Bad Holiday Gifts for Girls and Women

As a girl, I've often been on the receiving end of unfortunate Christmas and birthday gifts. I think every girl has; it seems to be a pretty common occurrence. It often happens when someone feels obligated to buy a gift for a girl that he/she doesn't know very well, causing him/her to buy what I like to call a "generic girl gift"--a basic, common, boring gift that it is assumed any girl would appreciate due to its inherent girly quality. But these gifts are not as appreciated as commonly thought. Personally, I'd rather not get anything than get something I don't want but feel bad getting rid of so I have to shove it in a closet somewhere. And I think most girls would agree with me. So here's a list of some generic girl gifts to avoid this holiday season.
(Just keep in mind that the list items and guidelines below don't apply in situations where a girl specifically asks for any of the below things, or a situation in which the giver knows the recipient well enough to know exactly what she likes.)

1.) Lotion: I can't even count how many times I've gotten a bottle of lotion for Christmas. Here's the thing, people: most girls who like/use lotion already have some. Perhaps multiple bottles. Not to mention that people are picky about lotion--I know I am. What smells good to one person might smell not so good to another. And not all lotion is created equal--some kinds rub smoothly and comfortably into the skin, and that's great. But there are plenty of lotions (especially the cheap ones that are meant to be pretty/fancy--the types usually given as gifts) that feel awful on the skin. They don't rub in right, they feel greasy, you end up having to wash them off, that kind of thing. So unless you know exactly what kind of lotion someone wants, just avoid it completely. Oh, and in case it needed to be said: the same goes for the whole bath pack--shower gel, loofahs, bath oils, etc. I don't care if it's called a "spa essentials gift basket" or "bath time beauty pack." Just skip it all.

2.) Scented candles: Scented candles are nice, don't get me wrong. But they're also cheap and easy to find, so anyone who wants them usually already has them. And you can only have so many scented candles before they just start taking up space and being in the way. And, just like with the lotion, it can be hard to predict what smells someone likes. I know a lot of people like piney, wintery smells but I hate them. It just goes to show that you can't be sure about any given smell--I don't think any smell is universally loved. So forget about the candles.

3.) Random cheap jewelry: This doesn't really apply to people who are buying a gift for someone they know well, but more to people who buy jewelry for girls because they just don't know what else to get. So, before you buy your niece a cheap pair of earrings or a necklace, stop. Think. Some girls don't wear a lot of jewelry. Some do, but are picky about it. Some aren't as picky, but have enough to choose from. And don't even think about that pair of earrings with giant feathers or little Santas or cute kitties with wagging tails. Just don't do it.

4.) Purses: Yet another gift that should not be given without careful consideration. In fact, let me lay down a ground rule: do not buy a girl a purse unless you know *for sure* that she wants a purse, and you know the exact purse (or type of purse) she wants. There's no accounting for taste, so don't try to guess. And don't just assume because she's a girl and because you've heard that girls like purses that your recipient will want a purse. Personally, I have one purse that I like and use all the time. It works for me. Any additional purses will end up in my closet, never to be seen again until I go through my stuff and decide that it's finally been long enough that I can get rid of them. I suspect I'm not the only one who feels this way.

5.) Scarves: This fits right in with everything else (noticing a theme?). Yes, scarves are useful and often pretty, but I am willing to bet that most girls who use scarves already have one...or three...or eight. I'm nothing of a fashionista or anything of the sort, but even I have at least 4 scarves. That's enough. Besides, you can probably safely assume she'll be getting at least one or two other scarves as gifts. So don't be that person who gives yet another generic, "Hey, I don't really know you but I had to get you something" gift. Skip the scarf.

6.) Picture frames: Can you say boring? Picture frames, no matter how supposedly pretty or cute, are some of the ultimate generic gifts. Unless you personalize it by putting a picture that means something to the recipient in it, or by decorating it yourself, a picture frame is a boring, impersonal gift. Not only that, but it's a gift that can only really be enjoyed in accordance with another thing (a picture) that she would have to provide. That's like saying, "Here, I did half of the work. If you want to enjoy this gift, the rest is up to you."

That's a basic list, but hopefully you can use the information given and apply it to other potential gifts. Here are a few more tips:
Don't get it just because it's pretty and pink (in fact, maybe you should avoid it because it's pink).
Avoid any type of gift pack.
When it comes to accessories, clothing, and decorations, people have specific preferences. Unless you know the girl well enough to know her tastes, avoid these things.
Keep in mind that most people would rather receive nothing than some crap they have to find a place for.
If you're really at a loss, gift cards are basically never a bad idea, and way better than something random and generic.