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We’ve all heard that “it’s the thought that counts” when it comes to giving loved ones presents. As long as you choose or make something that you truly believe they will love, the gift will certainly be appreciated. But apparently, not everyone is capable of giving a gift from the heart.
Reddit users have recently been recalling the most tasteless and inappropriate gifts they’ve ever received, so we’ve gathered their wildest replies below. From presents that are completely inappropriate for children to gifts that clearly took absolutely no effort, the people who gave these out definitely deserved to find coal in their stockings on Christmas morning. Enjoy scrolling through this list of what not to give your loved ones, and be sure to upvote the stories that inspire you to step up your own gifting game!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My friend, who is a recovering alcoholic received a bottle of whiskey from their sibling. The room went quiet.
Robin Roper 3 weeks ago
Hope the gift receiver got up, walked to the closest sink or lavatory and poured it out in front of the POS gift giver.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
In return, I would have signed my sibling up for the nasties p**n I could find. Give them his email address, phone number and home address. Sign him up for the nasty catalogues and every repulsive thing I could find.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 weeks ago (edited)
As someone in recovery, that is a total a$$hole move.
RELATED:
#2
10 years ago my mom got me a bathroom scale for Christmas. I was exactly 2 weeks postpartum. She gifted my sister a designer purse, laptop and 400 in cash.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
My response would have been to put mom on a good long break where she would not be allowed to interact in any way with my child.
#3
My cousin lost her hair during cancer treatment and still her parents got her hair products for her birthday.
KatSaidThat 3 weeks ago
I would genuinely put nair (brand - hair removal) in all their hair products.
To find out how this conversation started in the first place, we got in touch with the Reddit user who invited others to share the worst Christmas presents they've ever received, Xjuggernaughtx.
"Waiting for a report to run at work, I was day-dreaming," the author told Bored Panda. "I was thinking back to a present that I received once when I was briefly living with a family that my mom was going to marry into (she didn't go through with it). It was so mind-bogglingly terrible that it stuck out in my mind. It got me wondering how many other people had such distinct memories of similar gifts. I figured that there would be some good stories in those responses."
#4
My aunt (retired teacher) was visiting over Christmas. She spent Christmas day with us. My wife and I spent $50 on a gift basket for her. It had mugs, cheeses, crackers, spreads, teas and other assorted stuff. The next day, we went to visit my grandfather (my aunts dad). She was there as well. When my grandfather opened his gift, lo and behold, it was the gift basket with about 1/3rd of the stuff removed. So she kept what she liked and regifted the basket to her father in front of my wife and I. This also means she didn't spend one cent on her father for Christmas. My wife and I were both looking at each other with jaws dropped, but we were too polite to say anything.
spacer 3 weeks ago
its fine to give away stuff you wont eat or need but uhhh..... not like that
Jack 3 weeks ago
Nothing wrong with saying, "Really? You're giving your father half the gift we just gave to you? Right in front of us? You think that's appropriate? Did you expect us not to notice, or for us to care more about you being embarrassed than you clearly do?"
Schmebulock 3 weeks ago
F*****g being polite. Call them out or they will keep doing s******g things.
#5
My 18th birthday my parents took me to a car dealership to pick out a (used) car, decided it was too much after all, then we left. The only gift I got for my 18th birthday was from my girlfriend. I don't understand how they thought they might be able to get me a car, not even looking at the prices beforehand then, when they figured they couldn't do that, just got me nothing. How could they have been so thoughtfully thoughtless (thoughtlessly thoughtful?)? It's the fact that they got my hopes up, dashed them, and didn't even try something else when it didn't work out. That was 20 years ago and it still bothers me.
Maren Villadsen 3 weeks ago (edited)
I Know how it fells. I was even all alone the evening on my birthday. (my dad had to work, so he is excuesd) Came home from swim training, was really hungry and looking forward to my birthday dinne. Expect there was non. The house was empty, cold left overs on the table and a note from my mom, saying she had taken my sister (13yo) to the movies, and that they would be home late. Nedless to say I cryed myself to sleep that night.
Tricia Neville 3 weeks ago
Your parents and mine must be related! I was an only child, but my parents (both in full-time employment) never spent a penny on me if they could help it. When I got married (at our own expense) close relatives and friends sent wedding presents. My parents didn't bother (in fact my mother even helped herself to some of our presents from other people) but said they would get us a present later. When one didn't materialise, my in-laws started making sarcastic remarks, so my parents announced that when we got our first house, they would pay the legal fees. Perhaps they hoped that that day was a long way off so we would forget about it, but a house that needed some work done to it came on the market and we got a loan for the deposit. We turned to my parents for the promised legal fees. You guessed it! - they wouldn't pay. We thought we were going to lose the house, but we managed to extend the loan in the end. We were lucky. The house doubled in value that first year.
Chich the witch 3 weeks ago
You could always say you are going to gift them a cruise for an anniversary. Oh, they cost that much!? Oh Well, have fun ttyl.
