For those who still think that it is only the thought that counts, this story is for you. Contrary to the old saying, there are such things as bad Christmas gifts.
"My dad once got a box of combs for Christmas," said junior political science major Brittany Strong. "When I was 13, I got a knock-off Barbie doll. Not only was I too old for them, but I hated and never played with dolls."
"Once I got a used shirt, and they tried to play it off by putting a fake price tag on it. I knew when the tag said 'Pottery Barn' that it was fake," said freshman English major Cornelius Jackson.
In fact, bad Christmas presents are so common that there are more than 2,620,000 Web sites dedicated to the worst Christmas gifts, many of which rank the worst and most tasteless gifts of all time. Included on these lists are fruit cake, the Pet Rock and the Chia Pet.
"I got a Chia Pet once," said senior engineering major Lisa Rightmire, "but that was a good present compared to the $1 crossword puzzle book my former boss gave me."
What exactly makes a bad Christmas resent? According to a poll by Morgan Stanley, cheap perfume, handkerchiefs and socks are bad gifts. Foods and personal articles of clothing also make bad gifts.
But, to clear up any confusion, to eliminate all excuses and doubts, here is a list of the 10 worst Christmas gifts, according to MSN.money.com:
The not-so subtle suggestion - low-fat cookbooks and facial cream.
Useless gadgets - PGA-approved golf ball cleaner
The lingerie trap - Unless she picks it out herself, don't buy it!
The deadly weapons - slingshots or BB guns
One for the price of two gifts - If you are buying something for yourself, don't give the extra to someone else. Buy them a real present.
Clothing for people you don't live with - enough said.
Books over 2,000 pages - Those are usually books people buy for themselves.
Joke items - includes Whoopee Cushions and magic tricks
Pro-am presents - Your friend plays a mean game of golf. Therefore, don't waste your money on a golf gift. He already has it!
And finally, thoughtless gifts - Don't give cookies to a diabetic or earrings to someone without pierced ears.
So, when holiday shopping season rolls around, remember, it may take several years to establish a relationship, but it could take only one bad gift to ruin one.
