Shopping season has begun. I actually wasn’t able to find too many great deals on Black Friday (yes I’m sure you’re tired of me constantly posting about Black Friday, but I’m obsessed with shopping and this is a discount site, is it not? :). Anyhow, as a mother, daughter, sister, godmother, aunt, and wife the hardest part is finding gifts that are good. We’ve all had our fair share of rotten gifts. Here’s a list of things I’ve gotten, and hope to never receive again. (I hope my in-laws are taking notes.)

1. Unique Socks. Yes thank you for really considering the warmth of my feet. But if you don’t buy your socks in bulk, it really stinks when you lose on in the dry. I have enough single polka-dotted, striped, pink, neon, frilly socks that I have no use for.
2. Sweaters. Can you be anymore cliche? Actually yes you can…
3. Fruitcake. The most cliche. I’ve never actually gotten fruitcake as a present, but I have a certain neighbor who loves giving baked goods. The only time to give someone something perishable, is at a potluck. My fridge space is limited.
4. Living Social/Groupons for dance classes. I don’t want to receive a present that forces me to do things. Oh and thank you for subtly telling me I can’t dance. (I will say that the hubby ended up loving this one.)
5. Cups/Mugs/Liquid-Holding Devices. My cup cabinet is already a potpourri of un-matching utensils. Unless it says “#1 Mom” I don’t really want another hodge podge drinking item. (Note to my kids, I don’t want a #1 Mom mug.)
6. Knick knacks. I had my husband install a shelf in a kitchen last year to display all the mini-plates and ceramic items I’ve collected. He said “Did we get a shelf to put your things on, or did you get things because I put up a shelf?” Yes, it’s getting crowded up there.
7. Anything Christmas-related (including the items listed above). C’mon. What good is a present that is only usable during the holidays? (Especially socks!)

In retrospect of creating this list, it’s much harder to find good presents that bad ones. It really is the thought that counts. I’ve been thinking hard, but still have a handful of people to get gifts for. Great. Socks for everyone!