Ok, so you know by now that we are all about bringing the best, most thoughtful gifts to you that your wife (or girlfriend) REALLY wants. But today, we’re here to share with you 10 gifts not to get your wife. Don’t worry, we’re keeping it lighthearted!
First off, just so you know, this is not meant to make you feel bad for past (or current) gift choices. It’s just that men and women think differently, and that’s a good thing! But while men may like getting tools, barbeque stuff, etc., for gifts, women on the other hand prefer more thoughtful ones that show you notice and remember things she likes. She just really wants to know you put some thought into it. (Which by the way, is what this ENTIRE website is about – helping you find those gifts. We’re here for ya!)
Before We Get Into the List
While there are things on our list that everyone pretty much unanimously agreed on, IF your wife or girlfriend SPECIFICALLY ASKS for any of these items, then by all means, get them for her. These are just generally things that women don’t care to receive as a gift.
Quick Tip: If your wife (girlfriend, mom, etc.) does ask for something that is on this list, and you plan to get it for her, we’d like to suggest that you also purchase a small “surprise” gift to go with it. Either something to complement the gift, or even an unrelated surprise (like a cute shirt, unique coffee mug, pair of earrings she’s wanted, etc.) It’s always great to get something that you didn’t know about – keep that in mind!
Kitchen Appliances
Everyone on our panel agreed that they would rather not receive mixers, bowls, blenders, etc., unless of course, the item is on their birthday or Christmas wish list. These are items that aren’t especially for her – they are just items that she uses on a day to day basis to make meals for everyone in the household.
There are exceptions, though. You may be buying for someone who absolutely adores cooking and cooking gadgets. For example, one of our panelists asked for a Kitchen Aid stand mixer for Christmas, since it was a high ticket item. Her husband got her the mixer, but also got her a few little trinkets to go in a stocking as a surprise. If she asks for it, you’re in the clear. 😉
Household Appliances
Washers, dryers, microwave ovens, toasters, waffle makers, refrigerators, generally any type of appliance. These are things that our panelists use on a everyday basis, but again, these items are used for everyone in the household, and aren’t generally considered a personal gift.
Cleaning Stuff
Vacuum cleaners, dust busters, shop vacs, Swiffer mops, dust mops, air purifiers, fans, or any type of cleaning appliances are a no-go. However, one of our panelists knew that a Roomba vacuum cleaner was what she really wanted, and asked for it for Christmas. Again, if she asked for it, you’re good to go, but make sure you get that little surprise gift to go along with it. 😉
Cooking Utensils and Dishware
Whether or not the woman in your life likes to cook, chances are she uses cooking utensils on a daily basis. Utensils and dishware fall into the same category as appliances & cleaning stuff. These are not really gifts that are going to make her feel special, because it’s not something specific to what she likes and to her personality.
Some things that fall in this category are: dishes, glasses, Tupperware, storage bins, pots, pans, etc. A couple of exceptions to this happened for our panelists – one requested the Pioneer Woman’s aqua glass goblets for Christmas. Another panelist requested some specific, special occasion dinner plates and related items.
Household Textiles
Textiles are generally things that fill up your house. Like bed sheets, blankets, pillows, pillow covers, shower curtains, rugs, bath towels, kitchen towels, etc. Our panelists generally feel like these are not “special” gifts – since the whole household uses them on a daily basis. However, one book-loving panelist loved getting a very soft, blanket-type throw that she likes to curl up with and read or watch movies. That’s an example of taking an otherwise impersonal gift and making it personal! But bed sheets? Just, no. Take our word for it.
