Every year all the media write about this, but within a year these tips, of course, are forgotten.
One day, shortly before the New Year, I looked into a couple of gift shops. The shelves were lined with tons of all kinds of touching, but absolutely useless rubbish. At best, these items could only be good for re-gifting ad infinitum. It would be more correct, of course, simply not to buy them, and even better, not to produce them, but I cannot prohibit this. Perhaps you can even give some of this to a woman. But if you want to give a man a gift and please him, it’s better to think about what we like, not what you like. Therefore, let's start with the typical mistakes that women make when choosing a gift for a man.
Please never give:
1. Figured sculptures of snakes, goats, monkeys and other symbols of the New Year according to the horoscope, as well as the horoscopes themselves in any form.
2. Any figures, pictures, crafts, sculptures, engravings and in general anything that fits the definition of “cute”.
3.Photo frames and photo albums, unless the man himself asks you for it and tells you the exact size of the frame.
4. Decorative barrels, bottles, decanters and other EMPTY artistic containers for alcohol.
5. Diaries, calendars and other office supplies that are usually given as corporate gifts.
6. “Cool” postcards, panties with a trunk, aprons with a penis and other idiotic souvenirs from “funny horror” shops.
7. Idiot gifts “with meaning”: a Ferrari model (“So that you can earn money for the same one!”), a net (“You will catch moths!”), a jar of sprats (“So that there are always a lot of beautiful women around!”)
8. Souvenirs taken from vacation spots: hookahs, washcloths, tom-toms, all kinds of pipes and masks for sacrifices.
9.Inflatable bottles of champagne the size of a person.
Now whitelist.
Of course, it’s impossible to guess everyone, but most people should certainly like such gifts.
1. Knives. Two directors of gift companies with many years of experience, without saying a word, answered me that this is the most popular and in all respects an ideal gift for a man. Firstly, they are sold in any price range, from simple folding ones to designer gift ones made of Damascus or damask steel, in an expensive packaging, often wooden, case made especially for this knife. Secondly, knives are always a welcome gift for a man, even if he is not a fisherman-hunter, he is at least a pioneer at heart or at least a boy scout. Regarding brands and sizes: they usually order Wenger or Victorinox folding Swiss knives in sizes 111-120 mm, very rarely 85, and only if a person already has a large one. The set of tools plays almost no role in this case, but a corkscrew and a bottle opener certainly should be there. Well, who in Russia needs a knife without a corkscrew? Except for children and only little ones.
2. Items for survival in extreme conditions. For example, some kind of indestructible plasma lighter that works at minus fifty. Or a metal sandwich container that can withstand a direct hit from an atomic bomb. We - men - simply adore such things, we love to carry them with us and casually display them at parties and picnics. Also an excellent gift are accessories and clothing items from the armies of foreign countries: the same knives, sweaters, belts, vests, etc. This is especially liked by those who have never had anything to do with the army. Binoculars are also a very interesting gift; many men secretly dream of having this device since childhood. Even if they don’t need him, they will still be happy with him. This also includes night vision devices and rangefinders. Very often, men buy lanterns for themselves. Good, dear Maglite. But almost always - large ones that are stored in the garage or in the car. And almost always, even if they understand that this is inconvenient in practice, they look at the police baton-lantern, 90 cm long and weighing 1.5 kg! Small lanterns are usually given as gifts - they are cheaper and come in a nice gift box. Another common purchase “for yourself” is a backpack. Really expensive and high-quality backpacks for laptops are a rarity on the market. But when choosing, individual preferences largely play a role, although you can be almost sure that if a man walks with a backpack and sometimes carries a laptop, then a second backpack will still please him. But they never buy men’s manicure sets for themselves - it’s only women who think that a man needs this.
3. Antiques. All gift shops have almost the same assortment, but in an antique shop you can always find something that no one has ever given your man. The epaulette of an officer of Napoleonic army or the bridle of Przewalski's personal horse - all these things will give a man the joy of sole possession of at least something rare besides you. In addition, he will tell everyone that he personally got this trophy.
