The most offensive items you need to NEVER purchase your girlfriend or spouse at Christmas revealed
Holiday gifting is always fraught with peril, especially when it comes to buying the special woman in your life the perfect item.
Whether you’re shopping for an office Secret Santa, a significant other, or your mother, there are certain gifts that scream insulting, impersonal and sometimes, downright rude.
Last year, etiquette expert Myka Meieradvised on the worst possible gifts to give the ladies in your life, including gym memberships and stress balls.
This year, Meier is weighing in again on the most disrespectful options (and best of all, what you should swap them for instead).
To help out this holiday season, the Beaumont Etiquette founder provided a detailed list of the worst possible gifts, including vacuums, lingerie far too early in a relationship and a present that was previously meant for an ex.
Meier, based in New York City, told the Daily Mail the biggest no-no for any woman is a last minute bargain bin choice with absolutely no effort behind it.
‘When a gift screams “I grabbed this on the way here,” it accidentally communicates how little thought went into it,’ Meier explained. This also means it is time to ditch generic gifts, like a box of chocolates or random scented candle.
Other items to avoid include anything that could ‘interpreted as criticism,’ like a fitness tracker or a self-help book.
The Business Etiquette Made Easy author also said it is best to skip anything women buy themselves regularly, like razors, socks, shampoo, body wash, or chapstick, especially since they have their own go-to brands.
Famed etiquette expert Myka Meier is telling the Daily Mail the most disrespectful gifting options for the women in your life
The Beaumont Etiquette founder provided a detailed list of the worst possible gifts, including lingerie far too early in a relationship (stock photo)
Meier advised that it is best to avoid buying a goofy novelty item they won’t wear again (stock image)
Meier said to avoid ‘ultra-practical household items, especially when you’re newly dating or married,’ so say goodbye to buying your loved one a vacuum or cookware.
Of course, it is different for those who have been in a relationship for a while if they request a brand new Dyson or Shark, but if your girlfriend isn’t a big fan of cleaning and is suddenly given a vacuum, it could be construed as rude.
For newlyweds, these gifts ‘may send the message that you want them to cook or clean for you, or worse, that you see them in a domestic role they didn’t ask for.’
If you are newly in a relationship, buy something thoughtful, not transactional or chore related.
Another new relationship no-no? Getting ‘overly intimate’ before it’s time, by gifting ‘lingerie or perfumes with sensual massaging’ which ‘can feel wildly presumptuous early in a relationship,’ according to Meier. Plus, perfume is personal, and accidentally providing a hated scent is easy to do.
Make sure to keep away from anything that feels like a burden, like a cooking class if they hate the kitchen or a book they don’t feel like reading, just because it’s your favorite.
Meier advised steering clear of buying anything in the wrong size, a goofy novelty item they won’t wear again (think Grinch socks or a silly sweater), or generic jewelry in the wrong metal.
Meier suggested buying something personal, like stationery with their name on it, as seen above from Papier
The best gifts are personal, like this customized travel jewelry case from Away, which can always be given with an experience like a trip
Also, definitely do not re-gift. Just because your ex enjoyed a necklace doesn’t mean your current girlfriend will want to wear the same one.
Instead of general presents, make sure what you’re giving is thoughtful and could only be for one woman in your life, whether it’s your mother, sister, friend or significant other.
Meier suggested opting for something personal, like a customized travel jewelry case, engraved jewelry or personalized stationery.
The etiquette expert is also a fan of giving experience based gifts, like a resort trip or tickets to the theater, or a wellness experience at the spa.
