Choosing a gift for someone special can be exciting and fun. For some, it can be overwhelming. Because they have no idea what to give, they end up giving money or gold. However, while the safest option, this type of gift can sometimes be uncomfortable.
And truly, the intention of giving a gift shouldn’t be a burden for either the giver or the recipient. Something special will be more memorable, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be anything, according to the heart’s desire and the sincere feeling of the giver. The important thing is that it’s not one of the following six prohibited items as gifts, as reported by Wion.
1. Items that are too personal
Underwear, intimate hygiene products, and similar items that overly intrude on a person’s private areas are prohibited as gifts. Choose neutral items like wallets, headscarves (if the recipient wears a hijab), kitchen utensils, and the like.
2. Objects that can offend feelings
If the potential recipient has a dark skin tone, you might consider giving them skincare products that can lighten their skin. Giving clothes that don’t fit the recipient, giving them tacky or cheap items, and so on, is prohibited. Alternatively, choose relatively common cosmetics, such as perfume or a set of olive oil products.
3. Items that have been used or unwanted gifts
When you’re thinking about giving someone a gift, you suddenly remember an item at home you don’t like, or old gifts you haven’t used. Of course, don’t follow through with your intentions! Giving a gift made from something used and unloved is considered rude, even if the recipient may not know the item’s origins.
4. Items that require high maintenance
Gifts are usually given with the intention of being used and useful. If the gift requires the recipient to incur additional costs, it can be a hassle. Pets fall into this category, unless you know for certain the recipient truly desires them.
5. Objects of satire
You know something secret about the potential recipient. For example, they’re materialistic or arrogant. So you give them a book about “a simple life.” Hey, that’s a bit too sarcastic. Why not just give them a bestselling novel as a safer option?
6. Things that are too expensive
Given the tradition of reciprocating gifts, gifts that are too expensive (more than just expensive or good) are not recommended. This can create a burden on the recipient. Even if you genuinely don’t expect anything in return, the recipient’s feelings of discomfort can be uncontrollable. They may end up forcing themselves to give an equivalent gift in return, even if it means draining their savings.
