The holiday season is a time for the joy of giving and receiving gifts. However, not all presents are created equal. Sometimes, the gifts we receive can be downright awful. Here are ten stories of the worst Christmas gifts people have ever received.
1. An Engagement Ring
Imagine receiving an engagement ring as a Christmas gift, only to find out it was meant for you to propose to your partner. This unfortunate situation happened to one Reddit user whose ex-girlfriend gave him an engagement ring with specific instructions on how and when to propose. Needless to say, their rocky relationship didn’t survive the holidays.
2. A Rock
Gifts don’t have to be expensive, but they should at least show some thought and care. One Reddit user shared the story of how their aunt gave their cousins thoughtful gifts, but when it was their turn, all they received was a rock. Their aunt thought it was a hilarious joke, but it left the Reddit user feeling unappreciated.
3. A Used Cookbook
Receiving a used gift can be a unique experience, but it’s a different story when the gift is drastically different from what others receive. A Reddit user shared how they received a used cookbook while their little sister received a complete snowboarding set. It’s safe to say they were less than thrilled with their gift.
4. Expired Cookie Mix
Pantry items are not typically associated with Christmas gifts, but one Reddit user unwrapped a present to find an expired cookie mix. They humorously shared their disbelief at receiving a single packet of oatmeal as a gift. It’s a quirky and ironic twist on the joy of exchanging gifts during the holiday season.
5. Yarn
Trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one can sometimes backfire. A Reddit user suggested that their 13-year-old sister would appreciate sewing supplies, leading to their entire family showering her with an abundance of yarn. Two years later, they still had yarn leftover, highlighting the unintended consequences of a well-intentioned gift.
6. A Label From a Gift Card
Receiving a label from a gift card cleverly affixed to a toilet paper roll might sound like a prank, but it was an actual gift received by a Reddit user. While their siblings received actual gift cards, they unwrapped what appeared to be a conventional present, only to find a label. It was definitely an unexpected and disappointing surprise.
7. A Packet of Plastic Rainbow Bendy Straws
Some gifts can reflect the giver’s frustrations, as one mother demonstrated. Angry that the father of her children failed to return them on time after the holidays, she took out her anger on her kids by gifting them each a packet of plastic rainbow bendy straws. While the intention may have been to annoy, it was the child who turned the straws into flutes and made a mess, leaving the mother to regret her choice of gift.
8. An Unwrapped Suitcase
Sometimes, a gift can be practical yet unexciting. A Reddit user shared the story of receiving an unwrapped suitcase from their grandparents when they were ten years old. While the gift itself was not a bad idea, what made it underwhelming was discovering that the same suitcase had been repurposed to contain wrapped gifts for their other siblings.
9. Motel Shampoo and An Adult Men’s Shirt
A nine-year-old girl received an unusual combination of gifts from her father – a motel shampoo and an adult men’s t-shirt. The innocence of a young child receiving practical items commonly found in motels adds a layer of complexity to this holiday story. What was her father thinking when he chose these gifts?
10. Used MMA Magazine and a Used Forrest Gump DVD
In the early stages of a relationship, gift expectations are often low. However, one Reddit user’s boyfriend took it to another level by giving her a used MMA magazine and a used Forrest Gump DVD. The disappointment was so great that she returned the expensive Garmin watch she had bought for him and ended the relationship.
These stories remind us that the thought behind a gift is just as important as the gift itself. Gift-giving during the holiday season can lead to some unpredictable and occasionally comical outcomes. So this year, let’s try to remember the true meaning of giving and make sure our presents bring joy to our loved ones.