4. Expensive alcoholic drinks are now also often considered corporate gifts, so it is better to be guided not by price, but by exclusivity. For example, during a trip to Prague, you both really fell in love with slivovitz, but it is impossible to get it in your city. But a friend recently also went to the Czech Republic and you asked her to bring you a bottle in time. This gift will be an order of magnitude more valuable than some expensive cognac. Especially when paired with good cigars.
5. You can also give expensive underwear to a man, only men’s, especially if you know exactly its size. He himself doesn’t always decide to buy such things for himself and doesn’t really believe that underwear for three hundred euros is a hundred times different from his favorite underwear for three. The same can be said about socks.
6. The way to a man's heart still runs through his stomach. Therefore, gastronomic gift baskets with drinks and delicacies carefully selected to suit your man's tastes are an excellent gift, both personal and corporate. Tea baskets - with samovars, a pipe, a tarpaulin boot for lighting coals, a set of glass holders, tea, sweets and fruits. As well as oriental tea sets with traditional dishes, oriental sweets and thyme, etc. Not to mention coffee sets with geyser coffee makers, Turks and perfectly selected coffee, plus sets with jamon, fruit, and, of course, alcoholic ones.
7. Perfume. It can only be given in cases where you know for sure that the man does not understand anything about it and always uses what is given. In other words, it can be given to approximately 85 percent of men. If a woman begins to painstakingly think about which bottle to choose from a couple of hundred on endless store shelves, she is already doing wrong. And the one who does the right thing is the one who takes the first one she comes across, which she liked the smell, design and price. Although, of course, the price should still slightly correspond to the social status of the man you are going to make happy. In other words, even if he doesn’t understand perfume at all, he can imagine a rough line of eau de toilette from the wholesale market with catchy names like Exclusive Hue Vert or Blue Water. The easiest way is to trust the most famous and resonant brands. For example, Davidoff or Dunhill. Any man would consider them one hundred percent his own, because he associates them with cigars and cognac. Checked, you can take it. Men who work in small and insignificant positions always love it when they are given something from the Boss brand. And those who have achieved a high social status respect the Boss no less, so you can’t go wrong with him either. However, even if you don’t buy exactly what you need, the man will happily give you your perfume, because in a week a friend’s or boss’s birthday is coming up. But at the same time, he will still be grateful to you for the gift: after all, you saved him in advance from the need to run around the shops and rack his brains about what to buy. So you basically don't risk anything. Just don’t give your man fashionable fragrances from the “unisex” category. If it is difficult to determine by sight and smell whether it is a masculine or feminine scent, it is better not to risk it.
Every person has a lot of important things to do on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays. One of these things is searching and choosing gifts for your family and friends.
Everyone wants to please by making an original present, and stores offer many non-standard options, tempting you with crazy discounts and bright display cases.
But in order for the recipient to like your gift and in no way offend him, you need to know the list of things that should absolutely not be given for the coming year of the Yellow Earth Pig. The editors of the site decided to look into this issue in detail and help those who absolutely do not know how to please their loved ones in the New Year.
Referring to the words of the astrologer, numerologist and tarot reader Lilia Romanova, the principle of the coming year is to give what a person needs and not to save. Despite the fact that the pig is a fairly docile and loyal animal to humans, it can be easily angered. To do this, it is enough to give for the New Year 2019 one of the things that we will now tell you about.
Sharp objects, tools and weapons
There are some items that should never be given as a gift. This includes weapons, tools, knives, axes. Superstition says that such gifts bring a quarrel between the giver and the gifted. Or they bring a quarrel into the house. A gift of a sharp object leads to problems that can happen right now - a stabbing could happen almost on New Year's Eve. As for weapons, problems will overtake a person in six months or several months. Therefore, you should refrain from giving a gift in the form of weapons in all its forms.
Watch
Gifted wristwatches can lead to death in the home or separation, warns Liliya Romanova. Time says that there are only a few minutes left; time spares no one. Therefore, if you do not want to be separated from the person, then it is better to refrain from such a gift, so as not to make temporary changes to someone’s home. As for wall clocks, this is a good option for a gift, but not this year. After all, a pig is a very material sign that absorbs the signs of all signs.
