10 Cringe-Worthy Gifts You Should Never Give

Choosing the right gift can be tricky, but some choices are just plain awkward. Whether it’s a strange inside joke gone wrong or an item that simply makes no sense, some presents should never be given. These cringe-worthy gifts might seem funny at first but often leave the recipient confused, disappointed, or even embarrassed.

Gym Membership

While it might seem helpful, giving someone a gym membership can feel like you’re suggesting they need to get in shape. Even if they’ve mentioned wanting to exercise, a gift like this feels too personal and can easily lead to hurt feelings. Gifting a membership makes it seem like you’re pressuring them into changing something about themselves, which isn’t the best message. Instead, stick to something they actually enjoy doing. Let the gym memberships be their choice, not your gift.

Self-Help Books

Gifting self-help books can make the recipient feel like you think they have a problem they need to fix. Even if they’re interested in self-improvement, getting a book on how to “live better” or “be happy” might send the wrong signal. This can quickly turn a nice thought into an awkward moment. Instead, consider a book on a topic they love. That way, it’s more personal and less about what you think they should change.

Re-Gifted Items

Giving something you didn’t want to keep might seem resourceful, but re-gifting can often be a cringe-worthy move. If the recipient realizes it’s a re-gift, they might feel unimportant, as if they don’t deserve a gift chosen just for them. It’s often obvious when an item is re-gifted, especially if it doesn’t suit the person’s tastes. A thoughtful, inexpensive gift can mean much more. A personalized item can show you thought specifically about them.

Novelty Toilet Paper

Toilet paper with funny or rude messages might get a quick laugh, but it’s not a gift many people actually want to receive. While it might seem funny as a gag, it’s often just awkward and unappealing. Most people don’t want bathroom humor as part of their gift exchange. Consider something lighthearted but more practical if you’re aiming for humor. That way, the laughter doesn’t come with a cringe.

Weight Loss Products

Weight loss shakes, pills, or gadgets might come from a well-meaning place, but they rarely land well as gifts. It can make people feel judged or uncomfortable about their appearance. Instead of a thoughtful gesture, it feels like a comment on their body, which isn’t appropriate for most gift-giving occasions. Skip anything that relates to diet or weight. Choose something more positive and uplifting instead.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies as a gift can feel like a reminder of chores rather than a thoughtful gesture. Few people want to be reminded of housework when they’re expecting a present that’s more fun or personal. Even if they like a clean home, getting cleaning tools as a gift feels a bit dull. Try a candle or something that brings comfort to their space. That way, it feels more like a treat than a task.

Cheap Perfume

Perfume is a personal choice, and buying a cheap or random scent can make it seem like you didn’t put much thought into the gift. If the scent isn’t something they like, it may just end up unused. It can also come off as an attempt to cover up a lack of gift-giving effort. If you know they love a particular fragrance, it can work, but otherwise, steer clear. A gift card to their favorite store might work better.

Unwanted Gift Cards

Gift cards can be great, but only if they’re for a store or place the recipient actually enjoys. Giving a gift card to a place they’ll never go, like a fancy restaurant they dislike, feels thoughtless. Instead of making their life easier, it leaves them with something they may never use. Be mindful of where they shop or what they like. A more generic option, like a Visa or Amazon card, might be safer.

Personal Hygiene Products

Deodorants, toothbrushes, or other hygiene products can send an uncomfortable message that you think they need them. Even if you’re just trying to be practical, hygiene items are too personal to be given as gifts. Such items rarely bring joy or excitement to the recipient and can create awkwardness. Stick with something that feels more like a treat. Save hygiene products for personal use, not gift-giving.

Pet Without Permission

Giving someone a pet is a huge commitment, and it’s not a decision to make for someone else. Pets require time, care, and money, and surprising someone with an animal often leads to more stress than joy. Not everyone has the lifestyle or resources to care for a pet, even if they love animals. If you know they want one, a gift card to a pet adoption center might be a better idea. This way, they can choose the pet that fits their life.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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