GalPalAl 3 weeks ago
It should still bother you that your parents suck. Many people have this same realization recently and I contribute it to mental illness brought on by the person pretending to be Pres of the States and blatantly lying to people. Therefore its okay to lie and gaslight others with no consequence or remorse
Rob Stevens 3 weeks ago
Hmm. My parents must have had a 2nd secret family. Sounds exactly like the stunts they pulled on me when I was younger.
#6
My sister got a word calendar from her "so smart" boyfriend for Christmas. Nothing else. He said, " it's so you can understand me better"
I almost wrung his little neck.
So what was the terrible present that the author still remembers many years later? "The gift that I received was a brightly colored African-style T-shirt," they shared. "At the time, I was an angsty sixteen-year-old metalhead who pretty much only wore black band shirts and black jeans. I really didn't like the family that I was living with, and they didn't like me, so it was absolutely a gift that was meant to [upset me]. And that's fine, I guess. It's not like I was being cool to them either, so it's whatever."
#7
I watched a friend's sister gift her an already scratched off scratch off ticket for he birthday. When asked why she replied "well I didn't want to give it up if you won a bunch of money." I laughed out loud and when I got an icy stare I realized she was serious.
Chich the witch 3 weeks ago
Next year you should all give the sister an empty bottle of perfume, expired concert tickets and some empty gift cards.
Fellfromthemoon 3 weeks ago
Awww, thanks, but you should't. I mean, really, you shouldn't, as the waste paper basket is not my hand.
#8
My sister gave me library books for Christmas and told me I would need to return them or renew them in two days.
#9
My in-laws gave everyone Trump Bibles last X-mas.
Untamed Snark 3 weeks ago
I'd worry about the toxic smoke coming from them.
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Tucker Cahooter 3 weeks ago
The same as a regular bible except all references to "Jesus" have been replaced with "President Donald J Trump" and every tenth word is in capitals
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
Trumpers are weird. And the further down the MAGA-rabbit hole they are, the weirder they are.
Don Adams 3 weeks ago
I heard he was going to change the name of the San Andreas Fault to Biden s Fault.
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Savannah greenleaf 3 weeks ago
Why is this even a thing? Who would possibly want a bible endorsed by a non remorseful criminal?
Beak Hookage 3 weeks ago
One who isn't even a Christian and doesn't attend church?
Load More Replies...Next, we asked Xjuggernaughtx what they thought of the replies to their post. "To be honest, I thought that the responses would be funnier," they revealed. "I was prepared to read through them while chuckling. However, I found most of them to be pretty sad. They really displayed a lot more callousness, or possibly mental illness, than I expected."
#10
My mother offered to pay for liposuction as my "birthday gift" in front of everyone. I don't need or want liposuction. I've never even been overweight.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
I would have said, "I'll get that when you get that rancid personality transplanted!"
#11
Prenatal vitamins for their daughter in law. They knew about the troubles conceiving. Horrible people.
KatSaidThat 3 weeks ago
Just... wow. I almost downvoted this until I realised this needs upvoting and it's not a like.
RomanceRadish 3 weeks ago (edited)
As a gift this was tone deaf. As a private gentle conversation, the mom could've mentioned I'm sorry to bring up a difficult subject, but it may be a good idea to take prenatal vitamins while you're trying to conceive, as having folic acid in your system is really important in the very early stages of pregnancy.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
In this case, I'd make sure their child cut them out of their life for good. It would be that or me.
#12
One year my uncle gave espresso machines to four different people. After the first person opened theirs he gave a long speech about how much research he did to find out that it was the best espresso machine on the market. The next two people got the same machine. His girlfriend opened hers last and it was a different espresso machine, so clearly not as good as the other three. They broke up soon after.
"I feel bad for the many people that responded that received a can of chicken soup for their birthday or whatever it was for them," the author continued. "It really says something about the human condition when multiple people received scratchers that had already been used with the explanation that the gifter was going to keep them if they had been winning tickets. So without winning, the giftee just received garbage."
"It takes a really [messed up] person to give a gift like that, and there were a LOT of responses in the 'I basically received this person's garbage' category," the author added. "By the end, I was regretting having asked that question because I found the responses so depressing."
#13
Last year for office secret santa I got an opened and half eaten box of chocolates. There is no office secret santa this year.
Blue Bunny of Happiness 3 weeks ago
Just had our work secret Santa. I always make sure we have a couple of boxes of ‘stunt’ chocolates, ready to jump in and take the place of any missing gifts or ones that are particularly mean.
Multa Nocte 3 weeks ago
That is proactive and positive thinking. Well done!
Load More Replies... #14
My brother gave me a stuffed opossum that is paddling a canoe. I named him George Washington Jr.
Chich the witch 3 weeks ago
I once got a frog playing a banjo and riding a turtle. I was not the only one in the room going WTAF?
Billo66 3 weeks ago
Best I can do is a fish that sings take me to the river..
