Top Five Worst Christmas Gifts to Give This Year

There is something about Christmas that just seems to warm the hearts of people in ways that nothing else can. It's when it really does seem to hit us; that it is better to give than receive. Somewhere between October and December, we seem to browse isles with the sheer intent on purchasing gifts for those we know, love and care about rather than ourselves. But there is something that we are looking for when the recipient of the gift opens up that neatly wrapped box; a smile! So be sure to shop wise. I am about to count down the five worst gifts to give this year, so I hope that you haven't already wrapped up and labeled these for the under the tree surprise.

#5 Gift Cards to Fly by Night Stores and Shoppes

I am all for gift cards. I love knowing that I am free to purchase an item that I want at a location that I like. But watch out for those tiny town stores which also offer gift certificates. Most times, the recipient never find themselves in the area the store is located in. Chances are the gift card will end up in their wallet for just enough time to expire, get lost or even longer than the store stays in business. Now, I do want to add that there are many small shoppes that your loved ones may frequent, so if you KNOW it's a place they go to all the time, than by all mean, go for it. Just remember that there is a reason why Visa and Master Card are are joining the competition for gift cards; it's because you can use them in almost any store, place or even on-line store for whatever it is their hearts desire. Be sure that when you purchase a gift certificate, even if it is with a well known store, that it will be helpful and enjoyed by the recipient.

#4 Personal Care Items

There is nothing like looking through your old Christmas photos and find a picture of you opening up deodorant, the latest feminan products on the market and anti-fungal foot lotion. The truth is, just because we may need the product, doesn't mean it should be wrapped with a bow on top and placed under the tree. My Grandmother is queen of the personal products. I still have a closet full of bar soaps she bought one year. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a new toothbrush stuffed in my stocking or new lady razor...but you don't want it to be a gift you wrapped!

#3 A Self Help Book...that wasn't on their Christmas List

The last thing someone wants to see when tearing off the glitzy wrapping paper off their gift, after enjoying a hearty Christmas morning breakfast is YOU: On a Diet, the blockbuster best-seller by Michael F. Roizen, MD, and Mehmet C. Oz, MD unless it was just what they asked for. It's not just the dieting books that are a completely bad idea, but other books that tend to say to the recipient "let's fix your problems" Like Don Asslet's popular book, Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time to De-Junk Your Life! I think you can just feel the tension in the air once the wrapping paper is off!

#2 Christmas Jewelery

Did you ever get a pair of earrings with a big snowflake with the words "Merry Christmas" printed across it? Well if you did, how many times did you get to wear them that year after you opened them? My point exactly! I won't say that some of those earrings, necklaces and pendants are not pretty, because many of them are very cute, but you have to tuck them away until next year until you can get use out of them again, and by then they get lost, broken or forgotten about. It's just not worth it. Go for regular jewelry that is timeless and non-seasonal. The recipient will get more wears out of it and will get to enjoy it more.

#1 The Christmas Sweater!

Okay, I just went off about the jewelry, right? Well, same goes for the sweater. I am not talking about a nice winter colored deep red or green sweater. I am talking about the ones that have the kitten popping it's head out a a stocking on the front. Or the one with the Christmas tree with shiny sequins as the decorations. Not only does this have to be put away for the following year (since you are most likely dressed at this point, we hope LOL) but, most recipients of this gift don't think it's as cute as you do and would prefer to wear different attire on Christmas, unless of couse they are toddlers in which case they don't have a choice. But I am talking about the sweaters for the adults.

I am trying to go with the humor side of Christmas shopping. Instead of telling you what all the must haves of the year are, I figured I would warn you of the worst-haves! Have fun shopping this year and get in the spirit of giving! After all, it is the time when we recognize our Saviour's birth and celebrate the great gift that God has given to all of us!