3 Christmas Gifts You Shouldn't Give

Christmas is fast approaching. And, if you're like most of us, you probably find yourself struggling to come up with the perfect Christmas gift for all of the people (family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc.) in your life.

Chances are, you have thought of a few gifts that seem like they'd be perfect for the person receiving them. But, sometimes, a Christmas gift doesn't turn out to be as perfect as it would seem.

Think twice before giving the following Christmas gifts.

Collectable Gifts

When you are buying a Christmas gift for someone with a specific hobby, or who collects a certain type of thing, getting them a related Christmas gift might seem like a natural. It certainly makes buying a gift that person will really like easier. Right?

Well, not always.

I had a friend who was wild about Mickey Mouse. So, as a Christmas gift, I bought a bunch of stuff featuring Mickey Mouse. I thought she would love it all. But, when I gave it to her, she didn't seem as enthusiastic about my gift as I would have expected. And, later, I found out why. It seemed like everyone else in her life had also bought her Christmas gifts that featured Mickey Mouse. So, by the time she got to mine, the thrill was gone.

So, if your friend collects snow globes, think twice about buying them another snow globe because other people they know probably will too. Instead, buy them a gift that has nothing to do with snow globes. You can always wrap the gift in snow globe wrapping paper.

Classes as Gifts

Everyone wants to try to buy Christmas gifts that are unique, but still personal to the person you are giving the gift to.

One possible Christmas gift I've seen suggested is signing someone up and paying for them to take a class on a subject you know they are really interested in.

This is actually a great and unique Christmas gift to give. But it is the kind of gift you can't always give as a surprise. After all, what if the person receiving the gift ends up not having time to take the classes? Or what if they are interested in the subject, but not enough to take a class in it?

Also, once you pay for such a class, you can't always get a refund. So, before giving this sort of Christmas gift, it's best to talk to the person you are giving it to.

Subscriptions as Gifts

Giving subscriptions as Christmas gifts can be tricky.

Giving a subscription to a chess magazine to a chess lover is usually okay. Once the subscription runs out, that's pretty much it.

However, with some subscription, unless you or the person you gave the subscription to cancels it, the "membership" can end up being renewed, and you or they will be charged for a new subscription.

So, before giving subscriptions as Christmas gifts, make sure you read the fine print.

Giving Christmas gifts that are unique and personal is a good think. Before, before you give a Christmas, make sure it is as perfect as it seems.