There is nothing worst than opening a present at the office Christmas party and your face turns beet red while your mouth slowly opens with no words to say. It is extremely difficult to smile when opening a present to find you have just been given a gift that should never have been bought.
Office or workplace Christmas parties are usually where the most embarrassing gifts can be given. It is at these parties where careers can be made or ruined over the gift given from one co-worker to another fun.
My Christmas gift to you this year is to help you from giving that career ruining Christmas gift. I want to keep you from embarrassing yourself and the person who receives that Christmas present. PLEASE stop and think! I don’t want to get one email from anyone telling me they had got any of the item I put on this years 10 worst Christmas.
10. Man Catcher Voodoo Kit - Nothing says you have reached the point of desperation more than when you are given a kit with voodoo charms meant to attract a mate
9. Back Shaver - I hear there is a product that will help you remove your back hair without enlisting the help of another person. It may be a great product, but this is not to be given as a gift. This is meant for all those who do have hairy backs to buy it for themselves.
8. Gym Membership – A gym membership is a positive, and good thing. If the person who is receiving the membership is self conscious about their weight, then this could be taken as an insult. Now if that person already has a membership at another gym, this gift could be sending the wrong message about their gym.
7. Nose Hair Trimmer - Nose hair trimmers is just like a back hair shaver, but not as bad. A loving wife can give her husband a nose hair trimer with no problem. Now if a secretary gives it to her boss, this would not be good.
6. Plastic Bag of Coal – Giving the work place bully an embroidered drawstring pouch containing 3 lumps of coal may sound like a good gag gift. But a whole lot more can be accomplished to turn his attitude around with a nice Christmas gift.
5. Water Balloon Slingshot – An icy cold winter is not the time to give a water toy. At an office Christmas party things can quickly get out of hand. I guarantee you that with a water balloon slingshot something or someone is going to get wet before the end of the party. Then there is going to be a little conference in the bosses office the following Monday about appropriate workplace behavior.
4. KY Jelly – In the workplace this is inappropriate. It could lead to all kinds of wild imaginations and rumors.
3. A framed photo of yourself and/or your family - It is nice to give family members a framed photo of yourself and/or family, but to a co-workers? If you must give a picture. Give a picture of some group outing with other co-workers. A print of your city’s skyline is another good picture?
2. Fruit Cake – I cannot think of anyone who likes fruit cake. Least of all me. Giving a gift card for $5 is a better gift than a fruit cake.
1. Butt Lifting Lingerie – Even if a butt lifting lingerie is something they need and would use, don’t give it. The receiver will definitely take it as an insult. Give a fruit cake that way you won’t embarrass them or yourself. If you must give butt lifting lingerie, wait to a more appropriate time when you are along with this person.
Bottom-line: Some of these gifts may be okay for a roommate or a close friend. Personally, I would make sure they understand before hand it is done if fun.
I know there are times where it is hard to think of something to give a co-worker or neighbor. Especially, since they gave you neon numbers for your house last year. If you must give something, give that co-worker or neighbor a gift card. Let them choose what they want. They can take that gift card and buy themselves a fruit cake.
