What Not to Give for Christmas

Still on a holiday high, I think it's time we go to the other end of the gift-giving spectrum and discuss what NOT to give someone for Christmas.

I think the rule of thumb is not to give a present which suggests or insinuates that the recipient needs improvement. Like a gym membership. Of course, if the recipient is a health buff and/or regularly frequents the gym, then an annual gym membership will be highly appreciated, otherwise, it's just a not so subtle hint for him/her to shed a few pounds. Bad bad bad. Same goes for gym clothes and exercise equipment. Giving waxing, bleaching or any unwanted hair removing system is also generally not a good idea (using the gym membership metaphor). Unless you want the recipient to feel like a sasquatch in dire need of de-follicling (FYI nose hair clippers will never ever be a good present), hold the home waxing kit. It's also the height of tackiness to give old and used items. I'm still on the fence with past unused presents though, because if someone else wants or would appreciate them more, why keep it for yourself right? I think with these, the idea is to be upfront with the recipient and then the recipient must really like the said item to not mind receiving a second hand gift. I also try not to give ornaments or, as I fondly call them, dust-gatherers, because they just take up space and are quite challenging to clean. I tried to display all the angel figurines I received a few years back when such figurines were the craze, but they gathered cobwebs faster than you can say "useless", so it was off to the trashbin for them. Of course, other people may disagree with my opinions regarding gift giving but I believe, specially during the Christmas season, that gifts should reflect the love and affection we feel for the recipient. So though some of you may think otherwise, I don't think a fruitcake can spell out love.