Take it from a gifts editor: There a few ways to fail at gift-giving. Most often, it’s buying something that doesn’t fit your recipient or their interests, like giving a recipe book to someone who doesn’t cook or a fitness tracker to someone who hates working out. It’s also best to avoid gifts that send a specific (potentially negative) message, like a wrinkle cream that could imply you think someone looks old. Other gifts could just feel way too personal, like receiving deodorant from a friend or confidence self-help book from your aunt.
Even if you have the best of intentions, I never recommend buying these gifts, because there’s a risk they won’t land. Of course, if the recipient explicitly asks for something on this list (say, a vacuum), it’s a completely different story.
❌ Body weight scale
Any item that encourages weight loss is a very slippery slope—especially if you’re shopping for a partner. It can imply that you think your recipient should be watching their weight, which can be insulting. If your friend, parent, or partner has recently set off on a fitness journey, there are other gifts that can better support their hobbies—like an Oura Ring or Apple Watch that allows them to track their activity.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Oura Ring or Apple Watch
❌ Most cleaning supplies
If they haven’t explicitly asked for cleaning products or tools, it’s best to steer clear. Items like vacuums, mops, laundry detergents, cleaning sprays, or sponges can send the wrong message, like “you should clean more.” And if you’re shopping for a partner, cleaning gifts can seem low effort and reinforce gender stereotypes.
The exception, of course, is if someone has specifically asked for an item. Otherwise, stick to fancy and elevated cleaning gifts they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Fancy Room Sprays, Pretty Swedish Dishcloths, Robot Vacuums, and other luxury cleaning tools.
❌ Anti-aging or wrinkle creams
At Good Housekeeping, we love anti-aging skincare and wrinkle creams, but they don’t always go over well as gifts. For some recipients, it might feel like a comment about their age or appearance—and no one needs a reminder they’re getting older.
Instead, LED face masks are a safer option—and, they’re super popular right now. The light therapy can deliver some anti-aging benefits, but they’re not intended for any specific age group.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: LED Face Mask
❌ Pets
Never buy anyone a living creature that needs to be fed and taken care, from as small as a fish to hamsters, cats, and dogs. Pets are a huge responsibility, and don’t make for a good surprise. Instead, try a stuffed animal or virtual pet (like Tamagotchi), or a houseplants that requires much less effort.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Easy-Care Houseplants
❌ Self-help books
Even if you’re trying to be supportive, self-help books can send a critical message. Topics like productivity, confidence, relationships, or happiness might imply the recipient needs to fix something. If you’re looking for a gift that’ll help motivate them, stick to guided journals that allow them to set their own intentions.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Gratitude Journal
❌ Certain hygiene products
I always avoid hygiene products that feel very personal (and not very sexy), like deodorant, acne creams, toothpaste, or razors. If it’s something they can buy at the grocery store, it’s probably best to skip it. Alternately, lean into more luxurious self-care gifts, like handmade soaps, high-end skincare, and luxurious body lotions.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Salt & Stone Body Wash, L'occitane Hand Cream, or Shower Steamers
❌ Workout equipment
Proceed with caution when buying workout gear for anyone, especially a partner. Whether or not they workout regularly, new equipment—like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a treadmills—may suggest they should be exercising more. I’d also avoid a gym membership or any sort of subscription, unless they’ve explicitly asked for it.
A safer alternative is workout attire, like leggings or a zip up, because they don’t necessarily need to wear it to workout.
WHAT I’D RECOMMEND: Lululemon Leggings
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
