12 Gifts No One Actually Wants

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Have you ever received a gift that made you want to throw it back at the gifter (but your parents raised you better)? No matter how well-intentioned, sometimes “thoughtful gestures” point more to the lack of thought.

We’ve all been there—either as the givers of unfortunate gifts or, worse yet, the recipients. It’s not always easy to find something perfect, but there’s a special category of presents that we can all agree miss the mark completely, like an ugly sweater or a book you’ve already read.

With the silly season just around the corner, everyone will be stressing themselves out trying to think of what to get their inlaws, neighbors, and baristas this year, but we’re taking some of the guesswork out for you. Here are some present ideas that you might want to avoid this gift-giving season.

1. The Infamous Fruitcake

It’s dense, heavy, and filled with mystery ingredients that look like they’ve been preserved since 1857. The classic fruitcake is the culinary equivalent of a bad haircut. No one really knows where it came from, and everyone’s too polite to say what they’re actually thinking.

There’s probably someone out there who enjoys a good fruitcake. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help that it can stay “good” for three months. Even the cake lovers may be wary of eating it at that point.

2. Motivational Wall Art

Nothing quite says, “I wasn’t sure what to get you,” like motivational wall art. Imagine unwrapping a frame and being greeted by “Dream Big” or “Live, Laugh, Love” in elegant cursive. Suddenly, it’s like your life has turned into a charming Hallmark card.

The thought is kind, but most of us already have plenty of self-help quotes. If you must gift wall art, how about giving someone a painting or personalized drawing instead?

3. Novelty Mugs

At first glance, novelty mugs might seem like a safe choice. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh with their coffee? Once you’ve seen a mug that says “World’s Best Procrastinator” or “This Might Be Wine,” the novelty wears off. And you’re left with yet another mug cluttering your cabinet.

The irony is that most people don’t even use these mugs for drinking. To make a mug more meaningful and useful, gift it with something else, like candles or kitchen essentials.

4. Desk Gadgets

Tiny desktop basketball hoops? Miniature zen gardens? A Rubik’s Cube that doubles as a phone stand? These gadgets are a quirky testament to those in our world who have a little too much free time. While some desk gadgets can seem like a fun idea, they often end up serving no real purpose and just take up space.

Once the novelty of shooting hoops during a conference call fades, it becomes another thing to knock over while reaching for your coffee. Why not give an embossed notebook or a nice pen?

5. Exercise Equipment You Didn’t Ask For

Unless you’ve specifically asked for it (and I mean really asked), no one usually wants to open exercise equipment as a gift. While a new set of resistance bands or a home treadmill can be exciting for some, for others, it might feel like a subtle hint to improve.

Most folks would rather receive something that sparks joy, not guilt or resentment. If they’re fitness lovers, get them something personalized to motivate them.

6. A Generic Gift Card

A gift card is a convenient choice that can be both a lifesaver and a bit of a head-scratcher. On one hand, it’s great to give someone the freedom to pick out exactly what they want. On the other hand, it can feel like a missed opportunity to show how well you know them.

While practical, a generic gift card can sometimes leave recipients feeling like they didn’t get the special treatment they hoped for. Instead of unwrapping a delightful surprise, they’re faced with the task of making their way to the store and figuring out what to buy, which takes away from the excitement of receiving a gift.

7. DIY Kits

While DIY kits might seem like a fun and crafty gift, they can sometimes end up gathering dust in a corner, waiting for a spark of inspiration. The promise of creating something beautiful can sometimes feel like a gentle nudge to tackle another unfinished project.

When you open a kit and find an array of instructions and supplies, it can feel a bit overwhelming. No one needs a project that feels like a challenge instead of a creative escape.

8. Socks

Women are notorious for gifting their partners socks, but how exciting is it to unwrap a pair of fuzzy socks? Unless they come with a surprise feature, like built-in GPS or the ability to brew coffee, they often end up feeling a bit lackluster.

While everyone appreciates a good pair of socks, maybe save them for a playful surprise rather than a primary gift. They’re only a safe option for people who aren’t very close to you.

9. The Reusable Shopping Bag Collection

Being eco-friendly is definitely a great thing, but do we really need an endless supply of reusable shopping bags with quirky designs and catchy slogans? It can feel like these bags multiply overnight, leaving your closet bursting at the seams with totes you never use.

While the thought behind gifting these bags is appreciated, most of us tend to have the go-to tote that we use until it shows signs of wear. A nice handbag or wallet would be better.

10. Home Décor From Garage Sales

Garage sale finds can be a treasure trove, but gifting someone a piece of home décor from one can be a risky move. What seems vintage and charming to one person may look like outdated junk to another, like that cat-shaped planter that looks like it came straight out of a 70s sitcom.

Combining mismatched styles and unique tastes can result in an intriguing gift, though it might not perfectly match the recipient’s home aesthetics. Ultimately, it’s a big risk, especially if you don’t know your gift recipient super well.

11. Synthetic Candles

Synthetic candles, often packed with synthetic fragrances and additives, might look beautiful sitting on your shelf, but they can come with a hidden downside. Many of these candles release harmful chemicals when burned, which isn’t exactly the cozy experience you’re aiming for.

While the intention behind gifting a candle is usually to promote relaxation and warmth, these synthetic options can lead to headaches and respiratory issues instead. Natural candles made from soy or beeswax are a much better bet if you want to create a pleasant atmosphere.

12. Plastic Anything

Plastic gifts can often seem like a quick, budget-friendly choice, but they often end up as one-time-use novelties. They can easily become clutter, contributing to the growing pile of stuff that ends up in landfills.

Nobody wants to be the person known for gifting plastic items that are forgotten within days. There are a lot of non-plastic options that make awesome gifts.

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