What’s the worst holiday gift ever?
No, it’s not another sweatshirt with a fuzzy snowman on it. It’s not fruitcake either. At least those can be donated or composted if you don’t like them.
The worst holiday gift – or gift for any occasion – is personal care products. That includes lotions, soaps, perfumes and all things smelly.
“Now wait a minute,” you might be thinking. “Who doesn’t need a body lotion?”
The truth is, nobody needs it.
Now don’t get me wrong. I like fragrance and cosmetics as much as the next gal. But there’s a reason they call them personal products. The odds of getting it right when you buy these things for others are slim – very slim. Here’s why:
Reason # 1: Your sniffer is unique. Each person’s sense of smell is unique to them. Just because you love a scent, doesn’t mean anyone else will.
Reason # 2: Body chemistry. Your body chemistry is also unique to you. Have you ever bought something you liked in the store, then after wearing it a few times you decided that it’s too strong or has a nuance you don’t like? Your body chemistry interacts with whatever you put on your skin, and sometimes not for the better.
Bottom line? When you purchase personal care products for others, you might not know a) whether they even use lotion or cologne, b) what they think smells good, and c) what will actually smell good to them once they put it on their skin. So right away the odds are against you that your gift will be used or enjoyed.
I get it. These types of gifts are convenient. They’re everywhere. They make great stocking stuffers and hostess gifts.
But what if half of those personal product gifts eventually end up in the trash, polluting the planet?
Challenge yourself to think of a greener option for holiday gifts. Consider giving an experience as a gift rather than a physical object.
