In general, there are no right or wrong Christmas gifts. The presents you buy for people depend on their tastes, what they’ve already got at home, your relationship, and how well you know them. You wouldn’t buy the same gift for your best friend as you would your grandma, unless your grandma is your best friend.
That said, there are a few overrated gifts; those gifts that perhaps we’ve all been guilty of buying out of habit, or because we don’t know what else to get—and which remain unused or re-gifted in the future. Here’s a look at a few of those exceptionally overrated gifts, as well as some ideas of things to get instead.
Don’t Buy
DVDs
These used to be trendy, and rightly so. Not long ago, they were the newest method for watching movies, including the special features, without even having to rewind to watch it again! But, their time has passed; in 2019 DVD sales dropped by over 86%, and even fewer people own a DVD player, preferring to stream their content.
Movie Theater Gift Cards or Subscriptions
The theater still has its advantages, and hopefully will be around for a while yet. But, at the moment, cinemas all over the world are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Just because you can pay for the gift card online, doesn’t mean it’s redeemable.
Personalized Mugs
Mugs are useful. But, most of us have already bought a holiday mug if we want one, and most households either have trendy matching sets or personal favorites. No one needs a cupboard cluttered with cheap personalized mugs that they rarely use.
Home Decor
There’s nothing worse than receiving a homeware item that doesn’t match your theme, decor or taste, and having to find somewhere to put it so as not to upset the gift giver. Don’t put your friends and family in this position.
Plane Tickets
Plane tickets can be a thoughtful gift if there’s somewhere specific that your loved one wants to go. But, the pandemic has significantly reduced the number of places that we can visit and flights available. And nothing’s worse than getting tickets to a destination that you hadn’t planned on.
Cheap Perfume or Aftershave Gift Sets
As adults, most of us have a signature scent. We know what suits us, and we’re willing to pay more for it. Cheap gift sets often get pushed to the back of the cupboard and never used.
Generic Chocolates
Generic boxes of chocolates often tell the recipient, “I don’t know what you like.” The recipient will be grateful, but the chocolates will be forgotten once the favorites are picked out.
Socks
Socks aren’t a good present. Yes, we all need them. So, we buy them for ourselves.
Festive Pajamas
Festive pajamas can be cute. But, by the time you receive them, you can only wear them for a few days before they get packed away for the next holiday season. It’s best to leave that to family traditions.
A Calendar
This can be useful, but unless it comes as a joke, children won’t appreciate it, and adults will wonder what message you’re trying to hint at.
Buy Instead
A Streaming Service
A streaming service like Netflix is a great gift. You are giving the gift of entertainment, date nights, and a moment’s peace while the kids binge their favorite shows.
A Specialty Boutique Card
Instead of buying a generic gift card, find out what they like, and buy a card for either a bookstore, high quality shoe store, fancy clothing parlor, or a store that gives them the freedom of choosing what they truly want.
A Kodak Picture Frame
A kodak picture frame is a bit like an old-fashioned photo album for the modern age, but with one significant advantage; the pictures change as members of the family take them and send them to the frame. A fantastic way to share more of your life with family that you might not see as often as you’d like.
A Customized Mattress
A custom-made mattress isn’t a cheap gift, but it’s a worthwhile investment that’s perfect for someone you love. We’ve all woken up with backache or still tired from a night of tossing and turning. A custom-made mattress eliminates all this. What could be a better gift than a comfortable night’s rest?
Travel Vouchers
Travel vouchers are a great option that allow the recipient to see their dream vacation realized by choosing their own dates and destination.
A Smart Home Device
If you’ve got a gadget geek in your family, a smart home device could be the perfect gift. However, it’s also great for technophobes, as long as you are willing to keep in touch. A smarter home gives more options when it comes to entertainment and communication, as well as improving efficiency and saving money.
An Air Fryer
Losing weight or making health improvements are common new year’s resolutions, but most of us have trouble sticking to them. An air fryer makes it much easier, giving the recipient a way to enjoy some of their favorite foods without any unhealthy oil.
A Drone
Drones are great fun, but they also offer a useful way to document travels and explore new areas from different angles.
A Kitchen Aid
If you know someone that loves to bake or experiment in the kitchen, a Kitchen Aid, or another kind of food processor could give them more options and make life easier.
Luxury Chocolates
Cheap, generic chocolates might not make a great impression, but luxury treats will.
The gifts you give depend heavily on your relationship with the person and their tastes and needs. But, it’s always best to avoid buying something cheap, just for the sake of giving a gift. Instead, investing in quality items is the best way to show appreciation for that person.
