Creative Christmas Gifts & Gift Ideas

You know it as soon as they open your present.  It's the look on their face: the slightly furrowed brow, the half smile, and the open mouth.  All signs point towards one obvious conclusion: they hate your gift.  So you ask them, pleadingly, "Do you like it?"  And they respond robotically "Oh yes it's awesome!"  But you know when they're lying, so your heart sinks.

It doesn't have to be like that.  Most people aren't expecting something in particular for Christmas (unless you promised them a brand new Pow Pow Power Wheels), so they'll be pleased with a wide variety of gifts.  If you're at a loss for what to get your husband or your wife, just have a look around this site.  Even DIY Gift Ideas that don't cost much would work in most instances. 

However, there are a few things that one should categorically avoid when shopping for Christmas gift ideas for family members.   There are bad Christmas gifts and then there are horrible Christmas gifts.  These ones are downright horrible. 

The Self-Evident. Don’t even think about giving these things.

1. Ties: The Most Boring Gift Idea on the PLANET

Unless it’s a completely awesome tie that changes his life and makes his morning's brighter every time he sees it (which is impossible, by the way), chances are he’ll never wear it.  To a working man, ties look like leashes that their bosses or companies use to control them.  Getting one on Christmas, one of the few days of the year that he doesn't have to think about work, will only remind him of his futile servitude.  

It should be noted that there are a few caveats to this rule.  Firstly, if you're thinking of gift ideas for college students, ties make fine gifts.  This is because they force the college student to accept the fact that there is life after college.  Some day, they won't be able to spend every waking hour in jeans they haven't washed in 7 months.  Some day, they'll have to (cringe!) work!  Secondly, bow ties make acceptable gag gifts – especially if they’re white and can spin.

2. Bathroom Mats or Towels (unless they’re gifts for college students)

Again, unless you're buying these gifts for filthy college students who have no idea how to operate a washing machine, these make bad gift ideas.  It's as if you're saying to someone "You're a complete degenerate trainwreck who can't live without their mother."  As truthful as this statement may be, it's just rude to give someone these things.  

As an aside, if their place really stinks, you could always get them a set of scented candles (and maybe slip a few Glade Plug-in's somewhere near the bottom of the present).  Candles are much less bland and outright offensive than bathroom mats or towels.  Nobody throws tantrums when they get candles.  Well, Mike Tyson might.

3. CD Racks, Spice Racks, Gun Racks, Medieval Racks: Just Say No.

Anything involving the word "rack" is likely among the worst gift ideas you could ever imagine.  Let's start with CD Racks.   I can’t believe they still sell these things.  No one, except rich people who have too much time on their hands and nothing better to do, has bought a CD in 12 years.  This alone renders a CD rack worthless.  If you're considering buying someone one, think again.  

Secondly, spice racks also make terrible gift ideas.  Firstly, they're most often purchased for people who do not cook.  In this case, they simply take up space where the tequila bottles are supposed to be.  Secondly, most people who cook either already have spices and don't need a bunch more stale peppercorns.

Thirdly, one only needs to consult the greatest comedy of the 1990's, Wayne's World, to understand why not to buy a gun rack:

"A gun rack… a gun rack. I don't even own *a* gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do… with a gun rack?"

Finally, unless your brother is obsessed with the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, do not get him a medieval rack.  Actually scratch that – even if he is obsessed with the Renaissance Faire, don't get him a rack.  He might put you in it until you agree to dress up like a maiden at the jousting contest.

The Less Obvious: Bad Books and Music are Bad Christmas Gift Ideas

Consider your audience carefully when selecting music and books for family members at Christmastime.  Malcolm Gladwell books might appeal to some people, but others get annoyed by his rambling, unfocused rants.  What on earth is the point of his books?  Could someone tell me again please?  Just because a guy has a wild haircut and tells interesting stories doesn’t mean he can tell you anything that’s actually useful.  In terms of music, the worst Christmas gift in the world has to be your own Demo Tape.  Unless you made a song specifically for your family members at Christmas, they really don't want it for Christmas.  Try thinking about what they like and stop thinking about your own tastes.  

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Unique Christmas Gift Ideas by admin