“All people this year become a little bit of pigs in the material sense of the word,” Romanova laughs and recalls the saying that “you can’t put a thank you in your pocket.”
If in the year of the Dog a bottle of champagne might look like a worthy gift, then the Pig will regard this gift as stinginess. In the year of the Yellow Earth Pig, high prices and abundance are valued.
Hygiene products
The gift is not bad, but it must be expensive. But here you need to take into account what is dear and necessary for this person personally or company at this moment. Expensive shampoo with aromatic additives, a huge piece of handmade soap with a fragrant smell will be worthy of appreciation.
Alcohol
Likewise. Representatives of this sign have a subtle taste for life, so giving a gift in the form of a box of beer will make you look ridiculous. But a bottle of a collectible and expensive drink will be to your liking and will be well received.
It is also worth noting that recognition is important this year. That is, you should not give surprises, but it is better to give what the person himself asks for, and what the person 100% needs. Therefore, it is better to ask and clearly reproduce his wishes.
Towels
It would seem that this is a very necessary thing in the household, but many people associate it with death and funerals. It is better to give some kind of woolen and warm blanket. But! If the towel is of good quality, from a decent company or brought from abroad, and also expensive, then the hostess will like this gift.
Perfume
The boar is an animal that does not particularly like smells, so this gift will be regarded as slightly inappropriate and tactless on New Year's Eve. The exception is if you yourself were asked for such a gift. And these perfumes, of course, must be expensive, but at the same time you need to know the tastes of the person for whom you are choosing. Remember, experiments are not encouraged this year.
Wallet
This year, a wallet can only be given with money. And the larger the bill, the more satisfied the pig will be. In general, money next year 2019 and everything connected with it will be an excellent gift.
You can give a money tree, dish, vase and other items that are shaped like coins.
Mirror
What you should avoid are mirrors. It is believed that a mirror is a portal to another world. And even if you don’t believe in it, it’s still better not to take risks.
Decorations
Gold can be given as a gift at any time of the year. In the form of rings, bars, earrings. But again, costume jewelry is not worth it. Remembering the same golden loaf of Viktor Yanukovych, which is a symbol of well-being and prosperity. This can also be a worthy gift, even in the form of a souvenir, which, like a magnet, will attract good luck, success and prosperity to your home. It’s not for nothing that they say that bread is the head of everything, the symbol of symbols.
Remember that this New Year should be celebrated brightly and not skimp on gifts or what will be on the table. The more generously you greet 2019, the more prosperous it will be for you.
DIY gifts
An embroidered shirt, a bag or even a towel with an expensive and stylish handmade ornament can impress. It should be clear that you put a lot of money and soul into this. Even the slightest hint that you were trying to save money will be a negative for you.
Cloth
Of course, a mink coat worth tens of thousands of hryvnia will really please the person receiving the gift from you. Moreover, this will cause a fountain of joyful emotions in any girl. “The pig must get what he wants,” the astrologer emphasizes.
Basic rules for choosing the perfect gift
So, first of all, it is important to remember that each person interprets the concept of an ideal gift in his own way, taking into account some personal preferences and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to build on the tastes of the recipient. But there are also general rules that will help you make your choice:
- Gifts don't have to be very expensive;
- Expensive things are not given to people you have recently met;
- Uniqueness is much more important than price;
- Don't forget about romance when choosing a gift for your loved one;
- Don't rush to buy the thing you like. Think about whether the person to whom this is addressed will share your taste;
- It is important to “keep your distance” when choosing colleagues and superiors;
- Give preference to universal ideas if you have not yet had time to study a person’s tastes;
- Do not forget that comic gifts are intended exclusively for people with a sense of humor;
- If you are choosing a gift for a child, consult his parents first;
- A children's gift must first of all be of high quality and safe.
To summarize, this New Year, when choosing a gift, it is better to pay attention to practicality and good quality. Take an interest in the hobbies of your loved ones or even ask directly what the person would like to receive from you as a gift. In the coming year, it is important that the gift is relevant and that the person uses it in the future. And remember, the brighter and more generously you celebrate the Year of the Pig, the richer you will spend it!
