35 of the Worst Gifts to Give 
35 of the Worst Gifts to Give
Editor’s Note: When Anna Hessel submitted the attached post, I hemmed and hawed a bit, complaining it was “too early” to start thinking of Thanksgiving, much less Christmas. I was reminded however, that in the good ol’ USA, Christmas never ends. As proof of that sentiment, when I went to my local Walmart the other day to pick up a Halloween pumpkin for carving, and a scary doorbell howler to terrorize the Trick or Treaters, I was confronted with reality; not only does Christmas never end in America, but neither does any other holiday. Wally World had it all; from the giant red heart pillow, left over from Valentine’s Day, to the new pink Barbie Christmas ornaments. There seems to be no apology for the outright commercialization of every holiday in our capitalist society. That is not necessarily a bad thing, just a reflection of America’s unique take on holidays. We like ’em-and the date on the calendar seems to have nothing to do with the enjoyment of the season. Whatever that season may be. So, here is Anna’s suggestions for what NOT to gift this Christmas, or any other day, accompanied by a few of my comments.
By Anna Hessel and the Editor
35. The infamous lump of coal. (Editor: I don’t even know where you would find a lump of coal these days. Maybe Joe Manchin could find one for us).
34. A 2023 calendar. (Editor: Totally agree. Who wants to be reminded of the past when the future is racing towards us?)
33. Air freshener, disinfectant, oven or drain cleaner.
32. Weight Watchers gift card. (Editor: Unless of course, it was requested).
31. Deep wrinkle reducing cream with a spackle knife. (Editor: This one could end long established friendships).
30. Au Natural ‘Lumberjack’ cologne just for her.
29. A Limburger cheese scented candle. (Editor: A cheese connoisseur may feel differently).
28. Deodorant (these really stink as gifts…)
27. A set of encyclopedias. (Editor: This means they were printed before the internet. Just take a minute to digest that…it would be like reading the Archives of Alexandria).
26. Antifungal anything. (Editor: This is definitely too personal).
25. A crochet pot holder crafted at your first crochet class. (Editor: Mine is framed, proudly taking up wall space in my kitchen).
24. A place setting of “china” from the Dollar General.
23. A VHS tape collection of embarrassing family moments.
22. An eight track tape of Herschel and the Hillbillies.
21. Socks of any color. (Editor: On this I must protest, I’ve gotten some darn cool socks at Christmas, that I still wear. I’ve got the cute fire fighters pair and the classic cars socks, and of course, the Santa socks, and many more).
20. Purple socks and a crushed velvet Donny Osmond cap. (Editor: I don’t know about this one. I’m kind of into the feel of crushed velvet-and Donny is okay in my book, and I’ve already told you how I feel about socks as gifts-and purple is one of my favorite colors).
19. A GMO foods gift basket.
18. A tie (apologies to my husband because I already bought him one…). (Editor: here again I protest, I’ve already stashed away several awesome ones for my honey).
17. A can of Simoniz. (Editor: I totally agree on this one-unless of course, it’s accompanied with a gift certificate to my favorite auto detailer).
16. A pickleball Ken doll.
15. A pickleball lesson gift certificate. (Editor: Anna, again, I must protest. Pickleball is the “new, great thing” in my little community and I wouldn’t mind learning how to play this outrageously fun looking sport- you can give me one of those gift certificates any day).
14. Artificial flavor favorites cookbook. (Editor: I agree, an abomination).
13. Nose hair trimmer, toenail clipper, ingrown toenail file, pimple popper, earwax remover, or any other gross grooming implement. (Editor: Ohhhh dear, I gave my Dad one of those really lovely grooming kits, in a fancy leather carrying case, just a couple years ago. He said, he liked it).
12. Anything pumpkin spice (don’t be tempted by the fact that the PS stuff is now in the clearance bin…).
11. Membership to the kale of the month club.
10. Dental floss, not even the peppermint flavored variety.
9. Last year’s re-gifted fruit cake. (Editor: I definitely agree you shouldn’t wait so long to re-gift the cake. Now, I’ve heard they have a long shelf life, but I’d recommend if you really want to re-gift the fruit cake you should do it no later than Valentine’s Day).
8. A bathroom wastebasket. (Editor: I agree this is definitely a personal choice item).
7. A toilet cleaning brush with matching plunger. (Editor: Definitely hovering on disgusting).
6. Name a cockroach after your loved one certificate (suitable for framing). (Editor: However, a framed certificate of a new star named after a loved one, might be fun.)
At some point you knew this was going to turn political. Just so you aren’t disappointed, here’s a few jabs at the former guy and his crew.
5. My Pillow. (Editor: I hear Mike Lindell needs the money; that’s a good reason not to buy one).
4. An autographed mug shot of the Donald. (Editor: I cringe at the thought).
3. Trumpy Bear. (Editor: Yes, it is a real thing and I’d stay away from it, far away from it, especially if you’re an attorney).
2. A slightly used red MAGA hat.
1. A Donald Trump head-Chia Pet style-with orange foliage growing out of its several orifices. (Editor: I understand there is limited number of the heads, due to low interest in that guy).
