13 Awful Christmas gifts that nobody wants to get (2024)

13 Awful Christmas gifts that nobody wants to get (1)

Illustration: Time Out Hong Kong

Get these as presents if you feel like offending someone

Written by Jenny Leung & Catharina Cheung

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Some say the best part about Christmasis the exchanging of gifts, but there’ssomething traumatising abouthaving to force a ‘thank you’ through your fake smile after unwrapping a rather disappointing present – it’s even worse whenyou see someone have that same reaction to a gift from you. To help you steer clear from those situations, here are a fewcrappy presents that you definitely should not put underany one’s Christmas tree.

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1.Self-help books

Similar to how gifting fitness paraphernalia is a bit problematic, having someone unwrap a nice parcel only to see Taking Control of Your Depression or How to Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating is only going to signal to the recipient that you think something’s wrong with them. Trust us, if someone is truly in need of help, they probably already know it. Save it for a deep truth sesh in a safe space among friends, not during a festive celebration.

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Keys are already an annoyance in themselves, and we don’t think anyone needs yet another useless bit of plastic or metal weighing down their bags – let alone one they didn’t even choose for themselves. It’s more than likely the keychain will just see the back of a junk drawer or end up donated to a charity shop in your friend’s yearly spring cleaning.

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3.Photo frames

Unless you’re a primary school kid who’s just made an ugly-cute art project with macaroni and spray paint, don’t give people photo frames, especially if there isn’t even a photo included. It’s largely believed that empty picture frames are bad luck as the space invites negative energy, so the least you can do is fill it with a nice, soothing print. Besides, if you’re close enough to a person to give them something for Christmas, then you’ll likely have photos of or with them – use them!

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4.Clocks

Cantonese speakers will know that clocks make for particularly inauspicious gifts – in fact, some see them as downright ominous as the Chinese word for clock, ‘zhong’ (鐘), sounds exactly the same as the word for death. Giving someone a clock as a present therefore symbolically means sending them off on their final journey towards the afterlife, which just isn’t a very Christmassy thought.

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5.Pets

A gleeful child pulling out a puppy from a ribboned box under a Christmas tree is only romantic on a Hallmark card. In real life, suddenly having a whole living being on your hands is not so cute. Even if it’s something as small as a guppy, getting a pet is a personal decision that you just can’t make for someone else. By all means, give someone plush animals or even gifts for their pets, but not an actual, living animal.

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6.Statement mugs

Another mug, how original. This one’s even got an inspiring statement on it saying 'Do all things with love'. It'll go great in the back of the cupboard sitting along with 20 other mugs that either say 'It's actually wine in here' or 'Don't talk to me before I finish my coffee'.Come on buddy, nobody needs another mug.

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7.Anything that’s obviously a regift

Let’s admit it, we’ve all done it. Regifting is a common practice and it does help to reduce waste. But those who overtly proclaim that they ‘got this gift just for you’and forgot that the recipient wasaround whenyou originally got the present, well, that's just distasteful. May your stockings be filled with lumps of coal this Christmas.

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8.Gift cards to places you never go to

While gift cards can be a practical gift in many ways – who would turn down an iTunes coupon or a free meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant?–sometimes, it's just obvious that not a lot of thought was putinto the present. For instance, getting gift cards to cake shops when the giftee is known to be on a diet or flower arrangement classes for someone who’s allergic to pollen might not exactly be a good idea.

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9.Chocolates from brands no one’s heard of

Chocolates are often the way to go when it comes to Christmas presents. Most of us love a sugary festive treat. But forgive us for expecting something from La Maison du Chocolat or even good old Ferrero Rocher over some dubious brand no one’s ever heard of or seen in a supermarket. But yes, let’s break it open now and have a taste now, shall we?

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10.Socks, socks, and more socks

Yes, everyone wears socks – but we're pretty sure that everyone has enough socks as well. Even if they don't, socks are just something that's best to buy for yourself considering they have to be the right size, style, and colour. Gift a pair that's too small or colourful and they're pretty much rendered unwearable. And don't even get us started on festive socks or ones with cartoons on them.

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11.Anything ‘novelty’

Sure, it’sprobably incredibly funny and entertaining for the first couple of hours once you’ve opened the present, butevery novelty gift quickly becomes an eyesore for the rest of the year. Really,how likelyare you to use that bum bag with a man’s hairy belly printed on it or a golf set designed to be played while you’re doing your business on the bog?

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12.Anything exercise or diet-related

Think you're being thoughtful by getting someone workout equipment? Think again. Unless you're buying a gift for a fitness fanatic – even then it's still a bit risky – it's never a good idea to give anything exercise or diet-related. Instead of a 'thank you', you're more likely to geta "what are you trying to say?" reaction.

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13.“I’m the gift”

One of the worst offencesarepeople who shamelessly don’t hide the fact that they didn’t bother getting a gift at all. Instead, they come in, smug as can be and state that they’re the gift.Er, no. Just don't.

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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    13 Awful Christmas gifts that nobody wants to get (2024)

    FAQs

    13 Awful Christmas gifts that nobody wants to get? ›

    America's most unwanted gifts include plants, beauty products, and drinks. 56.60% of Americans will regift or donate unwanted gifts, while 42.34% choose to return or exchange them for something they like. Women's least favorite gifts are liquor or drinks, while men's least favorite gifts are beauty products.

