15 worst gifts for women
Shopping for that special lady in your life? While no two people are alike, there are some gifts worth skipping.
This post comes from Amanda Geronikos at partner site Money Talks News.
It should go without saying that not everyone has the same idea of the perfect gift. There are men hoping for cologne and women longing for power tools.
But that won't stop us from having some fun with potentially horrible gifts for the woman in your life. Here's our tongue-in-cheek list of the 15 worst gifts:
Unless she specifically asked for a waffle maker or blender, don't buy her one. Even women who enjoy cooking don't want to feel it's expected.
2. Clothes
Clothes are a no-no for several reasons. There's the size issue: If you get her something too big, she'll probably be offended; if you get her something too small, she might feel bad about herself.
There's also the issue of style. If a wardrobe makeover is what she wants, make a nice card promising to take her on a shopping spree with your cash.
3. A framed picture of yourself
This "gift" is strangely common, based on personal experience and its presence on almost every "worst gifts" list out there. Nothing says you're self-absorbed like a framed photo of yourself posing like a model. And the picture of you when you were 6 years old? That's not cute either. A picture of the two of you doing something memorable is a much better gift idea.
4. Anything that can't be easily exchanged
If your significant other absolutely hates the expensive gift you bought her, be sure you can exchange it, for her sake and yours.
5. Diet or fitness products
Unless you're looking for trouble, don't buy her anything related to losing weight. The implication is that you're not satisfied with her the way she is.
6. Gifts for yourself
Buying her the new flat-screen TV you want and calling it a gift because she'll use it too doesn't work. Give her something she can appreciate and enjoy.
7. Tickets to sporting events
Your significant other might tolerate, or even like, baseball or football. But unless she's a die-hard fan, skip the tickets to sports events. Tickets to the ballet or a Broadway musical (unless, of course, she hates those things) are a better option, and you'll get bonus points if you go with her. Choose something you might not normally attend, and she'll appreciate it even more.
8. Tacky novelties
She's not going to be as amused by that singing coffee cup as you were when you spotted it at the store. Unless there's an inside joke behind the novelty gift, and it's in addition to a larger gift, this is a bad idea.
9. Perfume
If she asked for Elizabeth Arden's newest fragrance, by all means, buy it. Otherwise, stay away from the perfume counter. She might hate the fragrance you choose, or worse, she might be allergic to it.
10. Cash
Remember the "Seinfeld" episode in which Jerry gave Elaine cash for Christmas? Elaine got mad, as will the lady in your life if you give her this thoughtless gift.
11. Cosmetics (including wrinkle cream)
It's almost unbelievable that men buy women wrinkle cream as a gift. I once heard about a woman who received wrinkle cream from her boyfriend when she was 22. It's also weird to buy a woman makeup. Just stay away from the cosmetics department.
12. Alcohol
A bottle of wine is nice for a housewarming party, but it's not quite as classy when you give it to a woman as a holiday, birthday or anniversary gift.
13. Flowers
Flowers are appropriate at certain times, but the holidays call for something more thoughtful and longer-lasting.
14. Last year's gift
She loved the one-hour massage you bought her last year, but she's expecting something different this year. Even if you have a hard time remembering the details of last year's gift, chances are she hasn't forgotten.
15. Candy
Many women love chocolate, but it's just not a sufficient gift at the holidays. Use it as a stocking stuffer, and put some more thought into a larger gift she'll appreciate.
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Best male gift given by my brother in law to my sister: a new coach wallet stuffed with gift cards to her favorite stores, gift card to a restuarant, gift card to her favorite spa, cash and a "gift certificate" for a Saturday off from being mom to be able to use her gift cards. She was in 7th heaven!
It was our first Christmas after we got married. We were broke, but he insisted on buying gifts. I love earrings, especially big or unusual ones. I have long hair, so always dangling styles or hoops. I have no interest in whether or not the stones are real, and I don't wear expensive ones because I'm terrified I'll lose one. And he knew all of this, because I told him.
So he bought me a pair of tiny little diamond studs in gold. Not my style, or metal preference, or "me" in any way. They were what he wanted me to want. Told me they were more age-appropriate than what I usually wore, and that he didn't want me wearing fake stones. It wasn't just that they weren't to my taste, it was that his reasoning was just offensive. And he conveniently lost the receipt.
So my point here is, get to know the person and find out who they are and what they like. You're not buying it for yourself, so don't buy it because you like it. Get what they like, even if you hate it. Don't use a gift as a subtle means of manipulating someone to what you want them to be.
I fondly remember the year my husband presented me with one wiper blade for my car for Christmas. Yes. Just one. Ahhh...
But you know what? He's a darn fine husband, a hard worker, a great dad, and I'm thrilled that he's mine. We have a lot of happy years together. So what if his gift buying skills are a little off. The presents are not what make the relationship.
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