It used to be the thought that counted when people gifted things to friends and family. But now more often than ever, a growing number of gifts are returned for various reasons. Often, the gifts are deemed not well thought out, or the items may not serve any purpose to the person they’re being given. To ensure that one does not give an undesirable present, here are eight of the most returned Christmas presents.

Home decor
Nobody would enjoy someone else decorating their home, which makes home decor an unreliable gifting option. People are picky with the things they use to decorate their homes because that’s their personal space where they are likely to spend most of their time. If one still wants to opt for some functional home decor, one could go with an item they have seen the person use, like a soft throw blanket that the friend can use or place wherever they desire. Asking them what they would like would also help make the purchase easier and one that is less likely to be returned.

Clothes
People often tend to give clothes for occasions like the holiday season. However, buying the right clothes is a little tricky. Some statistics indicate that about 62% of clothing and shoes are counted as holiday gift returns. This is because there are various places that one can go wrong, including the size, color, and style preferences of the other individual. For example, a pair of shoes may feature a different size based on its manufacturer and would need to be tried on. So even if the person giving the gift knows the other’s size, the shoes may not fit comfortably. Moreover, each person has a unique taste and personal style. So if one has considered gifting clothes, including a dress, t-shirt, a pair of shoes, or winter jacket, they should stop because there’s a good chance it might have to be returned later.

Tools
Whether it’s a new drill set or a multi-purpose screwdriver, the person giving the gift should avoid basic tools unless explicitly requested. Usually, the receiver will have a toolbox handy at home with everything they require to repair or build items. Therefore, they are likely to return or exchange any tools that are delivered as gifts unless it’s a special item they’ve been wanting for a while, etc.

Video games
Buying video games for gaming enthusiasts might seem like a no-brainer at first. But one should note that most gamers tend to get their hands on new games almost immediately after their release. New video games sell immediately at launch, and the hype eventually settles down. For instance, games like God of War sold about 3.1 million units within the first three days of launch but only about 1.9 million after the first month. This means most gamers bought it the moment it was released. If one wishes to gift something game-related, one ought to get the enthusiast a gift card to a video game store or an online gaming service.

Makeup
If one is considering purchasing beauty products like makeup for their friends’ gift, they should tread carefully. One could always purchase eyeshadows, blushes, and brushes. However, buying foundations, concealers, primers, and powders for others might be risky. It is usually difficult to determine the precise shade unless the person given the gift is in the store with them. Moreover, since these products are applied on the skin, one might be allergic to certain ingredients, leading to complications like rashes. Therefore, one should avoid giving certain makeup items.

Athletic apparel
Several people on the gifting end of things believe that athletic apparel can be a good gift because the other enjoys working out. But the truth is that people have specific tastes when it comes to athletic apparel. This includes color, style, and the material of the product. Experts indicate that people who get gifted athletic wear usually exchange them for ones that better suit their routine and style. The same is also true for footwear. One should also note that athletic socks, hats, and other accessories are less likely to get returned than athletic clothing. But these are still sent back nonetheless.

Kitchen appliances
While this might be hard to believe, polls indicate that kitchen appliances are some of the most returned Christmas gifts. For instance, one may give their friends a microwave, toaster, or coffee maker. However, these are common appliances, and chances are that the receiver already has them at home and might be comfortable with them. Moreover, there’s a good chance that the gift might not be as good as the item already present in the individual’s home. So, unless someone explicitly asks for a kitchen appliance, they’re usually not interested in a new one. And while the gift might mean well, it is probably going to be returned or exchanged for something else.

Glassware
Gifting glasses is one of the most common things done during Christmas. Sadly, it is also one that sees the highest returns during the holiday season. While a friend may enjoy concocting unique cocktails, they might be better off receiving a beverage of their preference during the holiday season. Alternatively, one could ask them whether they would like a home bartending kit or similar gifts.