Useful tips
Two of the brightest and most loved holidays are just around the corner – New Year and Christmas.
So it's time to prepare gifts.
But there are a lot of things you can't give as a gift to someone you really love and care about.
The thing is that according to some superstitions, some gifts can have a negative impact on the life of the person to whom it was presented.
Remember, through a gift we convey our attitude towards a person.
Read also: Why New Year is celebrated on January 1 and what is New Year in the old way
The right gift means that you have guessed the wish of the person for whom it is intended. This means that you are a thoughtful, observant person who really understands the recipient.
But an incorrectly chosen gift, on the contrary, indicates that you do not know the person well enough.
So think three times before you give someone a gift.
Different people have different points of view, some believe in superstitions, while others laugh at them.
But in order not to get trapped with some gifts, pay attention to the following things that are not recommended to give to your loved ones during the winter holidays.
What you can't give
1. Umbrella
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If you're thinking about giving an umbrella to someone close to you, we suggest you think carefully.
Unfortunately, this is not a good idea.
According to the Chinese, giving someone an umbrella suggests that you feel that your friendly (loving) or simply good relationship with that person soon falls apart.
By the way, for obvious reasons, it is especially not recommended to present this gift for a wedding, because it means that you do not want newlyweds happiness in their personal lives.
So it's best to avoid such a bad gift for someone's wedding day. In any special case, it is better to buy an umbrella for yourself, rather than give it to someone you care about.
2. Watches
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Some people think that giving a watch is a break up.
Also, if you give someone a watch, it means that you are hinting to that person that their time has come, you do not want them to live longer and live longer.
Yes, it is for this reason that everyone in China and in a number of other countries avoids watches as a gift.
Of course, watches help us determine the time, so they are an indispensable thing in the everyday life of any modern person. They make our lives easier and… more precisely, but you should not consider a watch as a gift.
In addition, to check the time, people prefer to look at their mobile phone screens rather than at their watches, as was customary before.
So, if you're planning to give a watch to your friends, parents, or someone close to you, think twice before you do it.
By the way, you should especially avoid giving a watch to your soulmate. It is believed that such a gift can predict an imminent separation.
Therefore, a watch is not a gift that should be given to family and friends.
3. Kitchen knife
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If the person to whom your gift is intended loves to cook and is generally a fan of everything related to the kitchen, then you definitely already have an idea of what you can give him.
Each of us has knives, dishes and other kitchen utensils in the kitchen.
If you suddenly decide to give someone a table set that also includes knives, believe me, this is not a good idea.
Read also: What to give a man for the new year
The fact is that a knife is a symbol of bad luck, and it cannot be presented as a gift.
The superstition is this: it is believed that a knife will destroy the friendship between the giver and the recipient. So it's best not to risk friendships and avoid things like this.
4. Scissors
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According to some superstitions, giving scissors is a bad omen.
Therefore, you should not accept scissors as a gift if you did not pay a person for them! But buying scissors is absolutely safe, while receiving them as a gift is not.
The fact is that scissors can have a negative effect on relationships between people. It is also believed that it is bad luck to use scissors by waving them in vain.
Just remember, scissors are the kind of thing you can't give a person if you plan to communicate with them for a long time.
5. Handkerchief
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A scarf is a thing that should not be given to others, as it is believed that giving a scarf attracts troubles and misfortunes.
Since a handkerchief is used to wipe away tears, it is believed that if someone receives a handkerchief as a gift, they will cry a lot later on.
So if you suddenly want to give someone a handkerchief, give up the idea so that the person it's meant to never shed tears.
Read also: 20 useful New Year ideas
6. Hairbrush
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There are many superstitions about whether or not to give a comb.
For example, in Japan, giving a person a hairbrush means putting a curse on them.
According to the Japanese, if you receive a hairbrush as a gift, you will suffer from health problems and will soon die.
Therefore, a hairbrush is not the best gift, especially when it comes to a loved one.
In addition, a hairbrush must be a personal item not only for hygiene reasons, but also for some superstitions: some people also compare a hairbrush with their own a relationship and a partner that should also be the only one.
7. Sharp objects
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As mentioned above, scissors should be avoided as gifts, and various knives and even some dishes, which, by the way, are a common housewarming gift.
And here it is worth noting that, firstly, sharp and cutting objects are very dangerous, they can cause harm to human health.
Also, according to superstitions, sharp objects can not only cut material things, but also break relationships.
In addition, sharp objects are not the best gift idea if there are children in the house, because they can cut themselves while playing.
8. Black clothes
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Black is traditionally considered a symbol of pain and sadness. For this reason, this color is chosen for mourning events.
People always wear black at funerals, so it's best not to give someone such clothes, otherwise you may simply associate it with mourning.
Of course, everyone has their own view of black. Someone loves him madly and cannot imagine their wardrobe without him, considering black to be the most elegant and win-win option.
And some people really try to wear less dark tones in everyday life in order to avoid associations with mourning.
Just remember: when it comes to a gift, you should avoid black clothes because it's one of those things you shouldn't give.
9. Footwear
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It may sound silly, but shoe superstitions do exist across cultures and traditions.
