Anti-gifts

The traditional gift-giving occasions of Christmas and birthdays can be fraught with anxiety for the recipient: will they like it? Will it be something they can use? Will it fit them? And so on. For those who don't want to worry about any of that, there's the anti-gift.

An anti-gift is, quite simply, a gift that the recipient does not want. It can be something the giver found online or in a shop, or it can be something made by the giver themselves. The important part is that it's something the recipient would never choose for themselves, and likely won't be able to use.

Some people might think that giving an anti-gift is mean, but really, it's just a way to take the pressure off. You don't have to worry about what to buy, and the recipient doesn't have to worry about returning it or hiding it away.

There are all sorts of anti-gift ideas out there, but some of the best ones are the ones that are completely useless. A set of golf balls for someone who doesn't play golf, a CD of your favourite band for someone who doesn't listen to music, a book on a topic they don't care about - these are all perfect examples of anti-gifts.

If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own anti-gift. All you need is something the recipient wouldn't want, and a bit of creativity. You could make a jar of 'mixed nuts' using things like screws, bolts and other hardware, or you could make a key ring out of old coins. The possibilities are endless!.

The best thing about anti-gifts is that they're a great way to show your loved ones that you know them well. You know the things they wouldn't want, and you know that they'll appreciate the effort you've gone to, even if they can't use the gift.