Ideas

Do NOT Give These Gifts to Your Significant Other This Year...

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'Tis the season for giving. And while we believe it’s really the thought that counts, it has to be the RIGHT kind of thought. This is your friendly reminder that the holidays are NOT a time to subtly let your significant other know everything you dislike about them. As your mom used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The same goes for gift giving. Rather than dropping a passive aggressive hint this year, give one of these more thoughtful gifts instead. holiday gifts to avoid, dont give these gifts

1. A box of Rogaine.

  • Translation: I’m genuinely worried that your hair is just going to get worse, and all of our photos together will just be tragic. For as long as we both shall live.
Give this instead: Rather than focusing on the hair your partner doesn't have, help him take care of the hair he does have with a travel-sized grooming kit. Pair it with a fancy toiletry bag to help him look fresh no matter where he travels this holiday season.

2. The "Sex for Dummies" book.

  • Translation: You don't know what you’re doing in bed. We need to work on your moves.
Give this instead: A nice robe says, "let's slip into something a little more comfortable," but a naughty number will help spice things up in the bedroom.

3. A gym membership.

  • Translation: I know it's the holidays and all, but you've gained some weight. Let's get an early jump on that New Year's resolution shall we?
  • Give this instead: Unless your partner specifically asked for you to cover a month or two at his/her gym, steer clear of this one. Instead, embrace the holiday festivities with an endless supply of cookies and an adorable mini cookie jar. Let your partner know you love ALL of him/her.

4. A gift certificate to your local pizza place.

  • Translation: My wallet's a little thin at the moment...
Give this instead: If you're strapped for cash this holiday season, chocolate is ALWAYS a good choice. But don't just duck into your local drug store; do it up with a box of chocolate-covered deliciousness or get fancy with tequila-spiked chocolate sauce. Either way, throw a cute print for good measure: "All I need is love and a little chocolate."

5. A toaster.

  • Translation: We really don’t know anything about each other...but I know you MUST like toast.
Give this instead: If you just recently started dating and are still getting to know each other, you don't have to resort to kitchen appliances...unless, of course, the toaster is accompanied by a coupon for breakfast in bed! Think a little bigger and gift your new love with something experiential (like tickets to a concert or a quick vacation to the Caribbean). That way, even if you don't know much about each other, you can experience something new together.

6. A 6-pack of Natty Light (with the receipt from the convenience store stuck to the side).

  • Translation: So, uh I forgot to get you a gift. These are actually for me, but I guess you can have some too.
Give this instead: There's nothing more thoughtful than a personalized gift, so think ahead and order a customized bottle of bubbly. Does your beau prefer bourbon? Consider a monogrammed decanter and a subscription to a bourbon of the month club.
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Kayla Barr
About The Author
Writer and Storyteller.
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