Polishchuk Yulia
Photo: Vadim Georgiev/Rusmediabank.ru
Before we know it, the most important holiday of the year will arrive. And we will certainly have to be puzzled by gift ideas for our closest ones, friends, and sometimes work colleagues. Alas, not all of us are so well versed in etiquette to clearly know which gifts will be appropriate and which will only cause a feeling of awkwardness... So, here are some tips for giving New Year's gifts!Money can only be given to loved ones or to those who are in dire need of it.
It would be quite appropriate if you are congratulating elderly parents or a friend who has a small salary and seven people at the shops. In all other cases, such a choice will demonstrate that you were not too concerned about finding a gift and decided to do what was easier.If you do give money, be sure to put it in an envelope or a greeting card in the form of an envelope. Banknotes should look new and better large - a thousand or five thousand, and not many pieces of paper for 50, 100 or 500 rubles. This option may seem humiliating to the person to whom the financial gift is intended.
Don't give away hygiene items
In stores and catalogs on the eve of the New Year holidays, they usually appear consisting of soaps, shampoos, shower gels... But what makes you think that such a gift will please someone? Even if the set is quite expensive, the composition, aroma, etc. may not be suitable for a person. Not to mention the fact that ideas for such gifts come to the minds of a huge number of people, and most often such gifts are either later given away or lie on shelves for years.In addition, donated hygiene items may be perceived as a hint of insufficient cleanliness. Of course, not by everyone, but there is such a possibility.
Clothes can only be given to loved ones
You don't know what toiletries a person outside your inner circle prefers. Perhaps your gift will not be his style or the right size. In general, underwear can only be given to spouses, children or immediate relatives. If you give a T-shirt, panties or nightie to just a friend, it will cause bewilderment, to put it mildly. You shouldn’t even give ties to ordinary acquaintances. If you really want to please, say, a colleague, choose something from leather goods - a belt, gloves, a briefcase... But you need to at least have an approximate idea of the size and be sure that the item will really be useful.Be careful when giving handmade gifts
Not always, really able to please. It’s one thing if you are a real “pro” in knitting, embroidery or, say, wood burning. And it’s completely different if you are just taking your first steps in needlework and this is nothing more than a hobby for you, which doesn’t even smell like craft.Something crooked and ugly, made by you, may delight your grandmother, but it is unlikely to cause the admiration of any of your friends or acquaintances. It is unlikely that a poorly knitted sweater will be worn, and a lopsided “house-elf” will be placed in a prominent place in the house.
If you don’t know what to give, give universal gifts
These primarily include sweets, cakes and alcohol. Alcohol is always appropriate as a gift for a man. Even if he doesn’t drink, he can treat someone later.Alcohol can also be given to women. If strong drinks such as whiskey or gin are more suitable for a man, then a “softer” option will do for ladies - champagne, various liqueurs, table wine...
Don't buy too cheap alcohol. It may turn out to be of poor quality, and the gift will only spoil the mood.
You can also give something with New Year's symbols. Figurines or toys in the form of the symbol of the year (in 2018 it is the Dog) can serve as an excellent addition to other gifts. Expensive towels, a bag or an apron decorated with New Year's symbols are also suitable.
The gift can be “general”, but it must look decent
If you are visiting a family or a large group, then you can, of course, limit yourself to a cake and a bottle of wine, but they should not be cheap. There should be enough cake or box of chocolate for everyone. There should not be an impression that you brought the gift just “for show.”Edibles should be in place
If you are going to bring something edible and not confectionery as a gift, for example, aspic or a stick of sausage, then it is better to notify the owners about this in advance. Perhaps they will have all this on their table anyway.If you have prepared an edible gift, such as a pack of tea or a box of cookies, not for a common table, but for a specific person, then you must say so when presenting it.
