Top Ten WORST Christmas Gifts - #10

It's closing in on us fast...just a month away.  Black Friday is coming up even quicker with a mad dash to get out there and find the best bargains for less...and actually manage to pick up one before others snatch them off the shelf...or right out of your shopping cart.  Christmas is on the way and so are all the goodies and presents associated with this end of the year holiday. Oh, the looks of joy that will cross so many faces on December 25th...accompanied by the squeals of, 'It's just what I wanted!'  Memories like that sure do make for a Merry Christmas.

I know some have been busy buying like crazy to get a jump on things; to get exactly what each person on their shopping list wants.  I was even bit by the bug and have been making a few present purchases myself already...and I'm the type who usually waits until Christmas Eve to make one mad dash to the stores to grab whatever is left.  I've seen a few things my best friend, Scott; the only one on my gift giving list; just has to have and I wanted to get them before stock ran out.  Though I'm a frugal shopper and usually don't buy anything unless it's on sale, there are some things I see I have to buy and price is no object. 

I might like to save money, but you won't catch me being part of the zoo, bright and early, lining up at stores the morning after Thanksgiving.  I can't believe people are willing to stand out in the snow and cold for hours waiting for the doors to swing open.  I find it even more incredible now that stores are opening at midnight, instead of their normal operating hours, to get that cash.  I refuse to be part of the mob because someone is going to get hurt...and it won't be me.  If some of those people act like they do around me; I'm going to start swinging.  It's bad enough being pushed and shoved by the crowd trying to save a buck.  I refuse to put up with some of the antics, like grabbing an item off a shelf that you're looking at.  Worse yet, is when someone takes what you're going to buy right out of your shopping cart.  They're going to find themselves stuffed in a wagon and sailing out of control across the store.  I'll wait to go out shopping again after the animals are put back into their cages. 

Ah, I got it...that perfect present.  I know the recipient is simply going to love this.  Or will they?  You may think it's just what they've always wanted...but what were you thinking?  Remember back to some of the gifts you've received in the past.  I'll bet you didn't think a few of them were all that hot.  As a matter of fact, I'm sure you've gotten at least a couple somewhere along the line that really sucked!  What were they thinking when they picked that out for me?  What store did you buy this at...and where's the receipt so I can return it?  Personally, I've never done that...even if I hated what I was given and will never use the item.  I've grown more gracious in my old age, thanking them for their thoughtfulness, and treating their present with care...until they leave...then find some place to stuff whatever it is they gave me.

When I was young, I used to pitch a fit when I was given a crappy present...and I could always count on mom being the one who gave them to me...from 'Santa'.  All the disappointment I experienced unwrapping 'junk' I didn't want that shouldn't have been a Christmas present in the first place...deodorant, socks, underwear, toothbrush, pajamas, acne treatment.  Give me a break!  Those are day to day items you don't give as gifts.  The topper was when I got disposable razors.  Mom, I'm only 13.  I don't even have peach fuzz yet.  Santa must have made a mistake.  They're probably for your father.  I've never seen him use a disposable razor.  He's got the old fashioned kind you drop the double edged blade into...and uses a mug with soap in it to lather up.  I'd take those gifts I was less than enthused to get and throw them to the side hoping the next present I opened was better than the last.

With Black Friday almost here and Christmas coming sooner than you know it, please take the time to think when buying gifts for others this year.  It may feel right in your heart at the moment, but it could end up turning into one of those unwanted presents that get tossed somewhere and forgotten.  Take the time to ask yourself, 'Self, would I like to get this as a gift?'  If you give a negative answer...PUT IT BACK!  Place that item back on the shelf...NOW!  If you don't want it, chances are, nobody else wants it, either.  Avoid those wrinkled noses and queries as towhat it is.  Make sure the sounds you hear are 'Ahhhh!' or 'Awwww!'; not 'Ewwww!' 

Today, I'll be taking a look at...and letting you know...what the absolute worst gifts to give at Christmas are...or anytime, for that fact.  Make your list...and check it twice...these presents are terrible to give and to receive; even less nice.  We'll begin at the bottom of the list, and take note, there are many, many things that are just as bad to give.  They just weren't the worst of all time.

#10 - An Orthodontist gift certificate - What were you thinking?  This is something that guy in your life might do thinking he's killing two birds with one stone...when he may be the one who ends up being killed.  A Christmas present and a beautiful smile...combined.  Sure, she may have that snaggle tooth that's been driving you nuts looking at for years, but this is not the time.  Surprise, honey...I hate your teeth. It's really something that should be discussed first and not just sprung on someone.  I doubt if that little lady is going to be too happy with this.  She may end putting those gnarly teeth to good use...and bite you in the butt over your insensitivity.  It may even end up you'll be the one using that gift certificate after she socks you in the mouth and knocks all of your teeth out of alignment. No Orthodonist gift certificates for Christmas!

We've got nine more to go until we hit the absolute WORST Christmas gift ever.  Please check with me first before you send any presents that might be on this list.  I'd hate to see you waste the postage.  My list of what I really want will be supplied to whomever needs it.