<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"  Did you include a gift receipt?  Sometimes, in order to find the right present, you have to rule out a few oh-so-wrong ones first. These old faithfuls have been around the gift-giving block a few times\u2026 to the point where they&amp;#039;re no longer welcome under the tree.   Superlative mugs Nothing says &amp;quot;World&amp;#039;s Best Aunt&amp;quot; quite like &amp;quot;World&amp;#039;s Most Generic Mug.&amp;quot;  Generic CD&amp;#039;s\u2014especially holiday compilations In the age of digital music playlists more carefully curated than the art collection at the Louvre, nothing says &amp;quot;I put two seconds of thought into this gift and also don&amp;#039;t know anything about you&amp;quot; quite like an outdated compact disc of nondescript piano music you&amp;#039;d hear in an elevator.   Motivational pillows If your intended recipient likes to provide visitors with something to read on the couch, have you considered an elegant coffee table book?  Snuggies and Slankets This was a hilarious gag gift\u2026 in 2009.  Novelty socks and ties Spoiler alert: Your brother the corporate attorney isn&amp;#039;t going to wear an Angry Birds tie. Ditto for your best friend and those kitten socks.  Popcorn tins Things to think about: When was the last time food that came by mail actually tasted good?   Most &amp;quot;As Seen on TV&amp;quot; products Much like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, what&amp;#039;s seen on TV should stay on TV.   Fancy hangers Yes, they&amp;#039;re useful. No, that doesn&amp;#039;t mean they will bring delight to someone on Christmas morning. Take it from someone who&amp;#039;s been there.  Word-of-the-day calendars Is the recipient studying for the SATs? Then let them choose to expand their vocabulary on their own volition.  Nutcrackers If you know someone using a seasonally-themed wooden doll to crack open nuts, can you please take us to visit them in Santa&amp;#039;s Workshop?  Candles An elegant Jo Malone or Diptyque votive is one thing, but bargain-bin wax monstrosities in a seasonal &amp;quot;cranberry pine wreath gingerbread happiness&amp;quot; scent are an assault on the nostrils no one deserves.  The generic spa gift basket If your sister-in-law has a fondness for lavender, then by all means buy her a basket laden with scrubs and rubs that&amp;#039;ll make her feel like she fell asleep in a meadow. What should be avoided are collections of dips and whips clearly assembled from the dregs of last season&amp;#039;s product line.  Sex toys or games This isn&amp;#039;t a bachelorette party. Friends don&amp;#039;t mortify their friends in front of in-laws.  Now for gifts that clearly say &amp;quot;I love you, and I put a lot of thought into this:&amp;quot; A Month of Under $50 Gifts We Love 20 Hostess Gifts Under $20 Gifts Under $50 for Everyone on Your List 20 Holiday Steals Under $20 Even More Fab Finds Under $50 Photos: NBC; mug via zazzle.com; CD via amazon.com; pillow via Etsy; Snuggie via amazon.com; tie via ebay.com; popcorn via kingofpop.com; brownie pan via amazon.com; hangers via bedbathandbeyond.com; calendar via calendars.com; nutcracker via xmastreeusa.com; candles via pier1.com; basket via overstock.com; dice via Babeland "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.redbookmag.com/life/friends-family/a16415/worst-holiday-gifts-presents/>