What not to buy – 9 most returned Christmas presents

Shopping for Christmas is one of the most exciting parts of the holidays. But sometimes it can get challenging to shop for someone, especially if they’re a work colleague or a new member of the family or sometimes even someone who isn’t very vocal about likes and dislikes. To avoid having a gift returned or regifted, here are a few to steer clear of. These gifts are the most returned year after year!

Shoes
Buying someone shoes for Christmas (unless a specific pair is expressly requested) should be an absolute no-no. Strike it off the list right now. Shoes have historically been one of the most returned gifts as far as Christmas gift returns go. Style, size, brand, and, of course, comfort are the few common reasons that shoes top this infamous list.

Scented candles
Honestly, candles scream impersonal and regifted. Also, smells and fragrances can be so polarizing and, not to forget, could trigger allergies. Scented candles fall under the personal preference category and are one of the most returned Christmas presents. A scent diffuser is a more thoughtful option since the gift receiver can choose the scent they’d like to use inside.

Makeup
Much like clothes and shoes, a gift of makeup may ultimately be returned post-Christmas. It’s a very personal item to gift, and sometimes, the receiver might find that the shades, brand, and ingredients are not for them. Makeup as a gift works only if one is absolutely sure it is exactly what the receiver wants.

Clothing
One of the biggest holiday gift returns is clothes. Color, size, brand, style, or even fabric are some of the many reasons these don’t make for very good gifts.

Kitchen appliances
While they can be a bit on the expensive side and are quite practical, kitchen appliances don’t make very good gifts and tend to be some of the most returned presents after Christmas. Instant pots, toasters, blenders, coffee machines, etc., are great, but who needs two of them? It’s best to ask before gifting a kitchen appliance.

Jewelry
Whether it’s a style statement or everyday wear, jewelry is a deeply personal choice, and this can be quite the swing and a miss option as a Christmas gift. Too simple, too flashy, too gauche, or even too expensive, jewelry can be a not-so-great gift if it isn’t in line with the receiver’s taste and that’s why it’s one of the most returned presents after Christmas.

Tools
Tools don’t make very good gifts unless expressly requested. Ergonomics, power, brand, and even interest are some of the main reasons that people wouldn’t really like tools as a gift and might return them.

Glassware
If glassware is on the list of gifts, scratch it out and buy something else (that’s not on this list) instead. People usually have glassware, and it’s best to ask before buying them a set of goblets they have no use for and would eventually return.

Video games
These are among the worst gifts for a gamer. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But that’s a fact. An avid gamer would most likely have the games worth playing so they just might end up returning the gift. Opt for a gift card to a video game store or, better still, ask them what they’d like.

While these Christmas presents are the most returned, some gifts that are disliked are plants and flowers, books, health and fitness items and electronics.