Things to Avoid Buying as Christmas Presents

Between the megastores we have here in the States, mom-and-pop shops, and online stores, there are so many different things that you can buy your loved one for Christmas this year. How about jewelry for the holiday? Music maybe? I know, how about expensive perfume for Christmas? It's doubtful that you'll have a hard time coming up with things to get this Christmas, but what about the gifts you shouldn't get?

Here are a few Christmas gifts you should avoid buying for the Christmas holiday:

1) Pets of any kind. There are a few reasons why you should avoid this gift. First, pets are really fluffy and adorable and on Christmas day they can really light up the room and make your loved one go gaga. The problem is, after the excitement wears off, your present may not be as welcome any more and may even end up neglected. If it's really bad, that pet may end up homeless in an animal shelter, no longer wanted. A precious little life like that deserves love and attention so don't buy an animal for the holidays unless you are 100% sure your loved one won't get bored with their pet. The other reason to avoid getting pets for the holidays is that your loved one may really want to be involved with picking out their furry friend. What if you choose the wrong type of animal? Or what if they don't like the color? It's best to bring your family member along with bringing a new member into the family. Completely avoid the urge to wow that special someone on Christmas day with an animal.

Alternative: If you feel like you really want to get a cat, dog, or other living thing for Christmas for your family, purchase a leash, an animal toy or something equivalent with a I.O.U. note inside. Wrap it up nice and promise your loved one that you'll go with them to pick out the new furry friend. This way they can opt out if they really don't want to do it.

2) Gift cards. I know this isn't exactly a popular suggestion being that gift cards are loved by all and make gift giving really easy during the Christmas holiday. The problem is, with the economy being what it is, you never know which businesses are going to go out of business before your loved one or friend gets to use that gift card. You could spend tons of money for Christmas on gift cards that may not be worth a thing if the business goes under. Not to mention, thousands and thousands of dollars get wasted every year because people forget or are too lazy to use those gift cards. Why chance it?

Alternative: Do Christmas the old fashion way and actually buy Christmas presents or go to the store with your friend or loved one before the holidays to let them pick out what they want.

3) Stock. Don't even go there. Again, with the economy being bad, I wouldn't purchase stock for anyone unless you are a real risk taker. You may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars and loose all the money when the stock prices go down or even worse, when the company goes out of business. Now is just not a good time to tread in these waters.

Alternative: Give a bank CD or cash instead.

4) Gift certificate for a vacation. Some people absolutely love to travel, but others really hate it. They'd rather stay home and avoid a week of the unknown. Unless you really know that the person you are giving travel to as a Christmas gift just loves to travel, I'd avoid this.

Alternative: Take a day trip together with the person you are giving the gift to. Let the destination be their choice.