Examples of bad gift ideas

1. I once received a toilet seat. —Julie K., Shellsburg, Iowa

2. The book What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I was in high school and not even dating. —Audrey A., Norfolk, Virginia

3. A fifth of whiskey, even though I’m an alcoholic. —Clark H., Magdalena, New Mexico

4. A very nice sweater that someone had worn, stained, and regifted to me. —Belinda M., Orangeville, Pennsylvania

5. A donation in my name to a cause I don’t support. —Marci E., North Richland Hills, Texas

6. I got my own Christmas gift back the next year. —Carol E., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

7. A subscription to the Nutrisystem weight-loss program. —Rosemary G., LaGrange, Kentucky

8. A bar of soap. —Shirley B., Macomb, Michigan

9. A turquoise man-kini. I am 60 years old and weigh 250 pounds. —Erich P., Phoenix, Arizona

10. An iron and ironing board from my (now ex-) husband. —Nancy M., South Attleboro, Massachusetts

11. A book titled 101 Wines Under $5. —Cindy M., Greensburg, Pennsylvania

12. A bag of cotton balls. —Claudia A., Columbia Falls, Montana

13. A Christmas tree ornament. I’m Jewish. —Cary L., Royal Oak, Michigan

14. A pill vial designed like a white elephant and filled with the baby teeth of my friend’s children. —Marcia A., Carlsbad, California

15. Legos. I’m 34. —Lisa A., Boise, Idaho

16. I received a book on Chinese culture written in Chinese. —Phil H., Carmel, Indiana

17. A doorknob. —Sweet I., Jefferson, New Hampshire

18. A used spatula. —Sheila H., Grand Junction, Colorado

19. One slipper. —Robin R., Smithfield, Pennsylvania

20. A book of etiquette from my mother-in-law. —Maureen C., Pleasanton, California

21. Dental floss. —Lisa C., Alpharetta, Georgia