. Gifts that seem to be sending a message – what are you trying to say with that exercise equipment gift, honey? So we thought it would be helpful to go ahead and share all these bad gift ideas with you, to help you avoid making the same mistakes. 😬
This is a list of bad gift ideas, put together from bad gifts we’ve heard stories about, and even some bad gifts we’ve gotten ourselves!
1. Mop
This gift may seem nice because it is practical, but nothing is more disappointing than getting a mop or cleaning supplies for a birthday or holiday gift.
2. Blender
Unless someone has specifically told you they want a blender for their birthday, it’s best to leave kitchen appliances for another time.
3. Tools
I love high quality tools as much as anyone, but typically tools will not be a happy surprise when she opens that wrapping paper.
4. Frying Pan
One person I was talking to told me she got a frying pan for Christmas one year and it was the most disappointing present she has ever gotten.
5. Fishing Gear
Unless fishing is her absolute favorite activity, fishing gear is a bad gift idea.
6. Lawnmower
Look this is just not very fun. A lawn mower is a bad gift idea because it will be in a very big box, and that will be really exciting. But then she will open the box and she will see a lawn mower – a big machine used only for lawn chores. And mowing the lawn is just not very romantic or exciting or fun.
7. Scale
Nothing inspires self-consciousness like opening a present and finding a scale. Do not do this.
8. Candles
Candles are not the worst thing in the world, but for a gift they’re just kinda meh. Candles are what you get someone for a present when you don’t know anything about them but are trying to be nice. Try something a little more specific and exciting!
9. Bowling Ball
What? Unless your honey is a world champion bowler, don’t do this. We couldn’t believe it when we heard from one of our friends of the store that they got a bowling ball for Christmas one year. 😅
10. Toaster
Practical? Yes. Romantic? Not so much.
11. Exercise Equipment
Unless she’s been dropping hints about how much she wants to set up a home gym and ride a bike while watching hours of Netflix, this one is too similar to the scale to be considered a good gift idea. It is just too likely to be interpreted as a mean message! Think of what this says, “Honey, you look beautiful but you look like you really need more exercise.” Just no. Gifts should be fun! Not cause an existential crisis about your health!
12. Makeup Brushes
This is maybe not the worst idea but buying makeup or makeup brushes as a gift is just sooo difficult to get right! There are so many options and most people have very specific skin and face needs, so it’s pretty risky to try to get makeup accessories right for a surprise gift.
13. Perfume
Just like makeup, perfume is very very specific, and it’s so tough to get right. Plus, many people are sensitive to strong smells, and will have a bad reaction to perfume. One of my friends got perfume from a well meaning boyfriend and ended up with a terrible headache the rest of the day. 😕 Don’t make this mistake!
14. Socks
Socks would make a good stocking stuffer gift! But alone, they don’t stand up. (Get it, because they need feet in them…ok I’m sorry, that was terrible!) I’m just saying, socks probably is a bad gift idea.
15. Feather Duster
Please do not buy a feather duster or a duster of any kind for a gift. I am begging you.
16. Washing Machine
No! How many times do I have to tell you? Cleaning supplies of any kind are off limits! Bad gift! You buy a new washing machine when your old one breaks, not for a present! Comes in a big box, leads to big disappointment.
17. Angle Grinder
This is just very intense. Would not recommend.
18. Candy
This is just okay. It’s just bordering on cliche, and it is definitely nice while it lasts. But the problem is it doesn’t last. ðŸ˜
19. Sweater
This is another one that is just okay. This sweater is very cute. But sweaters for a gift, just like candles, sorta says, “I don’t really know you at all, but this is nice.” We don’t really recommend a sweater.
20. Random Stuff You Found At The Convenience Store
I know this sounds really wild, but we heard quite a few stories from friends who were gifted just a bunch of random stuff from the Convenience store or drug store. Like he ran out of time and just panic purchased a handful of cheap things from the closest store. This is the worst idea. Please do not resort to this.