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Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
OK-but depending on the humor of both gifter and receiver, this could actually be epic
#15
Me, a dude, on my 17th birthday. Received a gift card to a women's clothing store that had gone out of business.
Tabitha 3 weeks ago
Drunk—-and eternally broke because of it—-Uncle Fred, you mean.
Load More Replies... #16
My mom took me shopping, and had me try on pajamas - she said they were for my cousin, we were approximately the same size. I made a comment about not liking them, but hoped my cousin would enjoy them.
I received those exact pajamas for a gift.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
My kids and I have a tradition of pjs, a movie, and their favorite candy as a Christmas Eve gift. But I always try to get jammies I legitimately think they'll love. This year, my Minecraft-obsessed 7yo got creeper jammies and my goth 12yo got skulls.
Tabitha 3 weeks ago
No idea who downvoted you, so I upvoted you to cancel them out.
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#17
A $15 Starbucks gift card. This was after the receiver had gifted the person a brand new iPad that they knew they wanted. Worst part is the person isn’t a big coffee drinker. I was shocked as was everyone else that knew the situation.
#18
My office was absolutely positive that she was pregnant. She wasn’t. They all got her a car seat.
She laughed it off like a pro, and has a niece on the way that she needed a seat for.
sturmwesen 3 weeks ago
When I had the role as a safety and health person at work I asked our assigned doctor what to do if I THINK one might be pregnant but am not sure, because she didn't inform us. He told me if she looks pregnant she is and to have her sign the forms. no way in hell... I wrote a company wide email instead reminding everyone to let us know if they are pregnant, so we can take precautions (as is the law)... spoiler: she wasn't pregnant
#19
Not me but someone at work received a pack of batteries in a Yankee swap 8years ago. The budget was $25 and when everyone figured out who brought it... Let's say it was a well compensated leader 😶 It was the most swapped item.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
While I personally hate these kinds of games, this (to me) actually seems like a really good idea. You avoid potential food allergies from things like candy, scent-sensitivities (colognes/perfumes/candles), alcohol to a co-worker in recovery (some people prefer not to advertise it), etc (you get the idea). And batteries are inherently useful. Everyone has something that uses batteries and in my experience, AA seem to be the most common.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
It cost about $25 for a reusable battery charger last time I bought one, and I would be stoked to get one for free.
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Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
Yeah, I don't have a problem with this one either. Stick them in the fridge and they can last up to a decade w/o much loss. You will always use batteries eventually.
Load More Replies... #20
An uncle gave me a printed zip code directory for Christmas. I was 10.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
How old was said uncle? My grandpa (who was about 90 at the time and suffering from age-related dementia) gifted my then -5yo an old Rolo-deck. This was in 2018, so my 5yo obviously had no idea what it was.
Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
Was he a postal worker? Because he might have genuinely thought it was cool if so and was trying to share a piece of himself with you.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
When I was 10 I used the one my parents had whenever I wrote someone a letter (this was the 90s/00s) because I could never keep postcodes in my head, but I still wouldn't want one for Christmas.
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
Honestly surprised you wrote so many letters to different zip codes. But also that you didn't have like an address book.
Load More Replies... #21
My wife likes to tell the story of the time I got her a vacuum for her birthday when we were dating.
She always leaves out the part where she specifically asked for that model vacuum. I still think she was playing the long game, hoping to be able to tell that story for the rest of our lives.
Billo66 3 weeks ago
I casually mentioned Pink Floyd several years ago. I now have around 27 Dark Side of the Moon shirts and hats.
Barbara Panda 3 weeks ago
That sounds like my ex husband. He got me a toilet repair kit as my 'big gift' the first Christmas we were engaged. Totally on me that I went through with the marriage anyway.
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
The difference being she asked for the vacuum and you don't seem to have asked for the toilet repair kit.
Load More Replies... Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
I prefer inherently useful gifts. I'm also low-income, so replacing something necessary like a vacuum that I might struggle to otherwise afford would be hugely appreciated as a gift.
Load More Replies... #22
My ex’s mother hated me - the feelings were mutual. I went from weighing 120 to 140lbs. She bought me gym clothes…..sized 4X. FOUR X.
arthbach 3 weeks ago
'Oh mother in law, I do love the gift, but it appears you bought the items in your size, not mine."
Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
Depends on the brand. If it was a Kardashian brand, that 4X could equal a size 4
#23
My grandmother gave my brother a tea towel for Christmas when he was 8. She was a weird stingy old rich lady. She did not have any memory issues at that point.
Nils Skirnir 3 weeks ago
A lot of folks who grew up when money was tight or lived through the Great Depression are tight with money. Sometimes they’re just a-holes though
Nikki Sevven 3 weeks ago
My maternal grandparents lived through the Great Depression. They were the most generous people I've ever known. Always generous with their time and attention, generous with money when they could afford it, and always in a thoughtful way. But they would skimp on themselves by habit.