It is better to give separate gifts to children
The expression “ice cream for the kids, flowers for the woman” is more relevant than ever in the New Year. Well, you don’t have to take it literally, but it’s better to give different things to adults and children. Most likely, the younger generation will be pleased with toys, gift sets of sweets (if this is approved by their parents), and some funny little things.Don't rush with your return gift
It happens that they give us something, but we did not expect it... Should we run to the nearest store or frantically search in our bins to see if there is any junk lying around that would be suitable as a gift?It is advisable not to do this. Honestly say that you haven’t prepared a gift yet, but at the next meeting you will try to make up for it. If you live nearby, you can then buy a gift and bring it. But it’s better to choose a gift on purpose than to grab the first thing you come across.
Happy New Year!
Konstantin Chalabov/RIA Novosti
At first glance, the idea of giving a Christmas tree decoration for the New Year seems quite logical - the thing conveys the atmosphere of the upcoming holiday and, most likely, will be used for its intended purpose. However, you can only do this if you know exactly the traditions that people observe for the New Year.
For many, this is a family holiday, so they try to decorate the holiday tree with toys that they inherited from their great-grandmothers. Others, on the contrary, are convinced that decorating the Christmas tree costs differently every year. For example, in a certain style of toys or colors. So before you run to the souvenir store, think about whether your gold and red balls will be useful to the person who this year decided to decorate the Christmas tree, say, in ultraviolet, which was popular in 2018?
Figures-symbols of the coming year
One of the most common gifts is a symbol of the coming year in accordance with the eastern calendar. Marketers do everything possible to make a figurine of a horse, monkey or dog look attractive. Beautiful packaging and advertising slogans are used to convince how the item will contribute to happiness in the family and financial well-being. True, it is still unclear what to do with the collection of animals collecting dust on the shelves. These don’t look much like unique things that I would like to pass on by inheritance, and they are unlikely to be useful to children.
New Year themed clothing
Sweaters and pajamas with prints of deer and Christmas trees have long gone out of fashion. Now such products look stupid and tasteless. And it’s quite difficult to guess a colleague’s size and style preferences - some like it looser, others tighter. Add to this the requirements for fabric and color scheme. In addition, there is always a set limit for gifts in Secret Santa, which is unlikely to be met if you want to give a quality item.
Calendar
Sergey Pyatakov/RIA Novosti
It's hard to think of a more meaningless gift than a calendar. Firstly, this is the 21st century and all gadgets have long had built-in organizers. Secondly, most offices provide their employees with all the equipment necessary for work, and they are required to issue calendars for the coming year. Such a gift can be regarded as complete indifference to the recipient.
Body care gift sets
It seems that everyone knows why you shouldn’t give gift sets with personal care products. But, nevertheless, there is always a person in the office who disregards the rule. Once again: people always choose personal hygiene products for themselves, and such sets are simply re-gifted. If you don’t have time to buy a gift at all, it’s better to limit yourself to a gift certificate.
Chocolate candies
Another gift from the category “bought at the last moment what came to hand” is sets of chocolates. They are given throughout life and for any occasion. Have pity on your colleagues, during the New Year holidays everyone gains a couple of extra pounds, and then there’s the sweets.
Made by yourself
Not everyone can appreciate a gift made with their own hands. For most, such a thing brings joy only if it is the fruit of the efforts of a beloved child. So, in order to avoid misunderstanding on the faces of colleagues, we recommend discarding this idea. Are you convinced that handmade is your thing? You can take a risk. Just don’t be surprised later why for a year your colleague never came wearing the mittens and hat that you knitted for him.
Box of tangerines
Nina Zotina/RIA Novosti
Some even think of making a joke and giving a box of tangerines as a gift. We warn you in advance: the gift will definitely not be classified in the “wanted to be the coolest” category; rather, you will simply be considered an idiot. In addition, such a present will raise many questions. Firstly, how to take tangerines home, secondly, what to do with them if you are allergic to citrus fruits, and, finally, why a whole box if tangerines have already been bought for the holiday table a long time ago? The only thing that could be worse is the gift of a bowl of Olivier.
The coming of the New Year is a holiday that absolutely everyone likes! This is a time of relaxation, pleasant meetings and fun entertainment. A special pleasure is the exchange of gifts. But how to choose the right gift so as not to offend a person or put him in an awkward position. Let's understand superstitions, and also exclude from the list gifts that should not be given to women, men and children.