For example, the same Chinese people believe that shoes should not be bought as a gift, because this promises troubles and failures in the New Year.
So, a gift in the form of a pair of shoes is not a good idea, so try to avoid it.
What not to give as a gift
10. Mirrors
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Most people give mirrors as a wedding gift.
However, we all know that a broken mirror promises seven years of bad luck to the person in whose house it crashed.
According to some beliefs, to break a mirror is to break the soul into pieces. The myth of breaking a mirror likely evolved from the belief that the reflection you see in the mirror is a projection of your soul.
Therefore, breaking a mirror means putting your own soul at risk and injuring. It is for this reason that it is recommended to avoid such a gift as mirrors.
11. Pets
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A pet is not a gift you can give thoughtlessly.
The decision to have a cat or dog at home should be considered and considered, first of all, because it is not a thing, but a living being for which a person must be responsible.
Many of us enjoy playing with animals. But playing and being responsible for them are completely different things.
Taking responsibility for animals means feeding them, treating them, and giving them your full attention. Therefore, if a person is not ready for such a serious responsibility, you should not risk giving someone a cat, dog or hamster.
Avoid pet gifts.
Presenting a pet to someone as a gift is unfair both to the animal itself and its future owner.
The only exception is when a person wants to have a pet, is ready for this responsibility and asked you for such a gift.
12. Calendar
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Few people use an ordinary paper calendar these days.
Agree, when we are planning something, whether it's a trip, a vacation or a special date, we rarely turn to a flip desk calendar for help.
People have become more advanced. Almost all of us have a calendar on our phone that allows us to access any date for several years to come.
Read also: The brightest trends of 2020
Giving a calendar as a gift is not a good idea for our generation. In fact, it's just a pack of papers that will go to the trash bin in a year, so it's better to give something more memorable, something that a person will treasure for a long time to come.
By the way, using a calendar as a wall decoration is also a very outdated idea.
13. Utensils (set, pots and pans)
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Your mother, sister or grandmother may be pleased to receive some dishes as a gift, but you need to take into account some of the superstitions associated with such a gift.
For example, it is believed that pots and pans are a real magnet for attracting evil spirits. For this reason, it is very dangerous to give such things.
If you know someone is dreaming of a new pot or pan, give that person money so they can buy their own dishes.
Believe me, it makes no sense to give a frying pan or dishes, try to find other alternatives and avoid such gifts.
14. A flower
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Flowers are the first thing that usually comes to mind when it comes to a gift for a woman or girl.
However, when choosing flowers as a gift, people tend to forget the fact that cut flowers usually come to funerals.
In addition, it is very important to pay attention to color, because each color has its own meaning.
See also: The easiest ways to dry flowers while preserving their beauty
For example, yellow chrysanthemums and white callas are mostly used for memorial services and funerals. So try to avoid these flowers as a gift. These flowers might scare the person you're giving them to.
15. Vacuum cleaner
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You do not need to give a vacuum cleaner to your beloved woman or girlfriend. This gift can really make a bad impression on a person.
After all, in fact, it is a kind of analogue to garbage bags, kitchen hood and any other household cleaning products.
Of course, a gift in the form of a vacuum cleaner or a broom is likely to hint to a woman that she is seen as a maid, not a friend or girlfriend.
Therefore, it is best to avoid such things as gifts.
16. Old packages
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Remember, never give gifts in old bags, bags or bags!
It is imperative to celebrate the New Year with new energy.
And the old packaging is not very pleasant.
Pay attention to the following articles: How to make packaging for Christmas gifts or How to pack a gift beautifully
Try to pay attention not only to gifts, but also to packages, give something useful, what a person needs and dreamed of.
17. Gifts handed over
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Giving gifts is certainly a savings and salvation for your wallet, but in pursuit of savings, do not forget that this way you can offend someone's feelings.
Never ever give away something you don't need and you just want to get rid of that thing. Sometimes the idea of giving gifts isn't that good if it's obvious that you're just donating an already used product.
People take it as an insult when they receive gifts that have already been used.
Remember once and for all: second-hand items are something you should never give as a gift.
18. Empty wallet
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Giving a wallet is a great idea.
However, there is one caveat that needs to be taken into account. The fact is that giving an empty wallet is not recommended if you wish good and prosperity to a person.
It is believed that such a gift will bring bad luck to its new owner.
Therefore, if you decide to give someone a wallet, you can do the same as in Italy: in this country it is customary to invest a bill or a small amount of money in a new purse (wallet). If you don't have money, put a coin into it.
Such a simple trick will make this superstition positive.
It is believed that giving someone an empty wallet will certainly attract a person to lack of money and financial decline.
Remember: never give a loved one an empty wallet if you really want him well and happiness.
Be sure to follow the advice above if you have plans to give someone a wallet.
19. Laughing Buddha
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It is believed that the Buddha statuette promises success and great happiness to its owner.
Here's what we know about the so-called Laughing Buddha: this character is also called the Fat Buddha, and in China he's called Ho Tai, Budai, or the Chinese Buddha.
