Most of us are all too familiar with the ‘smile’ – the one that says: “I hate this gift, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings”. Whether you’ve been a witness or the one to put on a show, it’s probably one of life’s cringest moments – one you want to avoid at all costs! When it comes to receiving bad Christmas gifts, we may feel even more inclined to pretend we love them. Because, hey, it’s the holidays!
In our opinion, however, giving and receiving unwanted Christmas gifts is the very opposite of a Christmas miracle. But, fear not, our gift experts have provided a comprehensive guide to nailing your holiday gifting. Read our Christmas gifting tips to make your moments under the Christmas tree a little less awkward! And, discover how to send international gifts quickly and easily with Ace of Hearts Gift Baskets.
What are Bad Christmas Gifts? And What to Give Instead
The first step to avoiding bad Christmas gifts is simply knowing what they might be. From gift items that may have your recipient feeling underwhelmed, to the downright distasteful – here are bad Christmas gifts you want to avoid this year (and every year!).
Socks and Underwear
We’re a little conflicted about adding these items to the bad Christmas gifts list! While they are notoriously terrible gifts in general, as an adult you come to realize you can never have enough socks and undies! No matter how cute they may be, however, these items just don’t feel festive.
What to Give Instead:
Clothing items and accessories can be just as much of a gamble. But, they’re honestly better than unwrapping intimates in front of the entire family.
Gift Cards To Places They Never Go To
We get it, you’ve run out of time and have no idea what to get them. Gift cards can certainly save the day! But, when you grab one from just anywhere – you’re giving yourself away!
What to Give Instead:
Gift cards can still be thoughtful! Even if you purchased it on the day. Gift certificates from Ace of Hearts Gift Baskets, for one, allow your recipient to choose from a wide range of international gifts – so you know you’re giving them something they’ll love!
Anything Diet-Related
Hoping you’ll get a “thank you” for a diet-related gift? It’s more likely that they’ll wonder whether or not they look “chunky” in their outfit the entire day. Even if you’re hoping to impress a fitness fanatic, it’s best to leave that choice up to them.
What to Give Instead:
If your recipient has special dietary preferences, health-conscious gifts like gluten-free Christmas food hampers and vegetarian gift hampers are the perfect choice. But, these gifts only work if you’re certain that they have a preference.
Self-Help Books
Similarly to diet-related gifts, if your recipient is struggling with a certain issue – they are probably already aware of it. And even when you have the best intentions, Christmas morning is certainly not the time for a therapy session.
What to Give Instead:
If your loved one could benefit from a little relaxation, spa gift hampers are the perfect way to subtly encourage self-care.
What are Bad New Year Gifts? (Some Superstitious No-Nos) And What to Give Instead
When it comes to sending New Year gifts, your intention (we hope) is to send your loved ones well wishes for the year ahead. Below are a few seemingly innocent gifts that are considered bad luck for the new year:
Cheap Champagne
Okay, well, a bad champagne gift won’t technically bring them bad luck. But, popping cheap champagne on the last night of the year? It might as well be!
What to Give Instead:
Yes, high-quality, affordable champagne does exist! And, if you want to send it to your friends and family across the world, Ace of Hearts Gift Baskets can help you out with both! Discover our champagne gifts perfect for every budget and make their holiday season sparkle.
White Roses
White roses are usually reserved for funerals. So, if you plan on sending flowers to your loved ones for New Year’s Day – make sure to avoid these lovely (but unfortunate in this context) flowers.
What to Give Instead:
You can still send them a New Year bouquet! Consider flowers that symbolize good luck, new beginnings, and prosperity. Here are a few ideal New Year flowers and their meanings:
- Orchids – Symbolize strength, luxury, and beauty. Perfect for sending wishes of growth, strength, and elegance in the new year.
- Chrysanthemums – Represent optimism, longevity, and joy. A beautiful way to wish someone a bright and successful year ahead.
- Hyacinths – Symbolize renewal and prosperity. With their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance, hyacinths are often associated with positive change and the promise of new beginnings
- Tulips – Convey perfect love, happiness, and elegance. A cheerful choice for celebrating new beginnings and positive changes.
The Wrong Color Item
When it comes to New Year gifts, avoid choosing colors that represent misfortune. These colors usually include black and white. But, do your research on what is culturally acceptable if you are sending gifts to international recipients.
What to Give Instead:
Here are the colors and shades that are commonly considered to bring good luck:
- Green – Symbolizes good health. Consider gifting ever-green plants for their home.
- Red – Represents and encourages love in the new year. Use red as the main focus for your romantic New Year gifts!
- Yellow – Helps with financial troubles (yet to be proven, but doesn’t hurt to try!).
- Blue – Blue candles specifically, are said to bring peace and prosperity.
Clocks and Watches
This one might be a little too far-fetched for those who aren’t superstitious. But, many believe that gifting a clock or a watch will bring bad luck to relationships in the new year. If the clock stops ticking, it might mean the end of your relationship – ridiculous right? *considers removing watches from our website.*
What to Give Instead:
If you know your recipient would really appreciate a brand-new watch, we won’t discourage you! But, items like jewelry and electronics make great alternatives if protecting your relationship is your prerogative.
At Ace of Hearts Gift Baskets, There are NO Bad Christmas Gifts
At Ace of Hearts Gift Baskets, we believe every gift should be an expression of care, thoughtfulness, and festive joy. Whether you’re sending a gift to bridge the distance between loved ones or making sure your holiday gift is a memorable one, we’ve got you covered.
Avoid the awkward smiles and embrace the magic of meaningful gifting. With our wide range of carefully curated gifts—from delightful hampers to personalized surprises—there’s no such thing as a “bad” Christmas gift. This season, let’s make every gift one that sparks genuine happiness and holiday cheer.
You’ve explored Bad Christmas Gifts, what’s next?
- Send holiday gifts to your loved ones today!
- Discover our Lunar New Year gift baskets.
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Alex is a hopeless romantic who was supposed to be born in Italy (her dream destination), but proud to be South African nonetheless. She lives by her heart, and, consequentially, leaves a little bit of herself in everything she writes. She wholeheartedly believes that mermaids (and fairies) exist and is deathly afraid of the age ’30’.