Gifts That Could
Ruin a Romance


Gift to avoid #1:
Unless you are planning on proposing, avoid gifting jewelry, especially a ring, as that perceived level of commitment may intimidate your sweetheart.


Gift to avoid #2:
While a ring may be considered overboard, anything impersonal, such as a kitchen appliance or gift card can be construed as thoughtless or insincere.


Gift to avoid #3:
Avoid gifting lingerie for your first holidays together. It may be considered too intimate and send the wrong message.


Gift to avoid #4:
Gifting something selfish, such as sporting event tickets when you know your significant other isn't a sports fan, can relay that you may be more focused on your own interests than that of the person you are getting the gift for.
(Lump-of-coal award winner: The boyfriend who bought his girlfriend a Wii. Turns out that she wasn't a gamer, he just needed a place to put the Wii because he already had an Xbox and Playstation 3 at his house.)


Gift to avoid #5:
Work-related items that promote efficiency at the office should generally be avoided. Why bring up "work" on special days, which is a time for relaxation.


Gift to avoid #6:
Clothing may be offensive, especially if you aren't sure about what size to purchase.


Gift to avoid #7:
Animals as presents are generally bad ideas unless you know the person very well. Pets are huge commitments and way too serious for a "first holiday" together.
(Lump-of-coal award winner #1: The boyfriend who gave his girlfriend a rabbit that died the next day.)
(Lump of irony award winner #2: The boyfriend who gave his girlfriend a puppy. The puppy required so much time and attention that the girl didn't have any time left over for the boyfriend.


Gift to avoid #8:
Re-gifting is never a good idea, especially if it's a gift from a past relationship.


Gift to avoid #9:
Forget cliches, such as boxes of chocolates or flowers. They show little thought or effort.


Gift to avoid #10:
Avoid gifts that may suggest that your significant other needs to change something about himself/herself, such as exercise clothes or gym equipment, which may say that he/she doesn't look good enough as he/she is.



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