7. Gift cards that require the planets to come into alignment. I wrote a few months ago about the cynical tactic cinemas, in particular, are using to get around having to offer three years of validity.
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That’s for gift cards that are quasi-cash. Offer a bundled package of actual products at a discount instead, and expiry can be ridiculously short. You know, you get your Gold Class ticket, your sliders, your popcorn, your choc top, but you have only about 10 seconds to claim it all.
This has been the subject of many of the consumer complaints I’ve received this year from readers. If you are going to go this way, make sure you explain to your giftee that they have very limited time to use it.
6. Comedy presents. Besides a giant talking “no” button of the type we use disturbingly regularly in one of the offices I hang out (I think that counts as free therapy!), a gag present is a one-time only enjoyment deal.
And it’s not just the cost to your bank account but also the environment that is the worry.
Indeed, most people get as much if not more enjoyment out of a funny meme on social media – and that’s free.
5. Pets. Step away from the festive fur-baby – unless you’re sure you’d feel as enamoured about a new family addition throughout the rest of the year.
These are the gifts that keep on, well, taking. And not just your money but your flexibility and holidays. January 2024 saw the highest number of new pet insurance policies taken out that year, according to insurer PetSure.
And expensive breeders are still the most popular way of acquiring a dog, with just 14 per cent of Aussies opting for a rescue pet, according to 2025’s Pets in Australia report.
Meanwhile, RSPCA NSW data indicates that shelters are at or near capacity in the lead-up to Christmas, with waitlists often up to 12 months for people wishing to surrender an animal (one third due to financial stress). Think carefully.
4. Soap and stuff. How many fancy soaps do we really need? I mean, really! Most of us use the liquid stuff now – surely? (And soap leaves scum on your shower glass anyway.)
A Christmas puppy could sound great on paper, but make sure it’s something they really want.
3. Clothes. Remember that feeling as a kid when you finally got to touch the presents under the Christmas tree, and you came to a soft one?
“Boring,” you’d think as you tossed it over your shoulder either surreptitiously or blatantly. Clothes for children are a virtually guaranteed fail. (Except for my daughter, if you miraculously get it right).
And for adults they are an awfully big gamble. How confident are you on their precise size, let alone taste?
2. Cheap jewellery. It’s disheartening and even disgusting how quickly some of the jewellery sold in “bulk bling” chain stores tarnishes and is ready for the bin.
How can they get away with selling silver that turns black in days? Or gold that delivers nothing of the sort but stains your skin? Buying better quality the first time can save a fortune in the long run. And that brings us to No.1 …
1. Slime. Hopefully, you are not thinking of giving such a thing to an adult … but give it to their child, and you can kiss goodbye their parents’ friendship.
Think about your favourite ever gifts – I will venture they were personal, purposeful and/or meaningful – rather than expensive. But if you know me and have ever given me a present from the list above, thank you – I loved it. And I’m sorry!
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon is author of How to Get Mortgage-Free Like Me, available at www.nicolessmartmoney.com. Follow Nicole on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.
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