What about the gift that hurts?
I hope none of my readers have ever received a gift that insulted them. The experience can be extremely demoralizing.
Whether it is a gag-gift exchange or just a light-hearted gift get together, there are certain things one should never give as gifts, no matter how funny you think it is or that you are trying to ‘help’ someone. Christmas is about making someone feel good.
Here is a list of some must-avoids, (unless you have ulterior motives)
1. For the person struggling with weight:
a bathroom scale
a book on nutrition
a membership to a weight loss program
a DVD set on exercise
a shirt that reads “Wide load”
2. For the person struggling financially
a book on budget keeping
a gift that looks cheap
3. For the person who struggles with emotional stress
a self-help book
zen incense
4. For the person with poor personal hygiene
nose-hair clippers
soaps from a bath shop
5. For the person who doesn’t drink
a bottle of wine
a set of shooter glasses
6. T-shirts with suggestive sayings
a picture of seven dwarfs referring to DOPEY
a saying about alcohol who has a drinking problem
No one wants to be embarrassed or laughed at during the gift exchange get-together. Anyone who has watched the gang at Dunder Mifflin on The Office knows that a TV show might be funny unless it’s not. Here are some suggestions to avoid the hurt or embarrassed co-worker.
1. For the person struggling with weight:
a book on their favourite sports team
a scarf that will compliment her hair colour
2. For the person struggling financially
a gas card
a movie pass
3. For the person who struggles with emotional stress
a gift certificate for a massage
a gift card to a bookstore so they may find a book they want
a beautiful candle
4. For the person with poor personal hygiene
a CD of the music they like
a book on a topic they enjoy
5. For the person who doesn’t drink
a cool kitchen gadget
a set of exotic jams or olive oils
6. T-shirts with suggestive sayings
a shirt that reflects their likes—sports team, shopping
It only takes a few minutes to research what a person enjoys. Giving a gift should have as many good feelings as receiving one.
