It’s the chaotic morning after the holidays, when every corner of the house is littered with questionable presents – the neon‑orange tie, the plastic mood ring, the oversized blouse that belongs in a costume shop. You sprint to the nearest retailer, receipt in hand, muttering, “Why did nobody just give me cash?” This is exactly why we’ve compiled the top 10 most returned gifts, so you can steer clear of the same blunders next year.
Why the Top 10 Most Gifts End Up in the Return Bin
Some presents simply miss the mark. Whether it’s a duplicate toy that already lives on the shelf, a kitchen gadget you’ll never use, or a fashion choice that belongs in a different decade, each of these items has a story of disappointment behind it. Read on for a fun, yet brutally honest, rundown of the gifts that most often get sent back.
10 Duplicate Toys
When you have a sprawling family like ours, it’s a miracle that duplicate toys don’t show up more often. Even with meticulously drafted wish lists, relatives – from grandparents to in‑laws – tend to wander off the script and pick up whatever catches their eye. The result? Kids standing on the living‑room rug, arms crossed, shouting, “We already have this!” The only savior is a well‑kept receipt, ready for a swift exchange.
9 Housewares
Who ever thought a fancy sandwich press would become a kitchen centerpiece? The reality is, most of us have never used these gimmicky appliances even once – zero times, to be exact. Add to that the nightmare of a non‑local purchase that can’t be returned, and you’re left with an ugly, unused contraption. And let’s not forget bathroom accessories; unless a senior citizen explicitly asks, nobody wants lavender‑tinted towels or a novelty toilet brush cluttering their powder room.
8 Movies
Giving a DVD or Blu‑ray can feel safe, but it’s a gamble if you don’t know the recipient’s taste. One moment you’re thrilled to hand over a copy of “Mega Force,” the next you’re watching the recipient stare blankly, wishing they’d kept their favorite classic for themselves. Unless you’re absolutely certain of their movie cravings, it’s wiser to keep that deluxe edition for your own shelf and avoid the inevitable “thanks, but I already own it” moment.
7 Video Games
Venturing into video‑game territory without a solid clue is like sailing into shark‑infested waters. Even if a child draws a perfect mock‑up of the game’s cover and maps out every store that carries it, handing over a random title like “Sim Paint Dry” will only set you on the first rung of a steep disappointment ladder. The key is to actually listen to the wish list, not just assume what “cool” looks like.
6 Music
Music is personal, and gifting an album you love doesn’t guarantee the recipient will feel the same. A parent who dismisses modern punk or emo as “noise” might still be handing over a Billy Joel greatest‑hits CD, only to watch their teen roll their eyes and crank up the latest Panic! at the Disco track. If you’re unsure of their current soundtrack, a quick trip back to the music store (or a gift card) can spare you the embarrassment.
5 Shoes
There’s nothing more well‑intentioned than a relative gifting a brand‑new pair of shoes, but fashion trends move faster than a sprinting cheetah. One aunt might think those neon “hip” sneakers are the next big thing, yet your kid will barely slip them on before tossing them aside in frustration. Keep that receipt handy; you’ll thank yourself when you can swap them for something actually wearable.
4 Spouse‑Inappropriate Gifts
Ten years of marriage and you think a toaster is the ultimate romantic gesture? Think again. While a kitchen appliance may seem practical, it can feel more like a subtle hint that the romance department is on the fritz. Expect a cheeky note (or possibly a divorce paper) tucked in the stocking if you miss the mark on marital gift etiquette.
3 Clothing
Ever seen a teenager parade around in black‑torn leggings, a denim mini‑skirt, and a Green Day tee? That’s the vibe you get when you hand over generic, outdated clothing. Instead of guessing, raid their closet for clues or, better yet, hand over a gift certificate to a store that actually knows their style. Trust us, it beats the “why did you think this was a good idea?” stare.
2 Age‑Inappropriate Toys
Grandparents often cling to the notion that their great‑grandchildren are forever toddlers, gifting toys meant for a 2‑year‑old to a 12‑year‑old who craves something more advanced. The problem? Those tiny trucks sit untouched, while the receipt disappears into the abyss of memory. Luckily, many retailers will issue store credit, allowing you to swap the infant‑grade toy for something age‑appropriate.
1 Something You Just Plain Didn’t Want
Sometimes the gift is just pure, unadulterated junk – an ant farm, a year‑long supply of assorted salves, or a kitschy wooden Jesus clock. You’ll never glance at it again, let alone find a use for it. The quickest rescue? Dig up that receipt, sprint back to the store, and exchange the nonsense for something you’ll actually enjoy. Contributor: StewWriter