Superstition is an area of understanding that remains beyond the bounds. As they say, even the most notorious fatalist, when crossing the road, looks both ways. Therefore, we will not condemn people who do not want to spoil their mood with unpleasant associations, but we will exclude some items from the list of gifts:
- Watch. They should not be given as gifts because the gift foreshadows an imminent separation. There is also still an opinion that watches “steal” the time allotted to a person. It’s better to give a watch on any other day just as a nice little thing.
- Towels. Good textiles are valued at any time, but towels are considered ritual offerings; they were brought to funerals, christenings, and weddings. You should not give your loved one a set of towels for the New Year unless he asks for it. If this is the desire of your mother or grandmother, choose textiles with prints and patterns, but not plain woven cuts.
- Candles. It is generally not customary to give them as gifts, since they are an object for performing rituals. If you really want to present a candle, do it this way - place it on any surface (table, chair, window sill) and ask for an “exchange” - any little thing, even 10 kopecks.
In general, exchanging gifts is the best way to neutralize any harmful actions. This can reassure any superstitious person, and there will definitely be no problems with return gifts for the New Year. However, the above list would not be complete without some things that are not so popular as gifts, but should be kept in mind:
- Mirrors. Any. Regardless of the size and shape, mirrors cannot be given as a gift! Even if a person does not believe in omens, it is better not to present him with a “portal to another world.” If, nevertheless, one of your loved ones or relatives asked for just such a gift, stipulate a return gift and present the mirror not as a gift, but as a necessary thing in the household - in an ordinary way.
- Slippers. Practical slippers with fun prints are so nice to give, but not to those who associate the items with a funeral accessory.
- Socks. A controversial subject from the point of view of signs and morality. If socks are given by a beloved woman, this promises separation; if a mother gives them to her married son, she wishes for the destruction of the marriage. Socks should be bought just like that, not as a gift.
- Knives. This is also a controversial accessory, but in order to avoid negative consequences, you should definitely take a coin for the knife. It is interesting that the signs do not affect sets of tableware containing knives in any way - such sets can be given without fear, especially when the silverware is of good workmanship.
You can and should give flowers for the New Year! If you consider bouquets to be symbols of summer, complement the floral ensemble with a sprig of fir or artificial snow - such a bouquet will be “winter” and your lady will definitely like it.
What not to give in the Year of the Pig
Let’s say right away that the Year of the Pig as such begins only in February, but if you want to avoid troubles with the “animal of the year”, you should not give too expensive gifts - the Yellow Earth Pig does not like spenders, prefers practicality and unpretentiousness.
What gifts Pig will definitely not approve of:
- Useless souvenirs. The item must be useful on the farm - this is the main requirement.
- Detergents. You should not give the Pig shampoo or soap, because her favorite pastime is wallowing in the dirt.
- Perfumery. All animals do not accept strong artificial aromas; they like natural odors. In addition, choosing perfume is a difficult job; you may simply not guess the scent.
When choosing clothes as a gift, you should give preference to loose items that will always be worn - pajamas, a robe, a T-shirt. It is very appropriate to give sweets, fruits, vegetables - the animal of the year loves to eat, but not pork sausage or any other meat products. Pork and dishes made from it should also not be placed on the table.
What not to give to children
All children love to receive gifts, regardless of age and gender. Children don’t care about signs, they love fun, joy, and you shouldn’t spoil the mood and give items from the list:
- Shoes, clothes. Of course, if these are not branded sneakers, a sweatshirt. The everyday clothes of today's children are no longer pleasing.
- Study supplies. If you want to give something useful, choose something for your hobby - a telescope, a good globe with relief images. But it’s better to avoid mentioning classes altogether and please your child with something he’s been wanting for a long time.
- Age gifts. You should not choose a gift that is too childish for a teenager or an adult one for a baby. A huge and expensive railway is a gorgeous gift, but if your baby does not yet know how to take care of small details, and you plan to “hold” the gift “until he grows up” - this is no longer a gift, but a mockery.
As for finances, you can give money, but only to a teenager - the child will not yet be able to manage the amount, of course, if he is not saving for some large thing. So, act according to the situation.