Health & Fitness Gifts
Hopefully, this one goes without saying, but we’re going to mention anyway! Several of our panelists said that they would not be happy if they received any kind of fitness equipment. Things like stretching bands, kettle balls, weights, athletic or workout clothing, subscriptions to weight loss or fitness programs, diet pills or diet food, protein bars or shakes, running shoes, and so on. Oh, and a big one? Please do NOT get the woman in your life a membership to a gym. Of course, we still have our disclaimer: if she directly asks for any of the above, feel free to get it for her. But proceed with caution and make VERY sure it is exactly what she wants and what she asked for. 😉
Self-Help or Cookbook Gifts
Whew. Yes, we went there! Ha! Our panelists said this particular one is a huge no-no. When the girl you love is opening presents, she definitely does not want to uncover a book on “how to overcome…” you fill in the blank! Weight loss books, overcoming fears/anxiety, organization skills, procrastination, etc., anything that suggests you are not happy with her the way she is. Even if she could use a little help in any of those departments, that’s something that she needs to come to terms with herself and figure out. Those things are best left for her to seek out completely and totally on her own.
Cookbooks are a tad different! You’re gonna want to steer clear of these, unless she asked for one specifically, or if she is a foodie/cooking lover and you’ll know she’ll like a specialty cookbook. For example, “How to Make French Pastries That Taste Just Like They Came from France” would be ok for someone who loves baking. However, “How to Cook a 4 Course Meal Every Night” would not be such a great pick.
Clothing
According to our panelists, this one is not set in stone. Generally, women like to pick out their own clothes. Our team says that if it’s an outfit she’d wear to work, church, a wedding, special occasion, etc., then she’d like to pick it our herself.
However, if you see a cute t-shirt that you think she would like, maybe of her favorite sports team, or one that has something about the ocean or maybe her favorite season (pumpkin spice, autumn quotes, etc.), then by all means, get it. That falls under the “I’ve noticed what you like” thoughtful gift category. Cute pajamas are another thing our panelists say would be a welcome gift.
But one item the panelists said they did NOT want to receive as a gift? An apron. We’ll just leave that one there. 😉
Furniture, Flooring, & More
Ok. This one’s another one that maybe goes without saying, but we’re gonna say it. Furniture is something that everyone in the house uses, and unless it’s specific to her, like say a special reading chair for her reading nook in the corner of the bedroom, then furniture is not a good gift idea. The same goes for new flooring, new countertops, bathroom or kitchen tiles, anything that is a home improvement or DIY type item. Unless, of course, money is tight and it is what she specifically asked for. In that case, get that special and thoughtful surprise gift to go with it that we keep harping on. 😉
Dollar Store and Checkout Aisle
Now, before we ruffle any feathers, we just want you to know that we know there are budgets and there are tough times, and times when you just plain don’t have much money. Every single one of our panelists is very understanding when it comes to this. It just all goes back to picking out something for the woman you love, no matter how small, that you know she will like and that will show her you gave it some careful thought.
One panelist remembers a year when she received a movie night basket from the dollar store. They didn’t have much money at all, but her husband got her a basket at the dollar store, and filled it with her favorite “movie” candy, microwave popcorn, and a dvd that was just a few dollars that he knew she’d like. She, in turn, got him some of his favorite magazines and a big coffee mug, so he could have his coffee & read his favorite articles. They both look back on it as a special Christmas. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
So if you are in a place in life where you need to visit the dollar store, that is perfectly fine! Just take a while to think about her likes and dislikes. If you need help, just walk around the store until you see something that makes you think of her, and gather other items that are related, until you have enough to put in a gift bag or basket.
The Checkout Aisle. Ok, this one is different. No one wants to receive something that they KNOW has absolutely no thought put into it. Most everything that hangs out in the checkout line falls into this category. So just say no to toenail clippers, As Seen On TV hair removers or bacon bowl makers, gum and mints, batteries, cigarette lighters, or anything else within arm’s reach of the cash register, and you’ll be doing great. 😉
We hope our list of presents women don’t typically love gave you some help in the gift-giving arena. And we hope we’ve inspired you to notice the little things. That’s really what she wants, and believe us, it will make a huge difference next time you give her something special!
Now that you know what NOT to get, be sure to check out our article on 10 Gifts She’ll REALLY Love!