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For Work 3 weeks ago
I knew a lovely young woman (mid 20s)) who's step grandmother gave everyone in her family $10k for Chrsitmas (as she did every year) and she gave the granddaughter in law an awful cheap gift- one time it was for a dirty, small drawstring bag of sample slices of soap. IT STILL HAD THE THRIFT STORE PRICE TAG OF 75 CENTS. That girl was a kind soul, didn't deserve that cruelty.
#24
I've been in the Army since 2007 and unable to grow a beard due to appearance and grooming regulations.
My mom got me beard oil for Christmas in 2018.
I don't have a relationship with her anymore.
Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
@For All Pedernity: I hope you never need assistance from anyone. You would seem to be the type to reject assistance if the rescuer had a wrinkle in their shirt
#25
My elderly mother gave her life long friend a pair of fluffy socks for Christmas. I didn’t see it happen but my mother was describing how soft they were.
Conversation:
Me: Socks?
My mom: yes. Her favorite color too.
Me: For Kay?
My mom: Yes!
Me: Mom, think about it….
Mom: What? Oh…..
Kay lost her legs below the knees in an accident when she was young.
Kay, being the kind soul she was didn’t point out the error. My mom said she never thinks about her missing her legs (obviously!).
pandamonium 3 weeks ago
Well, I find it cute. Knowing and accepting other person so that any disability gets unnoticed is a sign of a true acceptance and friendship. It happened to me many times with my friends...
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
Well if she wears prosthesis (and since it was forgotten she didn't have feet she probably does) she still probably wears socks over them so they blend in.
Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
Stump socks are a thing. I may have an incorrect term for them, but it could have been a good gift
Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
They could always double as mittens! Especially if they're cute, soft, warm, and she likes them.
#26
I received a large painting of a crucifix from my in laws ... I'm Jewish.
#27
I had a girlfriend in college who was really into horror movies, in particular Freddy Kruger for some reason. I wasn’t a huge fan or understood her obsession with the character, but I got her a really well made replica of Freddy’s sweater (actually really cozy despite the tears). Now for my birthday she knows my art and videogame and general style, yet when I opened my gift it was a Nightmare on Elm Street DVD. Noting I have already watched her copy twice over these years with here, and I didn’t keep a movie collection as I rarely watch movies more than once. Like I get that she was trying to share herself in a way… but I realized then it’s always been about her and never about us or me. I broke up soon after. .
SheamusFanFrom1987 3 weeks ago
Admittedly, I love horror movies but she sounds like the real Nightmare Before Christmas... -_-"
CanadianaKa 3 weeks ago
Sounds like the time I got my ex a new one of his absolutely favourite alma matter shirt he'd worn to shreds. Had the college bookstore manager go into the warehouse and dig up the one remaining one of the discontinued style. He got me? A bottle of his favourite wine. I didn't drink wine.
Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
I love horror movies, especially bad horror movies. I usually put them on as background while I'm doing something else because I can just check in and out of the movie and never really miss anything important. My wife hates horror movies and is a huge college football fan. I don't really care at all about sports. Like at all. My wife's mom bot me a bunch of OSU branded stuff, and got my wife a 40 movie horror DVD set. She was not senile or anything, she's just an idiot.
#28
Relative gave his wife a gym membership for Christmas after she put on weight.
Tears and violence!
Beak Hookage 3 weeks ago
I hope the "gift" giver was the one on the receiving end of the violence.
Tabitha 3 weeks ago (edited)
And would need the gym membership himself for physical therapy after getting out of the hospital. For his “accidental fall down the stairs” (oh how could I be so clumsy?).
Load More Replies... #29
My sister in law once gave my husband, for his birthday, two books. One was about financial planning, which, fine, I guess. The other??? I had recently been diagnosed with autism as an adult and she gave him a book on parenting toddlers. I wish I was kidding. He opened them in front of the two of us and she said that it was advice on how to “deal with” me.
Beak Hookage 3 weeks ago
And people wonder why me, an autistic person, gets so massively set off by being infantilised. 🙄
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
I would buy her the book "How Not To Be An A*****e: 21st century life lessons for those with their heads up their asses (The Rant Series Book 1)"
#30
My grandparents bought me lingerie. And encouraged me to show everyone what I got. I was 16.
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
My ex mother in law gave me lingerie, diapers, and a baby rattle for my bridal shower (where I did not expect any gifts). It was a very quiet very small tea party at a family member's house. It was excessively awkward.
#31
I mean, these make mine pale in comparison, but here's mine anyways. I once received a belt that was way too small. It was my only gift... I sat there while everyone opened gift after gift, admiring my tiny belt.
#32
A dirty used apple slicer from a hoarder in-law.
Mother in law would buy gifts I was allergic to (like scented lotions, etc). I would open the gift, say thank you. She would announce to everyone that I can’t like it because I am allergic, would walk over, take the gift back and place by her chair. It was so weird.
