Top Ten WORST Christmas Gifts - #9

I know, I know...let one holiday get past before you start worrying about another.  That's my philosophy, but we can't escape it.  Christmas has been forced upon us earlier and earlier by the commercialization of it all.  Yule time displays were up even before Halloween hit...getting everyone all geared up for gift giving.  With money being tight for many this year, the retailers even started placing items on sale before the beginning of November rolled around.  Buy now!  Half price!  Save...save...save!

I admit, the old Scrooge in me said, 'Bah!', but the frugal, practical side won out.  Better grab it now or it might be gone later.  Even I've picked up a few things to give as presents a month from now.  Others have been going full steam ahead with their shopping.  There's a handful who are already done with the exception of those little, last minute items or something that catches their eye.  Black Friday is on the way and is usually the busiest shopping day of the year.  This year seems bleak and stores are doing whatever they can to get that cash out of your pocket.

I have only one person to buy for, and I know him so well, I never have a problem picking out something he wants or can use.  I get him lots of 'somethings'...probably a couple dozen gifts this year.  It doesn't matter what I get in return, as long as we remain best friends.  He wouldn't even have to give me a gift.  Though I might be a bit disappointed, like I am every year when he forgets my birthday while I always remember his, the friendship we share is the best present I've ever received.  He says he's getting me a 'surprise' this year.  I can hardly wait, though it may be a bit scary once I tear the paper off whatever it is.  I don't know about that boy somtimes...like when he gives me another candle to go with the 200 plus I already have...because he 'knows how much I like them'.  Sure, I like them, alright, but not that much, considering over half of them have come from him.

Sometimes, you just get frustrated when you don't know what to give.  How can you please a person there's just no pleasing?  What do you give to the person who already has everything?  You rack your brain trying to figure out something...and then it hits you.  Where did that idea come from?  Are you sure this is what you want to hand out as a gift?  Will the person like it?  If you've had to struggle this much over what to get a person you don't know all that well to not know what they like; chance are you've picked up something that won't go over too well.  As always; think!  Would you like to be given the same thing?  If you wouldn't; then keep looking.  Even a plate of fresh, baked cookies would be better.  Hey, wait!  That's my favorite gift to receive. 

It's time for a look at our list of things that end up being the absolute worst Christmas presents ever...bad to give and certainly terrible to get.  Counting them up, it's time to tell you what NOT to buy next...

#9 - A one month gym membership - This one can go both ways.  Ladies will give it to their guy if they find their man getting a little soft in the middle or if he's contracted a case of 'Dunlop Disease'...his stomach 'done lops' over his belt and he hasn't seen his hoo hoo in months.  Chances are, if it's gotten to that point, he's not going to use the gift anyway...except maybe as a place mat for his next meal.  Guys, do not...I repeat...DO NOT...give this gift to your gal...or there's going to be holy hell to pay right through New Year.  Sure, her bottom may have expanded like that new subdivision down the street, but she doesn't want to hear it, especailly from you.  The tears will start and you'll be hounded by her claiming you think she's fat until the rest of the cows come home.  Go ahead if you're a glutton for punishment. We know these presents didn't cost a penny.  It was something that cost very little; if anything at all.  Remember, most gym;s give away free one month trial memberships.  It's not like you're going to see much in the way of results after thirty days...and not many will renew that membership once it expires...or even go for one visit in the first place.  Prevent World War Three from breaking out in your house.  No one month gym memberships for Christmas!

Two down...and eight more to go.  I hope you haven't picked up either suggestions yet.  It's not too late to buy something else.  Don't make the mistake of giving one of the absolute WORST Christmas gifts ever.  Cross these off your list right away.