Underwear
They call them "unmentionables" for a reason. Lingerie or underwear might be a sexy gift for a partner, but save it for Valentine's Day. Opening these racy items around family and friends is just plain awkward.
Related: 15 Gadgets Everyone Wants for Christmas
Souvenirs
You may think it’s nice to show a loved one that you thought about them on a recent vacation. In reality, though, no one wants a souvenir from a trip they didn’t take—especially if it's a kitschy key chain or miniature license plate with their name on it.
Related: The 20 Best (and Most Unusual) B&Bs in America
Pets
The decision to adopt a pet requires time, thought, and planning. Not everyone is ready for the responsibility, and gifting a pet commits the recipient to years of caring for an animal.
Related: 10 House Hacks Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Clothing
Every individual has a unique style. Buying clothes for someone else is tricky, and there’s always a risk of choosing the wrong size, which could offend the giftee.
Related: 9 Smart Hacks for Laundry Day
CDs and DVDs
A trendy movie or album was once the perfect gift for a pal. But with the growth of streaming services and digital downloads, CDs and DVDs are now obsolete relics that waste storage space.
Related: The Best 9 Storage Spots You Aren't Already Using
Cash
Little kids might get excited about a $20 bill in their stocking, but cash is a tacky present for adults. If you’re really strapped for another idea, muster up a gift card instead.
Related: 10 Gifts to Get Now Before They’re Gone
Household Basics
The cost of mundane items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and groceries definitely adds up—but this isn’t an excuse to purchase household necessities as "presents." Plus, the recipient may think you're implying that they keep a dirty or poorly managed household.
Related: The 50 Hottest Gifts from Home Depot
Candles
The gift of a candle says "we're not that close." There's nothing wrong with giving a candle to an acquaintance or coworker, but if you know the person well, consider something more personal.
Related: 11 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh
Gym Membership
Even if you mean well, signing someone up for a monthly gym membership could have a negative connotation. Plus, aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as an unwelcome reminder that New Year's resolutions are right around the corner.
Related: 13 Better-Than-Gift-Wrap Ideas for Packaging Presents
Major Purchases
Do you plan to go all-out by purchasing an insanely expensive gift? You may want to reconsider the generous gesture. Chances are, the recipient will want to choose their own car, vacation destination, or major appliance.
Related: 9 Crazy Gadgets That Cost More Than Your Mortgage
Gifts You Should Definitely Give
Now that you know the things you should definitely avoid giving, it’s time to figure out the gifts your friends and family actually want. These gadgets are on everyone’s lists, so you can’t go wrong. Or consider these nice (and inexpensive!) decor items from stores that you might have thought were out of your budget. And of course, you can’t go wrong with some fun and clever stocking stuffers!
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