© Shutterstock 

Exercise equipment -

It's fine to gift exercise equipment if you're dealing with a personal trainer or fitness junkie. If not, you risk unintentionally insulting someone.

© Shutterstock 

Calendar -

Let's be real: calendars are office supplies, not presents. And nowadays they're not even useful, as more people use digital calendars.

© Shutterstock 

Cash -

Older kids or teens might want cash, but giving grown adults money can be painfully awkward. And extremely impersonal as well.

© Shutterstock 

Cosmetics -

Anything that has to do with personal care or hygiene is also among the worst gifts. It basically sends the message that it's all the recipient deserves. For example, imagine getting a wrinkle cream.

© Shutterstock 

Cleaning supplies -

Cleaning isn't fun, and cleaning supplies aren't a gift. Your friends and family are going to wonder what you're really trying to say if they were to open them as a gift.

© Shutterstock 

Lingerie -

Lingerie is romantic if you're giving it privately to your significant other. But if you're giving it to your niece, then that's just weird!

© Shutterstock 

Ugly holiday sweater -

Ugly holiday sweaters might be fun for parties, but they can also make horrible gifts. So don't bother!

© Shutterstock 

Fruitcake -

Fruitcakes are simply not fresh. Skip the store-bought boxed cakes and opt for literally any other baked good.

© Shutterstock 

Souvenirs -

It doesn't matter if they visited the place or not. They probably don't need a tacky magnet to celebrate your experience.

© Shutterstock 

Perfume -

Most people are picky about how they smell, and they might not like certain scents. So, unless you know the perfume someone loves, avoid this gift at all costs.

© Shutterstock

Socks -

While it might not be the worst holiday present, it's just too practical and boring. Also, this gift is a clear giveaway that someone has no clue what you like.

© Shutterstock 

Air fresheners -

At least candles have some built-in, seasonal sentimentality. But gifting someone an air freshener is like saying their house stinks...

© Shutterstock 

Cheap candy and chocolate -

If your gift is going to be edible, it better be quality stuff. This might mean spending a little bit extra.

© Shutterstock 

Random gift cards -

If you’re going the gift card route, you better pick a shop or a place that the person likes or uses. No point in getting a gas card for someone who doesn't drive!

© Shutterstock 

Throw pillows -

There's a big chance that those throw pillows you picked up won't be in line with the tastes of the person you’re gifting. And now they have to bring them out every time you visit...

© Shutterstock 

Hand-me-downs -

Unless it's something valuable from the family, nobody wants to unwrap a box to find your old junk inside.

© Shutterstock 

Self-help books -

While it's well intentioned, giving someone a self-help book is a not-so-subtle way of telling them they're in a bad place.

© Shutterstock 

Toiletries -

Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toilet paper, and deodorant all send the wrong message. Only give this stuff if you want someone to know you don’t care about them.

© Shutterstock 

Fruit baskets -

When you get one of these, half the fruit has usually already gone bad. And the other half will probably never get eaten.

© Shutterstock 

A tie or scarf -

While it's tempting to give men a tie and women a scarf, they probably already have too many of these items already. And if not, then they don't need them at all!

© Shutterstock 

Plants -

Here's something someone didn't want and is now forced to take care of every day. Plus, they might not even have space for it. Not a good choice.

© Shutterstock 

Clothes -

It's best to stay clear of clothing items, unless you're sure that you have someone’s correct size and that it's something they wished for.

© Shutterstock 

A mug -

Chances are most people already have their fair share of mugs, and then some.

© Shutterstock 

Handcrafted anything -

Some people are really talented, but most of us just aren’t meant to be crafters. Instead, it's best just to buy a thoughtful gift.

© Shutterstock 

A pen -

A pen is mostly used for work, paying bills, and addressing letters. Basically, super boring tasks, fit for a boring gift.

© Shutterstock 

Keychain -

No one needs more keychains. Even a "nice" keychain is too much, as it's expected to be carried all the time.

© Shutterstock 

A loud toy -

Thinking of buying that mini drum set or megaphone for your friend's or family member’s kid? Think again, and don't do it.

© Shutterstock 

Pets -

Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of. Most cats and dogs that are given as gifts end up in shelters.

© Shutterstock 

Ugly statues -

Even if it isn’t ugly, will it even go with their home decor? By gifting this, you're forcing the receiver to place it in their home in fear of offending you. Don't be that person. 

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Daily Hive)

See also: Cheap and cheerful Christmas gift ideas for everyone 

© Shutterstock