subject: The top 10 worst gift giving mistakes [print this page] The top 10 worst gift giving mistakes The top 10 worst gift giving mistakes
The number one gift gaffe is the classic trashy underwear which men buy for themselves and gift to their partners. Red and black tasselled bras are more appropriate for strip joints than your true loves bosom. If you want to make a gift of underwear your woman will actually appreciate take her shopping or go with her best friend, and leave your rampant imagination outside the shop. Re-gifted items are a great way of passing on unwanted gifts whilst saving money and demonstrating your commitment to the planet at the same time. There are times when it simply won't go down well though and you should avoid re-gifting a gift to the person who gave you the gift at all costs. Similarly failing to remove the card which wishes you a happy birthday when you re-gift the item at Christmas is a disaster best avoided. Other re-gifted gifts which are the worst mistake to make are used items. Don't wrap up a book you've already read if you've spilt coffee on page 71, turned down the corners or written notes in the margin.
The big disappointment for women is when their partner gifts them a household appliance which completely misses the point. No woman wants to receive a vacuum cleaner or sweeping brush no matter how delightfully it is wrapped, when she was hoping for perfume and jewels.Pets can make terrible gifts if they haven't been expressly requested. You might make little Jonny happy with a pet rat but it will go down like a lead balloon if the rest of the family is terrified of rats. Similarly pets are expensive additions to a household which can show thoughtlessness on your part.Age inappropriate gifts can be huge gaffes. The girl who has outgrown dolls threeyears ago won't be impressed with a Barbie, just as Granny may not appreciate the mini skirt, or the trendy teen a quilted bed jacket.Ornaments, artwork and vases are all a matter of personal taste and should be avoided as gifts, particularly if the recipient may feel obliged to pull them out of the cupboard and dust them down each time you plan to visit. If you do gift such things bear in mind they are likely fodder for re-gifts. Gifts which you think will stimulate a new hobby in the recipient may well be as well received as a cold shower.