The Other Guest 3 weeks ago
She'd have to wrassle it out of my cold, dead hands. Sure, I might not be able to use it (would depend on the scent) but I have friends who would appreciate it.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
I would refuse to open any gift from her in future. I'd never accept another one.
Tracy Garvin 3 weeks ago
My "former" sister, also a hoarder, would gift stuff to me and others that I knew had been in her house for years to make room for more stuff.
#33
My best friend used to host Christmas for her in-laws, and that included grand-ma-in-law. One year granny apparently just grabbed something out of her closet and wrapped it, so my friend got a dusty, stiff with disuse, out of style purse. Complete with a used tissue and a poker chip inside. Her MIL tried to salvage the situation by saying, "oh WOW, you got the *lucky poker chip*!!!! but no one bought that act.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
My sister has always said my aunt and uncle are the worst at buying presents because they always bought either a hat or bag, but at least they weren't used (and they believed in the luck of gifting bags with a gold coin in, so in my mind at least you get something you like).
#34
I was 30 and single and came in from out of state for Christmas. One gift I got from my parents was a year’s subscription to an online dating site.
I almost packed up and drove away on Christmas morning.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
I thought it was bad enough my mum continues to mention when she meets a 'really nice single guy' even though I told her to stop. Last time it was a guy at least 10 years older than me, and when I said no thanks, she mentioned him to my much younger sister!
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
That would be my last visit home for the holidays. I'd be forever busy after that.
#35
Drew names for Christmas with my extended family. 18 of us. It was the practical and fun thing to do.
I was the only person to not get a gift.
#36
My great grandmother who is mentally aware and fit(no issues) gave me a pair of tool plyers when I was 13 y/o. My brother and cousins got board games and gift cards. I was the oldest child but that side of the family always gave me gifts that were obvious they did not like me. For my 15th birthday my grandmother gave me an open board game with clearance tags from five below. She gave my brother $50 on MY birthday, in front of me and said, this is just because.
Maybe I am adopted or something else.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
I would have thrown her gifts in the garbage in front of her and said "F off old lady".
#37
A colleague got his wife a week in “fat camp” - she had not asked for it and he was surprised she wasn’t happy….
Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
Need an update! Do we need gloves, duct tape and a barrel of acid, STAT?
#38
My brother gave me a Job Hunting for Dummies book for Xmas between 2008 and 2012.
Yep. Threw that one in the thrift store pile after having a depressive breakdown due to trying to land a job, any job, during a horrific time in my life.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
Another example of why not to let an accident of DNA to keep you connected to people who bring no joy to your life.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
So, is it still bad to send someone job ads they haven't asked for, if it's not in place of a gift? Asking for a friend.
Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
I have had a few friends who were involuntarily unemployed. I always went with the approach, "Hey, I saw this posting for [insert title] at [insert company], would you like me to send it to you?" Almost always they say yes, but it's a nice way to point out that you're trying to help without pushing it in their face.
Load More Replies... #39
My neighbor’s husband bought her a shirt folding device so that she could fold his shirts better. This was a Christmas gift from him to her, and he saw no issue with it.
Tabitha 3 weeks ago
I have one of those folding boards—-bought it for myself when I was single. It could double as a weapon for caving their (empty) head in.
Upstaged75 3 weeks ago
Me too. It saves room in my drawers because you can fold things so much flatter. I love it. Not as a gift though!
Load More Replies... Earonn - 3 weeks ago
Sometimes when you have everything else, something useful is actually a good gift. Please don't give me books, I've got enough unread ones for now, but a voucher for the window cleaner would be most welcome.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
I HATE being gifted books unless I've specifically asked for a specific one.
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#40
A religious, expensive cross necklace given to a known atheist as a birthday "gift". That's not a gift. That's turning someone's birthday into a pulpit. Bonus for upping the pressure by getting an expensive one and making a big deal about it. Just skip the gift entirely at that point.
Earonn - 3 weeks ago
Just sell it and get something better with the money. Then rub it the new "gift" into the missionary's face.
Jeff Peiffer 3 weeks ago
Or, jerry rig it so that you can hang it upside down from the necklace and make it a point to ensure the gifter sees it on you that way.
Load More Replies... Jan Rosier 3 weeks ago
'AAAARRRGHHH it burns my hand, please take it back' - would have been my response, in a screechy over the top high voice
For Work 3 weeks ago
Tell them you'll melt it down and give the money to Satanists. (Which many Christians are today because they sure are NOT Christian)
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
They're not even satanists as at least those who practice that aren't like those that like to claim they're Christians but who also seem to have lost all touch with reality, sense, and compassion.
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Sam Trudeau 3 weeks ago
I'm Catholic myself, and I have a Quran at home for when I get curious about Islam. But I do see the issue here. Just wear it as a necklace. There's weirder things to wear as necklaces
S Bow 3 weeks ago
A necklace like that makes a statement that would be hypocritical for a non religious person to make.
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#41
I personally received a tube of caulk from an elderly relative. I knew exactly what it was before opening it and took my sweet time, thinking of what to say.
