Bad Gifts for Good People: What Not to Buy a Dieter

So you have someone on your holiday list that is dieting? Then you definitely don't want to get them any of these gifts:

Exercise Machine from TV

It's as if every week someone comes out with a new innovative exercise machine. The only people that use those exercise machines are the people in the commercials! When you give someone who is trying to lose weight an exercise machine that you found on television, they'll probably use it once or twice, maybe just play with it a little on the day they receive it. Then they'll tuck it neatly under their bed (just as they demonstrated on the commercial) and that exercise machine you bought them will never see the light of day again.

So if you're trying to get someone who is watching their weight a practical gift , an infomercial contraption is definitely not it.

Gym Membership

Everyone says they're going to get in shape and join a gym. But when they do sign up for a gym membership, what do they do? Bring out every excuse in the book for why they can't make it to the gym. Eventually they'll just forget they signed up for it in the first place. So imagine how unlikely it is that your friend or family member, who has never been to the gym before, will start going when it's not even on their own dime?

Instead of an open gym membership, buy your loved one a personal trainer for three sessions that are already scheduled. This way, they will be more inclined to show up to the gym knowing that someone will be waiting on them.

Cupcakes

This one goes without saying. Some people like to give food as gifts for Christmas and other holidays. Holiday sugar cookies, cupcakes, and gingerbread. It's kind of a tradition for some folks. But if you have someone on your list who is trying to lose some pounds, you definitely don't want to tempt them by giving them a huge tin can full of sweets.

Buying someone who is trying to lose weight a gift that is related to weight loss is risky business. You don't want to offend them, yet at the same time you want to help them reach their goals. Whatever you do, be sensitive with your choice. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you're shopping for to decide what he or she would appreciate and actually use to help shed those pounds.