Topics: Christmas, Social Media, TikTok, Shopping
Experts have revealed a list of the most offensive gifts you should 'never buy' a woman this Christmas season.
'Tis the season for spreading joy and showing the loved ones in our lives that we care with a thoughtful gift or two wrapped up and ready for the big day under the Christmas tree.
However, shopping for presents can be an anxiety-inducing experience, particularly if you've got an office Secret Santa for a woman you don't know, a fussy mother-in-law or a significant other who seemingly has everything they want already.
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It's not unusual to become completely stumped on what to get that will make your special someone feel special, and while you're left to figure that one out on your own, there are some specific items you should steer clear of.
There are three main things to completely avoid, according to a gifting expert in Texas, who took to social media to explain why these presents could cause offence 'or send the wrong message'.
Posting to Leah's Gift Guide, the content creator who has accumulated more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok revealed the three items are household cleaning supplies, weighing scales and anti-aging skincare products.
The video resonated with hundreds of users, with many sharing the 'offensive' gifts they've been given over the years.
One woman claimed her in-laws gave her a scale when she was six weeks postpartum which she said was 'downright offensive'.
Another chimed: "Think for these if you don't know whether they'd like it, just don't buy it. Better to be safe than paying for a divorce right after Christmas."
Meanwhile, Myka Meier, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette and co-founder of the Plaza Hotel's Finishing Program, told the Daily Mail all about the etiquette involved in gift-giving.
The pro, based in New York, said she believes 'gifting should not make someone feel criticized'.
Things like weight loss products, clothes in certain sizes, and anything mood-related like stress balls or skincare products targeting concerns like aging or spots.
Gifting a colleague lingerie is a huge no-go, as is subscribing your girlfriend to a gym membership they didn't ask for, she added.
When looking for the perfect present for your partner, Myka advised to avoid 'anything impersonal or thoughtless', as well as items that are chore-based, like a vacuum.
She also warned against jewellery boxes if your significant other is hoping for an engagement ring for Christmas and won't be getting one.
Moms and mother-in-laws can also be difficult to buy for, but the author said to dodge joke presents or 'overly intimate' ideas like underwear, self-help books, cash, certain sized clothes or even perfume 'unless you know her signature scene or she asked for that', or the 'generic' gift card.
As for those dreaded Secret Santa presents, Myka advised to lean towards 'neutral, professional gifts that are appreciated by all'.
When in doubt, Myka suggested the best route is to stick to 'something heartfelt that shows appreciation and love or something very personal to her'.
So there you have it, you have been warned!
