Worst Christmas Gifts for Grandparents

Christmas gifts for grandparents are not always easy decisions. Before grabbing the first thing you see on the shelf, take time to really think about the intended recipients, like, their ages, physical abilities, interests, and needs.

Don't say you don't know much about them. If they're your grandparents, you should know a great deal about their abilities, likes, dislikes, and interests. If they live a great distance from you, contact should be made more than once a year. A few phone calls, now and then, could keep you abreast about what they're doing, and what's happening in their lives.

Many times, people ponder and shop in depth to find the perfect gift for a co-worker or friend. The energy and thoughtfulness set forth on gift giving outside the family, sometimes, seem to be more important than getting a gift for grandparents. Often the most elaborately wrapped, most expensive, and thoughtful gifts are presented to friends or employers.

Some of the worst Christmas gifts given to grandparents include:

• Cookbooks: Unless they are avid chefs or entertain often, most likely they already have more than enough recipes.

• Romantic Getaway Subscriptions: It's doubtful exotic sex-filled weekend rendezvous are in their top 10 list of things to do.
  
• Funky Ties: A gift of ties will not get oohs and aahs from most men, let alone your grandfather. Besides, most retirees enjoy the casual life, and this does not include dressing for corporate success.

• Sexy Lingerie: Probably see-thru bras, rhinestone-studded thongs and feathered high-heeled slippers are not on your grandmother's wish list. Hey, she's already been there and did that scene!
  
• Pets: Unless a pet is specifically requested, don't assume they would enjoy a puppy or kitten. Granted, most everyone loves animals, but puppies chew, and kittens scratch. The stress of housebreaking or risk of the animal getting caught underfoot could cause grandparents to fall, break bones, or suffer permanent injuries.
  
• Video Games: Neither grandparent is likely to get excited about shoot-em-up war games, wicked villain-filled castles, or child-like racing games. They might not be computer savvy and, for them, pinball, space monsters, or bionic creatures have long by the wayside many years ago.
  
• Candy and Nuts: Cute metal boxes stacked into towering monstrosities are probably not desired. They might be unable to chew things like caramel, popcorn, taffy, or nuts. Or, they might have diet restrictions.
  
• A Set of Fake Nails: Although a manicure or pedicure is a wonderful experience, it's unlikely that a grandmother really cares whether her nails are purple, or embellished with artful decals or rhinestones.
  
• Boxes of Fruit: Of course, fruit is a delightful taste bud treat, but boxes or baskets laden with a dozen or more fruits, can be more than two elderly people will or can consume. And, if they wanted an orange or banana, they can easily pick them up at the grocer.
  
• Gag Gifts: Stay away from outlandish t-shirts imprinted with things like "stud muffin" or "sex goddess," donkeys or other animals disguised as candy dispensers that poop candy when their tail is lifted, or singing fish! Any of these things would be cherished about as much as butt-rash!
  
• Rock Climbing Lessons: Don't even suggest your grandfather really wants to rock climb, bungee jump, hang-glide, or hunt rattlesnakes. If he wanted to do these types of things, he would have, probably, before you came on the scene. Just because you think it would be fun, doesn't mean it's suitable for grandparents.