Let’s forget about the signs – most of them are hopelessly outdated. For example, it is not customary to give a towel as a gift, because in the old days it was given for a journey – it was believed that such a gift could bring separation. Modern “signs” are based solely on the probability of giving an inappropriate and unnecessary thing.
Home decorations
A vase, a figurine, a painting, textiles can be very nice, but think about where the future owner will theoretically be able to place this decor and whether he/she will want it. A house is a place that we arrange for ourselves, and an attempt to help can be a disservice. Surely, you yourself were given something that you feel sorry to throw away and have nowhere to use. In general, junk for the house is not the best gift. Surely, your friend already has everything he/she needs.
Perfume
Perfume can be a luxurious gift, but on one condition: you know for sure that the person dreams of it or already enjoys using it. No matter how confident you are in your choice, you should not experiment and give a new, unfamiliar scent. The smell may easily be disliked – the surprise will be ruined.
Photo album
Since the early 90s, it has become fashionable to give photo albums: not too expensive, useful, will remain as a keepsake. Some still consider them a good gift. Now photo printing is not very popular – many are satisfied with digital archives. Therefore, you can give an album in two cases: either to an enthusiast who often prints photos, or with a certificate for printing photos, otherwise the gift will lie idle.
Dishes
Every home, not counting new residents, has a minimum set of dishes. If the owners decide, for example, to master the art of cooking pilaf, they will definitely buy a cauldron themselves. And what is the use of another salad bowl is a big question.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are a very personal thing. If you decide to give such a gift, be sure to choose universal products. Lipstick of the wrong shade or mascara with an unsuitable brush will rather upset than please. A person will be pleased to receive something that he cannot or does not dare to afford, so a shower gel from the mass market is a dubious gift, and a deodorant may seem like a hint that the recipient smells bad.
Cloth
Even with knowledge of a person’s exact measurements, it is almost impossible to get the right size. Clothing manufacturers focus on different body types, plus they often deliberately distort measurements – for example, they include extra centimeters in a model for an oversized effect. But the worst thing is if the recipient wears the gifted item just to avoid offending you.
Crafts
The popular expression “the best gift is a handmade gift” is only partly true. Such a present will certainly emphasize that you spent a lot of time on it and prepared in advance. The problem is that if he still doesn’t like it, you will put the recipient in an awkward position.
Alcohol
Showing up at a party with a bottle is a classic. But when you can bring something useful or at least harmless, why give potential health problems, at least in the form of a hangover? Besides, the gift is formal and, as a rule, not very personal: it is assumed that not only the recipient will use it.