We Indians are the champions of celebration. Birthdays, weddings, baby showers, housewarmings, promotions, naming ceremonies, mundans, "just because" days — we’ll find any reason to whip out the gift wrap. But let’s be honest — somewhere between good intentions and bad judgment, we’ve all either given or received a gift that made us go, “Why, God, why?”
So let’s talk about what not to gift and how not to gift, all while saving you from becoming that one guest everyone politely smiles at but secretly dreads.
🎁 Don’t Gift These, Unless You Want Side-Eyes
1. Showpieces That Belong in the 90s
That glass swan, that plastic fruit bowl, or the porcelain couple dancing under a tree — unless you’re gifting to a time traveler from 1995, skip it. Indian households already have a lifetime supply of these.
2. Religious Items (Unless You Know Their Faith)
A Ganesha idol is lovely — but only if you're sure the recipient is Hindu and okay with religious items. Otherwise, it could feel pushy or awkward. Let’s keep the divine above awkward gifting situations, shall we?
3. Personal Grooming Kits for No Reason
“Here’s a hair removal kit, happy birthday!” — that’s not a gift, that’s a roast. Unless someone specifically asks for skincare or grooming items, avoid anything that could be taken as a subtle (or not-so-subtle) hint.
4. Re-Gifts with Your Name Still on It
You thought you were clever re-gifting that decorative candle. Until the tag saying “To Neha, from Rahul” is still on the bottom. Classic. Tragic. Caught red-handed.
5. Cash… in Coins
Cash is acceptable, especially at weddings or as a gesture from elders. But slipping in ₹500 worth of coins in a drawstring bag isn’t cute — it’s cruel. The poor soul has to carry it like a modern-day kabuliwala.
🙅♀️ How Not to Gift
➤ Don’t Forget the Price Tag
Leaving the price sticker on isn’t humblebragging — it’s just lazy. It says, “Here’s a gift. I did the bare minimum.”
➤ Don’t Use Last Year’s Crumpled Gift Bag
Yes, we recycle gift bags (we’re all guilty), but please — flatten it first, remove the old name tag, and maybe iron out the guilt wrinkles.
➤ Don’t Give Group Gifts... That Only You Picked
Pooling money is fine. But when you pick something weird (like a bonsai tool kit) without asking the group, and slap everyone’s name on it — expect some angry WhatsApp messages later.
✍️ A Poem for All the Gifting Goof-Ups
Oh giver of gifts, hear our plea, No more clocks or USBs. No towels wrapped in shiny foil, Or mugs that say “You make me boil.” Think from the heart, not clearance bins, Don’t wrap your sins in silver tins. A thoughtful note, a kind bouquet, Can go much further than cliché.
🎉 The Golden Rule? Know Thy Giftee
Ask yourself:
- Would they like this, or would you?
- Does it feel personal, or panic-bought?
- Is it useful, or destined for the “regift” drawer?
In the end, the best gifts aren’t the most expensive — they’re the ones that make someone feel seen, remembered, and not low-key insulted.
So, next time you reach for that generic gift set — pause, breathe, and maybe just write a heartfelt note instead.
Because in India, we remember gifts… and the people who made us go, “Bas, isko toh list se hatao!”