Tabitha 3 weeks ago (edited)
So what did you say? This one is open to so many variations. “Oh thank you. I love caulk! I could fill my holes with caulk all day!” Then watch everyone (well, everyone in the know) go beet red and bust out laughing.
Purple Gurl 3 weeks ago
I darn near choked laughing. Look up the YouTube video about Black Caulk and White Caulk
Load More Replies... RomanceRadish 3 weeks ago
I taught my kids to find something truthful to say about the gift. "This is a useful item!" "The shade of blue is very pretty." "It is very soft." Then they don't have to lie.
#42
My uncle gave me a box of Turtles one year - chocolate, caramel, and pecans. I'm allergic to nuts. I gave them to my grandma.
#43
Ex-boyfriend’s dad had to have an above the knee amputation of one of this legs.
When we bring him home from the hospital, we pull into the driveway to see his neighbor (who was aware of the amputation) standing there with a brand new bicycle, red bow and everything.
Kate Johnson 3 weeks ago
I would have asked him, "Are you always an entirely worthless AH or is this a special performance just for us?"
#44
My cousin bought his mom a book only knowing that it was a big bestseller and popular so it must be good. It was 50 Shades of Grey.
Beak Hookage 3 weeks ago
My mum bought that book because she thought it was a crime thriller. Boy was she ticked off when Christian Grey's creepy, suspicious as hell behaviour did not turn out to be leading up to a story about a serial k1ller.
Marta Gaj 3 weeks ago
I like sci-fi etc. My mother-in-law once gave me the middle volume of Twilight Saga, I think it was number 3, saying, oh, because you read such nonsense... ignorance is not always bliss…
Chich the witch 3 weeks ago
That is like 3 brothers of a guy I used to work with who went to see that new cowboy movie "Brokeback something" :p
#45
Granted it was a white elephant exchange, but I had a 52 yo male coworker get a giant poster of a shirtless Zach and Slater from Saved By the Bell. This was circa 2008, so how such a thing existed still escapes me.
#46
My mom once gave me a glass vase stuffed with moldy potpourri and a string of Christmas lights. It had a cheap doiley over the top secured by a rubber band.
It was supposedly a DIY air freshener that her friend made to make money. The idea being that the Christmas lights would heat up the potpourri and make the area smell like moldy potpourri. Every part of it was just absolute garbage.
I looked at it and immediately thought, 'This is a fire hazard.' I also thought it was a joke at first. .
#47
Gold teeth from a deceased patient who was under their care.
#48
When my parents Christmas shop for each other, they go practical, stuff we need around the house. Dad got mom a plunger one year, wrapped it to the point where you knew it was a plunger lmao. Mom was obvs in good spirits with it.
murmelinpaiva 3 weeks ago
Late hubby had dementia. I caught him trying to "plunge" his pull-up.
#49
A relative survived cancer (yay!), and that Christmas received a gift from his sister-in-law, which was just a card that said, "I'll give you the greatest gift of all - having survived cancer."
The rest of us at least got something like a coffee mug with our names on it from her, but he just got the card.
#50
For his 20th wedding anniversary my father bought my mother a used dirt bike. She rode one in her teens so I’ll give him that. But a 40yo woman for her 20th wedding anniversary? Yeah so I got a dirt bike.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
Maybe he thought it would be a thoughtful nostalgic gift and just missed the mark? That (to me) would be a true "it's the thought that counts" situation. My in-laws know that I prefer inherently useful gifts and once gifted me brand-new silverware (which we didn't need).
Lady Eowyn 3 weeks ago
If she likes dirt bikes, what does her age matter? How did the gift recipient react?
#51
A surprise dog as a birthday present to a 6 year old. Mom knew, Dad was just as surprised as the kid when a huge puppy came bounding up. They’d recently bought a house so had a new, expensive mortgage. Dad was the only one who worked. The look on dad’s face was absolutely priceless.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
Oh. Oh no. Pets (like children) should ALWAYS be agreed on beforehand.
Antoinette the Red 3 weeks ago
Pets as Christmas presents usually end up in a shelter the week after the New Year. Source-myself, after working for veterinarians for 15 years.
Panda Cat 2 weeks ago
Actually, no. If they’re gifted they have more value to the recipient. Of course, there are occasions when someone doesn’t want a pet…
Load More Replies... #52
My narcissistic mum gave my auntie fruit a few years ago for her birthday. Turns out the fruit was going mouldy and had fruit flies. Why did she even give that to her in the 1st place idk.
#53
MIL gifted my son (19) Doctor Who tree ornaments because SHE likes the show... son probably didn't even take them home.
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
Nerd 🤣 💙 (totally didn't get my mom a Dr Who hat or a Dr Who wooden puzzle and totally haven't been thinking of getting my kid some more Dr Who shirts or anything 👀 😂😂😂 we love it in this house too 😁
Load More Replies... #54
Blank VHS tape obviously picked up on the way to the gathering.
