ALT-1 What not to Give as a Holiday Gift
Purchasing a gift for this holiday season is quite difficult and, even though you might know that person really well, picking out something they will like can be a real struggle. And since everyone seems to have everything they need, it becomes even more difficult. So, what presents should you get? Or, even better, what presents should you not get? Even though you might have a lot of different ideas, there are a few that might be better if avoided. Here is a list:
1. Something they already have. If you want to get, for instance, a book, find out what authors they like and which books they already have. It's not that hard to find out that. Get scooping or ask someone else to do that for you. It would not be so nice to get them something they already have. Also, it would be worse to get them something you already got them a year before. So pay attention to what you're buying everyone, and if you have problems with remembering everything, just keep a list, so that you don't get the same things over and over again.
2. Something they hate. Yes, this is one of the worse things you can do. If you know that person well enough, you will most certainly not have this problem, since you already have knowledge on what they are fond of and what they're not. But if they're a new acquaintance, you might have difficulties getting something appropriate. Well, gather all the information you can about that person. What their interests are, what they're studying/working, and so on. Or, if you cannot do that either, just buy something neutral, something most people like, for instance a Christmas decoration.
3. Something that you received from someone else. Do not make this mistake! Just think about the fact that you two might have mutual friends, and since friends talk between them, she or he might find out where that gift came from. So, if you got a perfume from a friend, don't just give it away to the next one, just to get rid of it. If you still want to do that, since you have no use of that gift, just give it to someone who you are most certain that does not know or does not have any connection to the other person. It will be better for you, so that you won't be later embarrassed about it.
So the next time you buy a gift, keep these three tips in mind if you want to avoid all that embarrassment and awkwardness.
