It’s that time of year and the pressure to get loved ones the perfect gift is on — one misstep can have deadly consequences. If you’ve gifted one of these nine annoying items, PUT DOWN THE WRAPPING PAPER. Or else you may find yourself ringing in the New Years single. 

 

A gym membership.

I mean, come on… even if you had the best of intentions, no one wants to be reminded that they need to work out. Aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as an unwelcome reminder that New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner.

 

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, what are you really trying to say about their hygiene?

 

No pets/living things.

Living, breathing creatures are the gifts that keep on giving, because you’re stuck with them for life. Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of, especially something semi-scary like a lizard.

 

Anything re-gifted.

Just… don’t.

 

Something that is actually for you.

The goal is to make someone feel special, so gifting something that you’d clearly enjoy too reads as insincere. For example, sex toys.

 

A donation to a cause.

Remember that F.R.I.E.N.D.S scene when Chandler gave out donations in everyone’s name to the New York City Ballet? Well, no one wants that. So don’t be a Chandler: check before you make any donations in your significant other’s name.

 

A fly swatter.

Flies are swarming because your gift idea stinks.

 

Socks.

You. Can. Do. Better.

 

Forgetting and getting them nothing at all.

The worst.

 

 

To avoid getting dumped, check out our tech-savvy gift guide here.

 

 

Gif by Emma Darvick.