RomanceRadish 3 weeks ago (edited)
For young people - a blank VHS tape would've been used in a VCR player to record TV shows airing in real time, for use in a camcorder which was a handheld video camera, or to illegally copy another VHS tape if you had two VCR players and the correct cords.
#55
My gift at a work Yankee swap were two small cans of off-brand air freshener sprays. Of course no one wanted to steal my present. I stopped at the drugstore on my way home from work and these same two cans were sitting on the clearance rack. They went into the donation pile as soon as I got home.
#56
My step grandparents thought it was my sister's birthday, so they brought gifts for her on my birthday.
#57
My senior year of high school my (relatively small) class decided to do secret Santa.
On the exchange day I received a bag full on chintzy Channukah merchandise.
Despite filling out the sheet describing my interests/likes, my secret Santa (the organizer!!!) decided my defining interest/trait was that I was Jewish.
It’s been years and it still annoys me to think about.
#58
For Christmas from her dad my wife got a Tool Kit when she was maybe 8 and her sister got a Barbie.
40+ years later she remembers that.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
I got a tool kit kit for Christmas one year, as did my brother and I loved it! I think I used mine more than my brother used his. It also gave me bonus time with my dad as he taught me how to make some things (not that he would call himself that acomplished).
Load More Replies... #59
I got a 2x2ft tarp once.
I was 13 and told I could use it to make a fort outside.
I still chuckle lol.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago (edited)
I need more context here. If someone's only experience with kids is from their own childhood and doesn't know the kid they're buying for very well, they could be gifting from what they enjoyed at the same age. Another situation of "it's the thought that counts."
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
2 feet is not enough to cover a twin sized bed.
Load More Replies... Hugo 3 weeks ago
Tarp is US-speak for tarpaulin, but surely they don't come as small as 60 cm square?
Papa 3 weeks ago
I just looked on Amazon, and the smallest one I could find was 5' x 7'.
Load More Replies... #60
Not traumatically bad but two I can think of are from work gift exchanges.
First one, we had a $20 limit gift exchange. Since the company was small employee SOs were allowed to participate. GF of a co-workers gave a picture of a sunset. Not like a framed one, like a literal lackluster developed photo of a sunset. The photo was so bad it took several of us awhile to understand what it was. She figured that since her son won a $20 GC for that photo in some school event it was worth $20.
Another company gift exchanges. Like before, this was a regular gift exchange but this time with a $30 limit. One coworker decided it’d be funny to buy a chipped and broken precocious moments stature from the Goodwill store. So everyone got relatively nice gifts except one guy who ended up with literal trash. .
#61
For my 30th birthday my then girlfriend gave me a cheap book of spiral bound notebook paper and a cheap Bic pen. She said it was a journal. By far the worst gift I’ve been given, at least get a nice journal instead of freaking notebook paper.
#62
Secret Santa at work. The general manager bought rotating push up handles for the person whose name he drew. The recipient was a young man was overweight and very self conscious about it. We all gasped when he opened the package.
Pursuing Peonies 3 weeks ago
......a lot of people who stop drinking don't want anything to do with anything alcoholic, even non alcoholic things like mocktails.
Load More Replies... #63
I once attended a white elephant where the limit was $50 and one of the participants literally got stuff from her house that equaled that much. It was a gift bag with a bar of soap, two boxes of pasta, a can of raid, and dish scrub pads. There might have been more spare stuff but terrible gift. That gift screwed over the recipient and the giver ended up with the best gift, a massager with a Starbucks gift card.
RomanceRadish 3 weeks ago
Not always, so it's often unclear. Some people show up with gag gifts, some show up with nice gifts. White elephant gift exchanges suck. I'd rather use the money differently.
Load More Replies... #64
Nothing. Context: Our group of friends did Secret Santa. One guy showed up to the party without a gift for his “recipient”… but with a $2,000 laptop he bought for himself and wanted to show off.
#65
Mom got my older sister a toothbrush for Christmas once. She was in her 50s when this happened.
#66
My ex and I split up in September 2020, and my brother gifted *to him* a book on what changes to make on yourself to save your marriage! I opted to not give it to him lol.
#67
The setting was loose on my mom’s engagement ring, so my dad took it in to be repaired. He surprised her by adding my sister and I’s birthstones to it. To say she was DEVASTATED would be an understatement. This regularly stoic businesswoman cried her eyes out.
#68
Husband’s parents are divorced. His mom always throws and pays for her own birthday dinners and always invites his dad. One year, his dad got her a single bottle of febreeze. His dinner alone probably cost her $45.
#69
A dead fish.
My Mom got my sister a whole new tank setup, and placed the fish in a small bowl (following the directions from the Pet store.) she then put the bowl in a gift box early Christmas morning before my sister woke up.
Between then and when she opened the box the fish jumped out of the bowl.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
This just seems like an accident rather than thoughtless or mean.
#70
My dad received a microfibre cloth and car ‘shampoo’ from his mother for his 40th Birthday.
