Worst Christmas Presents for Your Wife or Girlfriend

Ahh, Christmas time, the season of giving, is once more upon us. The time of year where we remind those around us just how thoughtful and caring we really are. No doubt, even as I write this, many of us are struggling over what the perfect gift will be for our girlfriends or wives. But let's be honest with one another. As guys, we have a built in set of handicaps when it comes to picking the perfect present; namely we more often than not shop with an eye towards our own tastes or we simply aren't perceptive enough to be entrusted with making such complicated decisions. While it's unfortunately built into our genes, that won't likely serve as a viable excuse. So with that in mind, maybe the secret isn't necessarily trying to find the perfect gift, rather it's steering yourself away from the disaster gift, the one that will score you a reservation at the Couch Inn. Here are the gifts to completely avoid when it comes to your wife or girlfriend this Christmas.

Vacuums

Also to include: Cookware, major appliances, etc.

Nothing says I love you more than a cleaning utensil, as long as you are buying for June Clever or Mrs. Brady. But since none of us are married to or dating either of those lovely ladies of Christmas' past, it's usually a pretty good idea to steer clear of projecting any gender roles this holiday season.

Bowling Balls

Also to include: Other sporting equipment, memorabilia, video game systems, etc.

As mentioned before, the biggest mistake a guy can make when shopping for his significant other is to shop with himself in mind. She's not likely to listen overly long while you try to explain the practicality of the Nintendo Wii in her life, especially if you start tooting the horn of Wii Fit, but we'll get to that later. There is also the possibility of the backfire, where she accepts the gift and then promptly restricts you from having any access to it.

Exercise Equipment

Also to include: Gym memberships, nutritional supplements, etc.

The worst trap a guy can fall into is the weight trap. Every guy knows that they should pretend not to hear or simply avoid any questions from their wife or girlfriend when it comes to weight or figure. There is no right answer and there is no way to talk your way out after giving the wrong one. So how bright is it to invoke the unholy question on the holiest of holidays?

Box of Chocolates

Also to include: Flowers, "I-O-U's", free massages, etc.

The quickest way to let your wife or girlfriend know that you either didn't put any thought into a gift or you procrastinated to the point where all of the stores were barren is to present her with a gift that says you grabbed the first thing you could get your hands on. If you've made it to this stage and have either the option of a quick, cover-up present or admitting to your fault and having to lavishly spoil her after the holiday, better to choose option two and make up for the guilt than to say I love you with a gift from uncle Russell Stover.

Engagement Rings

Now, I may be wrong about this, but I have the built in excuse of being a guy to fall back on if I am. An engagement ring is special, and in her eyes, it is an once-in-a-lifetime treasure, something meant for that perfect occasion. Sure, you can make it romantic by making the rest of her presents a theme to coincide with the final gift, the ring, but let's be honest; the luster will wear of quickly. Think of it from her perspective. You've just proposed on a yearly holiday, that the entire world shares, and you've managed to justify dropping the dough on a ring by lumping it in with Christmas. Trust me, jewelry is a great gift, but when you take the symbolic nature of an engagement and mix it with Christmas, it will come off more as trying to kill two birds with one stone rather than perfect gift.

So guys, trust me when I say it is easier to get the wrong gift than it is to get the right one. The key is trying to make the best choice at the right time, and above all else, pay attention to the special lady in your life. We have so few chances in life to make a lasting impression on the little lady, so it's best to make every one of them count.