by Diana Meza ’25

Hygiene Products: While nobody should be smelling funny during this holiday season, giving someone toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant etc. for Xmas probably sends the wrong message—a message, like, “Merry Christmas, you smell like a garbage can.” 
Cash/Gift Cards: while no one can actually hate getting cash/gift cards, I think we all prefer something meaningful, and cash just makes it feel like a last minute gift, while gift cards may even be lazily “regifted”. 
Socks: Yes there’s cool socks to get, and we all love the comfy/stylish one; that said, we also all constantly lose one or both socks , plus even when wrapped it’s clear what it is, which takes away any element of surprise. 
Books: Some may be very interesting to, but I mean, c’mon. Unless the person specifically asks for a book, don’t assume they’re going to like/want to read whichever random book you’ve chosen. 
“A charity donation in your name”: Look, I’m all about good causes and helping those in need—-but this type of gift brings the giver more happiness than the receiver—it’s like, “Look how good I am, I did this amazing thing in your name.”. Get me a normal gift, I’ll decide where my charity goes, thanks.

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