I’d never seen him cry before that.
highwaycrossingfrog 3 weeks ago
"My nana was never very loving towards my dad, she made a big deal about his birthday during that year so I think she got his hopes up as she never really got him gifts growing up. I think he was expecting something a little more personal."
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
Lost Panda 3 weeks ago (edited)
A few Christmases(Christmas'?) back, Mrs. Lost Panda got me bacon bits, SPAM, and a can of chili. Can't be mad though, since I do love those things. I ended up splitting it with the kids. She said she didn't know what to get me, so that was what she got me.
M M 3 weeks ago
I remember as a kid my mom announced before Christmas that there will be no gifts as parents had no money. I made small figurines for everyone just to give something. Haven't got even a lollipop in return. I'm not sure if it was the same Christmas when I cleaned the whole house right before because my parents were working, but I remember that I haven't got anything either. I tend to forget these things and just nod when my mum says that she has empty house and we don't visit often. Now I reminded myself why.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
Unless malice and thoughtlessness is specified in a given post, I can think of valid, non-malicious possibilities or thoughts behind a lot of these.
Papa 3 weeks ago
Maybe someone with Bored Panda saw your post, because now it says "insensitive and tasteless".
Load More Replies...
SheamusFanFrom1987 3 weeks ago (edited)
Me and my B4Ls (Broskis 4 Life) occasionally prank each other with Christmas gifts, but always in good nature. Case in point: One of them bought me a Minion T-Shirt where Minion in question was holding a banana (In Chinese, banana means non-speaking Chinese person and yes, I was one a long time ago but have since improved, a little... XP). It's still in my wardrobe and has been worn on more than one occasion. In return, I got him a Tommaso Ciampa T-Shirt (His name is Tom and he wasn't into wrestling at that point). Soon enough, he was wearing said shirt everywhere despite people questioning him if he was into wrestling or not. All-in-all, our pranks mostly involve T-Shirts and it's always in good nature, never with malice. Some, if not all of these examples just screams "I don't like you!" and definitely shows zero to negative Christmas spirit... -_-"
Papa 3 weeks ago (edited)
I have two. My wife's grandmother once gave each of her son-in-laws Grecian Formula for Christmas (for those not familiar with that, it's hair dye for men when their hair starts turning gray). For the second, my mother, who was a notoriously bad gift giver, once gave my daughter a bracelet that she had accidently left at her house some time before. So she received her own bracelet as a gift.
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
Stopped doing presents years ago. The last straw was a didgeridoo.
Auntriarch 3 weeks ago
You'd need a very big drink if your straw is a digeridoo
Load More Replies... Lost Panda 3 weeks ago (edited)
A few Christmases(Christmas'?) back, Mrs. Lost Panda got me bacon bits, SPAM, and a can of chili. Can't be mad though, since I do love those things. I ended up splitting it with the kids. She said she didn't know what to get me, so that was what she got me.
M M 3 weeks ago
I remember as a kid my mom announced before Christmas that there will be no gifts as parents had no money. I made small figurines for everyone just to give something. Haven't got even a lollipop in return. I'm not sure if it was the same Christmas when I cleaned the whole house right before because my parents were working, but I remember that I haven't got anything either. I tend to forget these things and just nod when my mum says that she has empty house and we don't visit often. Now I reminded myself why.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
Unless malice and thoughtlessness is specified in a given post, I can think of valid, non-malicious possibilities or thoughts behind a lot of these.
Papa 3 weeks ago
Maybe someone with Bored Panda saw your post, because now it says "insensitive and tasteless".
Load More Replies... SheamusFanFrom1987 3 weeks ago (edited)
Me and my B4Ls (Broskis 4 Life) occasionally prank each other with Christmas gifts, but always in good nature. Case in point: One of them bought me a Minion T-Shirt where Minion in question was holding a banana (In Chinese, banana means non-speaking Chinese person and yes, I was one a long time ago but have since improved, a little... XP). It's still in my wardrobe and has been worn on more than one occasion. In return, I got him a Tommaso Ciampa T-Shirt (His name is Tom and he wasn't into wrestling at that point). Soon enough, he was wearing said shirt everywhere despite people questioning him if he was into wrestling or not. All-in-all, our pranks mostly involve T-Shirts and it's always in good nature, never with malice. Some, if not all of these examples just screams "I don't like you!" and definitely shows zero to negative Christmas spirit... -_-"
Papa 3 weeks ago (edited)
I have two. My wife's grandmother once gave each of her son-in-laws Grecian Formula for Christmas (for those not familiar with that, it's hair dye for men when their hair starts turning gray). For the second, my mother, who was a notoriously bad gift giver, once gave my daughter a bracelet that she had accidently left at her house some time before. So she received her own bracelet as a gift.
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
Stopped doing presents years ago. The last straw was a didgeridoo.
Auntriarch 3 weeks ago
You'd need a very big drink if your straw is a digeridoo
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