The Chinese Buddha, or the Laughing Buddha, is a symbol of endless happiness. You can easily give it as a gift to someone you really care about.
However, here you should take into account some of the nuances regarding where it is better to place the statuette.
Above all, avoid places like the bathroom or kitchen. These places are considered inappropriate for a Buddha statuette.
Many people do not know about these nuances, and when they receive a Buddha statuette, they place it in the wrong places for energy.
Therefore, this is a thing that should not be given as a gift if you do not have the necessary knowledge.
What is bad to give as a gift
20. Voodoo dolls
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Black magic is a very exciting and interesting thing.
But it can also be very dangerous, so try to watch her at the movies on your TV screens.
But you should not contact her in real life. Some people use a voodoo doll for black magic, thereby attracting negative energy.
But there are also those who just dream of such a doll.
Remember, if you give a voodoo doll, it can greatly ruin your impression of you, as well as seriously harm your relationship with this person.
In various horror films, this attribute of black magic is called evil and considered a curse. So never give a voodoo doll to anyone. And in general, be careful with any other dolls. This is a very special gift.
21. Eau de parfum or eau de toilette
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Everything is very simple here: if you do not know the tastes and preferences of the person to whom your gift is intended, you should not experiment.
For example, you might like citrus scents, while a person likes floral scents.
Read also: Test: Which fragrance suits your personality?
The advice will be as follows: if you still decide to choose a perfume or eau de toilette for someone, find out in advance which perfume the person prefers.
22. Alcohol
Alcohol is not definitely a bad idea. You just need to give it to someone you know very well.
Not everyone will like to receive a bottle of wine, whiskey or beer as a gift. Give alcohol only to people you know very closely.
The person you handed a bottle of liquor to may be unhappy for various reasons: they may have some health problems that you are not aware of, and this person simply cannot drink strong drinks.
Other people have their own personal reasons for not drinking alcohol, so it's best to avoid such gifts that a person might not like.
23. Opal stone
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Unfortunately, opal is considered one of the most unfortunate gemstones.
Avoid giving someone opal. Unfortunately, it will not bring happiness and prosperity to the new owner.
Read also: 20 interesting facts about jewelry
The only exception is when a person was born in October, in this case his stone is opal, so you can safely donate this stone.
24. gloves
Gloves are a cool accessory for men and women, and one of the best gifts for the New Year, provided you know the hand size of the person you are going to give a gift to.
Despite the fact that this wardrobe item perfectly protects your hands from the cold, gloves are considered not the best gift for a loved one.
There is a belief that as soon as you give someone gloves, you can immediately quarrel with this person and ruin your relationship with him.
Avoid ties, cufflinks, belts. These are things that should not be presented as a gift, they promise you quarrels and disagreements.
25. Meat gift set
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Recently, so-called food sets have been especially popular.
Unfortunately, food is not the best choice for a gift. There can be many reasons.
Firstly, it should be borne in mind that meat is a perishable product, which means it can be harmful to health. And by giving someone an expired meat product, you risk that a person will get food poisoning.
Secondly, perhaps the person you want to give a meat delicacy to does not eat meat in principle and is a vegetarian.
This gift is ideal only when you know very well the tastes of the person for whom it is intended, and you are also sure that the product has not expired.
26. Books
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To give books to someone, you need to know exactly the person's preferences.
For example, if you like love novels, that doesn't mean everyone has the same taste as you. It is quite possible that someone prefers books to medical topics.
27. Underwear
Everyone has their own lingerie preferences.
The main reason why you should not give underwear is that you may be wrong with the size.
And in general, remember, underwear is a very personal and intimate gift, and you can only give it to a very close person.
Bikinis, bra, panties and other underwear items are items that should not be given thoughtlessly.
28. Candles
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There is an opinion that if you give someone candles, you burn a good relationship with that person.
Other sources say that with a candle you give a person negative energy. In addition, candles are a real magnet for attracting evil spirits. Therefore, if you do not want anyone to get into trouble, be careful about buying candles as a gift to a loved one.
Of course, not everything is so simple, and many of us give candles to our family and friends.
This item can be used both as a lighting element and as a decorative item, as well as an element that will bring romance, for example, to an ordinary dinner.
Thanks to candles, you can decorate your home. Candles also come in different flavors and scents, and can be designed for both women and men.
However, a candle is not a gift that should be given thoughtlessly.
29. Gifts with a political or religious context
Be careful with gifts that have political or religious connotations.
One careless step and you risk ruining your relationship with the person to whom the gift is meant.
Some people are very sensitive to religion and politics, so they can easily be offended by a gift with a hint of one or the other.
Gifts should bring joy to the recipient, and not cause disagreements and lead to conflict situations.
30. Money
Giving money is not a good idea.
On the one hand, with the donated money, a person will buy for himself what he wants. But on the other hand, a gift in the form of money does not make any sense.
Money is just money. It is very difficult to determine the attitude of the person who gave you the money.
Pay attention to the article that contains interesting ideas for inexpensive gifts that you can give a man for the New Year: 10 good gifts for a man for the New Year and birthday with AliExpress