    What is the least wanted Christmas gift? ›

    America's most unwanted gifts include plants, beauty products, and drinks. 56.60% of Americans will regift or donate unwanted gifts, while 42.34% choose to return or exchange them for something they like. Women's least favorite gifts are liquor or drinks, while men's least favorite gifts are beauty products.

    What is the most underrated Christmas gift? ›

    Included are options that fit every budget because the thought matters most, not the dollar amount spent.
    • Gas station gift cards. “Gift cards are frequently given as presents during the holiday season. ...
    • A stocking full of toiletries. ...
    • A AAA membership. ...
    • Give the gift of convenience — like grocery delivery. ...
    • Socks.
    Dec 20, 2023

    What is the most unwanted Christmas gift? ›

    According to a survey conducted in October 2022, flowers and plants, as well as beauty products, were some of the most unwanted gifts for Christmas in the United States. Specifically, over 40 percent of surveyed consumers in the U.S. said they would not want to receive presents such as these over the holidays.

    What is no gifts for Xmas? ›

    If you really would prefer no gifts try explaining your feelings. Something along the lines of; “We have made a conscious effort to keep our home decluttered and calm this year, hence there is no need to buy us physical gifts. It would mean a lot to me if we could skip the presents this year.”

    What is the most requested Christmas gift? ›

    Christmas gifts most desired by U.S. consumers in 2023
    CharacteristicShare of respondents
    Money (cash or transfer)43%
    Vouchers / gift cards38%
    Clothing, textiles, shoes35%
    Cosmetics, perfume, body care24%
    9 more rows
    Nov 30, 2023

    What is the least popular gift? ›

    Least favorite gifts to receive for Christmas in the United States in 2022, by generation
    CharacteristicGen ZGen X
    Liquor or drinks32.3%34.11%
    Pets and pet products29.57%29.72%
    Books or ebooks33.46%27.91%
    Health and fitness items21.4%26.36%
    5 more rows
    Dec 13, 2023

    What is the most returned Christmas gift? ›

    This year's most returned items
    • auto parts (19.4%)
    • apparel (12.2%)
    • home improvement (11.5%)
    • housewares (11.5%)
    Apr 17, 2024

    What is the most sold Christmas item? ›

    According to the report, Clothing and accessories was the top best-selling retail category in 2022, with a share of over 70%. A large percentage of clothing and accessories buyers are looking for a gift to send to their loved ones. Some people buy clothes for themself for Christmas, however, this is not as popular.

    What is the most regifted Christmas gift? ›

    Gift at your own risk: The top 5 gifts that are commonly regifted (or binned!)
    • Health and beauty products. This is, hands down, the most regifted category of items. ...
    • Candles. After cosmetics, candles are the next most popular re-gifted item. ...
    • Clothing. ...
    • Electronics. ...
    • Houseware. ...
    • Gifts that aren't regifted.
    Oct 5, 2021

    What to get when you don't want anything for Christmas? ›

    A charcuterie board is a great edible gift to share over the holidays. While there are plenty of delicious snacks included in the charcuterie board kit, they'll likely get eaten up quickly so it's still a great clutter-free choice for people that don't want more things.

    What do billionaires buy for Christmas? ›

    The Billionaire
    • Sunreef Yachts, 80 Sunreef Power Eco yacht. ...
    • Louis Vuitton, Deep Time Origin necklace. ...
    • Go2Africa, The Ultimate Safari. ...
    • Fabergé, Heritage Palais Rose Gold Collection Dragon Pendant. ...
    • Garrard, Blaze Necklace. ...
    • Graff, Diamond line necklace. ...
    • Audemars Piguet, Code 11:59. ...
    • Hermès, Birkin bag.
    Dec 1, 2023

    What is the least common Christmas gift? ›

    13 Awful Christmas gifts that nobody wants to get
    1. Self-help books. ...
    2. Keychains. ...
    3. Photo frames. ...
    4. Clocks. ...
    5. Pets. ...
    6. Statement mugs. ...
    7. Anything that's obviously a regift. ...
    8. Gift cards to places you never go to.
    Dec 19, 2023

    What is a gift that never stops giving? ›

    The idiom 'the gift that keeps on giving' means that there are many benefits of a gift, and these will continue over time. The combination of the individual meaning of the words differs from this because gifts, as inanimate objects (usually), cannot complete the action of giving. That's what makes this phrase an idiom.

    What are silent gifts? ›

    God's silent gifts often prepare us for what is to come. These gifts are not presents, but the Grace of the Holy Spirit. His Grace brings us comfort, strength and guidance. God quietly brought his Son into the world to prepare us for His greatest gift, forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

    What are tiny inexpensive Christmas gifts usually called? ›

    Small gifts, also known as Stocking Stuffers, are a thoughtful way to show appreciation to everyone in your life—especially when it's something they'll love.

    What are the most wanted Christmas gifts this year? ›

    These are the top five most popular gift categories this year:
    • Clothing.
    • Gift cards.
    • Toys.
    • Books, video games and other media.
    • Food and candy.
    Dec 21, 2023

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