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So it’s Christmas, and you have to come up with an amazing gift for your girlfriend. Even if you’ve been dating for a long time and know her well, it can be hard to pick the perfect gift. But, there are plenty of things you should absolutely not buy your girlfriend this Christmas. Here’s some top gift mistakes – and what you can get her instead.
So if you’re wondering what you shouldn’t buy, and what you should instead, this list is for you. You won’t have to be that guy; you can wow your girlfriend with a fantastic Christmas gift this year.
Of course, the exception to all these is if you girlfriend asks for it. In that case: get her whatever she wants!
Luggage
It’s not that luggage is always a bad gift, but it’s not a great idea for your girlfriend for several reasons. First of all, it’s kind of boring. Second, it’s a bit personal – a lot of folks are fussy about the style of luggage they carry.
Don’t: A Generic Luggage Set
Unless she travels a lot and needs a new set, don’t get your girlfriend luggage for Christmas. Why? She’s going to think you’re taking her on vacation. Unless you are, in which case you’re an amazing gift-giver, and you don’t need this list.
Try Instead: A Super Cute Tote Bag
Tote bags are practical and can be used in all kinds of ways. Even if she has a bunch, it’s always nice to get a new one, and they make great reusable bags at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
Books
Of course books are actually great Christmas gifts for your girlfriend, but there are some you should absolutely not buy for her. Besides the stuff listed here, also avoid books if your girlfriend doesn’t like to read.
Don’t: Get Your Girlfriend a Book That Sends a Message
Girlfriend, a book lover? Great, books are fantastic gift ideas. Just stay away from stuff you think she needs to read and stick with what she’ll like. Even if it would help don’t do that to yourself, trust me, it likely won’t be right. The exception being if she asks for something specifically, of course.
Try Instead: the Book She’s Been Wanting to Read
She’s your girlfriend! Check her bookshelf to see what she likes, listen to what she says, stalk her Amazon wish list, and when in doubt, take her on a bookstore coffee shop date and talk books.
Beauty Gifts
This is the category of gifts we almost universally recommend against buying, especially those generic department store packs. If you do get one for your girlfriend make sure it’s what she wants and good quality!
Don’t: Give Your Girlfriend Cheap Beauty Gift Sets
You probably have seen these sets in the stores all perfectly wrapped up for Christmas. Don’t be tricked! Your girlfriend not only doesn’t want these cheap beauty sets, but she also won’t be too thrilled with you either for buying one.
Try Instead: High-quality Products (Do Your Research!)
If you want to get your girlfriend, beauty products quality matters. She might want the latest palette from Sephora or Kylie Jenner’s newest lip gloss, so pay attention to what she uses and talks about. Do this right, and you’ll earn some major boyfriend points guaranteed.
Fitness Accessories
Sometimes it’s best to just stay clear of gifts that can cause hurt feelings.
Don’t: Give Your Girlfriend Workout Gear/Programs
Unless she’s a fitness enthusiast or explicitly asked for something stay clear of buying workout gear for your girlfriend. Why? It implies that you don’t like her the way she is. Let her buy the workout gear, and you buy something fun.
Try Instead: a Great Water Bottle
If you do think she’s going to be amping up her fitness routine in the new year, then you can still help out, but in a less “I think you’re fat” kind of way. Get your girlfriend a really nice water bottle that reflects her personality. As a bonus, even if she doesn’t want to work out, it’s still a nice to have item.
Flowers
Flowers are a nice gesture but don’t make a good Christmas gift, especially on their own.
Don’t: Get Her a Bouquet of Roses for Christmas
Especially silk ones. Ew. Roses are for Valentine’s Day and anniversaries, not for Christmas.
Try Instead: a Christmas Arrangement
If you must get your girlfriend flowers for Christmas (maybe she loves them!), then opt for holiday arrangements. If silk is her thing, get a really lovely filled planter. Or you can have an arrangement delivered by most flower shops. Your girlfriend will love the surprise and having a lovely centerpiece for the holidays.
Pets
Thinking about getting your girlfriend a puppy this Christmas? Think again.
Don’t: Surprise Your Girlfriend With a Pet for Christmas
Once again, I’ll say that the exception is if she really wants this pet. Otherwise, don’t risk it! She might love dogs but not want the responsibility of one right now. It’s even worse if you don’t live together because you won’t even be helping care for it.
Try Instead: Some Cute Pet-themed Clothes/Accessories
If you know your girlfriend loves pets, you can skip buying an actual pet and give her something cute to show her pet love. There’s plenty of cute t-shirts, mugs, hats, notebooks, and accessories that will let her show off her pet love in a non-committal way.
Home Décor
This is way too broad of a category to make gift giving easy unless you know your girlfriend’s style well.
Don’t: Get Her Art for Her Home
Unless you guys live together and you know her taste incredibly well, don’t pick up art for your girlfriend as a Christmas gift. Art and décor are really personal, and it’s really awkward when someone gives you some you don’t like. Do you hang it? Will they ask about it? Does the garage need wall art?
Try Instead: a Keepsake Christmas Tree Ornament
You want to get your girlfriend something nice, right? Instead of trying to decorate for her pick her up something for the Christmas tree. She’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness, it doesn’t take up much space, and even if she doesn’t care for it, it only comes out in December. Win-win. Try and choose something personal or sentimental.
“It’s the Thought That Counts”
Ever heard that saying? It’s especially true when it comes to Christmas gifts for your girlfriend… That’s also the running theme of this list of things you absolutely should not buy your girlfriend this Christmas. So think to yourself: who is this gift really for?
Don’t: Get Your Girlfriend a Gift That’s Secretly for You
OK, maybe she does want an Xbox (I know lots of girls who would), but unless it’s something your girlfriend is really into herself, don’t choose a gift based on the fact that you want it.
Try Instead: Something That’s Only for Her
Instead of thinking about yourself, or something you can share, get your girlfriend something that’s just for her this Christmas. High-end bath sets, makeup, her favorite lotion, or anything else she’s interested in are perfect choices.
Romantic Gifts
Christmas is a great time to be romantic with your girlfriend! But there are ways you can ruin the romance (and Christmas morning) with bad gifts too. These Romantic Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Women may also work for Christmas, too.
Don’t: Get Your Girlfriend “bedroom” Toys
By all means, include fun “toys” in the bedroom but don’t give them to your girlfriend for a Christmas gift. Same goes for lingerie because let’s be real, that stuff is for you.
Try Instead: Massage Oils for Her
Give your girlfriend massage oils for Christmas and commit that you will actually give her massages. But let me warn you: this isn’t a great gift to give alone, so make sure you have something else or a massage gift certificate included.
Rings
Jewellery (that your girlfriend actually wants) is fine for Christmas, but rings should be avoided (with one exception).
Don’t: Buy Your Girlfriend Any Ring That Isn’t an Engagement Ring
Assuming she’s your girlfriend and not your fiancée or wife, it’s best to stay clear of buying rings. You don’t want disappointment, or even worse, confusion when she opens the box to a $12, not an engagement ring.
Try Instead: Get Her the Engagement Ring!
Christmas is a wonderfully romantic time to get engaged. If you’re thinking of marriage, why not use this as an excuse to pop the question? It’s truly a life-changing gift.
Now that the 10 Things You Should Absolutely Not Buy Your Girlfriend This Christmas are clear, what do you plan to get her? P.S. 40% of engagements take place between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, just saying…
