Worst Christmas Gifts I Received Over The Years

It was a rainy day, then. The skies are gloomy and grey as the rain clouds flock over Manila. On the contrary, the mood of my day was happy and a little excited knowing the fact, that it was a very special day. Yes, it was our Christmas party that I cannot contain the joy of getting something in our exchange gift program. Since such Christmas gift giving programs back in the early 90’s were done through random picking, lucky you were to get the gifts from your filthy rich classmates and unfortunate you were to get those from kids whose parents with bad taste. Sadly, my fate went to the second one.

Back in first grade, I will never ever forget the gift that I got for our Christmas party. I have to admit, I was really disappointed for having packs of corn bits for Christmas. From then on, my unlucky streak seems to be transferred from one year to another. Up until now, I never really liked what I get from exchange gifts and from Secret Santas, though, I appreciate the effort.

In this hub, I would like to share the bittersweet experiences in receiving those totally crazy gifts that since first grade. I don’t say that I hate these things, but I want people to know that if they would look for gifts for such kind of events whether it is for school for corporate, they should consider a few points before picking something from gift stores. Indeed, the intention of this hub is to tell people what should and what should not be given in Christmas parties.

Cheap Chocolate Candies

I have nothing against chocolate candies. In fact, I wholeheartedly appreciate such gift back in second grade. I guess, it is because I was a kid back then. However, I realized that giving away food such as candies wouldn’t be a really good idea especially if you placed it inside a dingy box of a wall clock. But seriously, cheap chocolate candies might melt (especially here in the Philippines where it’s hot) inside the box and it would be really messy.

But if you insist, I suggest placing it in a decent box or container so your gift would look presentable. You may also customize your chocolate candies and let Google show you how. This way, you are able to infuse uniqueness on the sweet chocolate-y goodness of your Christmas gift. More than that, it would be sweeter if you give it straight from the heart. Remember to bust the “melts in your mouth, not in your hand”. Instead of this use, “melts in your heart, not in your mouth”.

Third Grade (Christmas 1998)

Sorry, I guess, this one is one of my most hated gifts ever. I just don’t see any relevance of having candles for Christmas. For me giving candles is like playing safe. I felt like the kid who got my name didn’t know me that much and resorting for the gift that is very common is his parent’s option. What do you think a boy from third grade would do in a scented candle? Again, whoever gave it to back in third grade, I appreciate the effort.

Moral of the story, do not give something that is totally useless to a person. If you picked your baby and you don’t know them that much, you may always do a little research. Asking some of his/her close friends wouldn’t hurt, right? Moreover, there is nothing wrong with keen observation. Look at them from head to toe and see the things that he/she has on his/her work station. Flexing your muscle a little bit is not that bad, right?

First Year High School (Christmas 2001)

When I entered high school, I thought people would be more rationale in picking their gifts for their babies. Unfortunately, I was so wrong. I got an old teddy bear wrapped in newspaper with hints of homemade glue. It was so disgusting because my Secret Santa didn’t even use his brain. What would a guy do with an old teddy bear? Worst thing about the gift it how it was wrapped. Instead of the usual gift wrapper, he used old newspaper and sealed it with white glue. It was annoying and I ended up with a sad face as I put the poor teddy bear to where it should be—the trash bin.

I might be brutal with having a retiring teddy bear as Christmas gift to trash. Well, for sure some people who react the same way as I did. I don’t know what the intension of my Secret Santa for giving me such crap but whatever it was, it wasn’t funny at all. Thus, if you were to give gifts for Christmas, try to use your head. If you extremely hate the person, just try to be humane for once. After all, the spirit of Christmas is all about giving. Therefore, always make sure that you give gifts with all your heart and do not expect that much.

First Job (Christmas 2009)

In my first job as a customer service representative for IBM back in 2009, I was expecting that gifts for Christmas parties would be better since we have the money to spend. For some reason, my Secret Santa gave me a pair of neon colored women’s t-shirt in the name of vengeance. I was so frustrated because I can never ever wear these shirts. Hence, I just gave it to my mom. Well, I guess, it’s a blessing in disguise – to my mom.

I think being selfless is the core values of Christmas. I was really upset in getting body fit women’s t-shirt from my Secret Santa in our corporate party. Since my mom was able to use those, I am happy. Just don’t plant grudge on your heart if you get women’s shirt despite the fact that you’re a guy. Again, as what I keep on saying over and over, appreciate. Just be thankful for the blessing that you had for the entire year.

On the other hand, if you were to give gifts, just take note some points before heading to the gift stores. First, make sure that you will give something useful. Second, gifts should be in line with your receiver’s personality. Third, it should be appropriate. Fourth, customize it to gain personal touch. It doesn’t matter what kind of gift you give or how much it is worth. Keep in mind that it is the thought that counts.

More than that, if you were to receive gifts, just be thankful. Learn how to appreciate. Don’t forget to smile and say “thank you”. Know how you can give back and learn how to give without expecting something in return.