When it comes to holiday gift exchanges, some items pop up year after year.
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While these gifts might seem safe or practical, they often lack a personal touch and can feel generic, leaving the recipient underwhelmed. All too often, these presents end up collecting dust, stashed away in a drawer, or even regifted in the next round of holiday exchanges.
Here’s a quick guide on what to NOT to buy for a more thoughtful and memorable gift exchange:
Face Masks
Face masks are often intended to feel like a treat, but unless you know someone’s skin type, this gift can easily miss the mark. Many people end up tossing these aside or regifting these due to sensitivity concerns or simply because they have too many. A gift that never gets used is a gift forgotten.
Hand Creams
Hand creams are a practical gift—maybe too practical. Many people already have a surplus, whether in their bags, desks, or at home, so receiving another one can feel redundant. Over time, these items often become part of a “gift stash” that’s pulled out for regifting.
Shower Gels or Bath Soap
While shower gels and bath soaps might seem like simple choices, they’re often too personal for general gift exchanges. Fragrance preferences vary, and many people stick to specific skincare products for their skin types. These gifts often go untouched and can end up in the back of a cabinet, waiting for their turn to be regifted.
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Scented Candles
While candles can create a cozy atmosphere, they come with a few downsides. Scent preferences vary widely—what one person finds soothing, another might find overpowering, making scented candles a risky choice. Additionally, not everyone feels comfortable with open flames at home, especially those with young children, pets, or safety concerns. As a result, scented candles often sit untouched, tucked away on a shelf, or saved for re-gifting.
Desk Calendar or Planners
Calendars and planners sound helpful, but everyone has their preferred way of staying organized. In a digital world, paper planners aren’t always practical, and desk calendars can feel outdated. As a result, they often end up unused or, worse, regifted the next season.
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Novelty Socks
Unless you’re certain of someone’s style, novelty socks can come across as tacky. Bright, themed, or humorous socks may not suit everyone, and these are rarely anyone’s go-to pair. A gift that never gets worn and only sits in a drawer is, ultimately, a gift that gets forgotten.
Coffee Mugs
Most of us have more coffee mugs than we’ll ever need, and a generic one is unlikely to be special enough to stand out. A new mug can end up deep in the cupboard with others, especially if it doesn’t hold sentimental value. Once the novelty wears off, it may just become part of someone else’s holiday re-gifting routine.
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To bring joy and value to the exchange, consider universally appreciated options like functional gifts or experiences. By choosing something thoughtful, your gift is more likely to be used and appreciated, rather than tucked away or passed along in the next gift swap.
