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Every December, we all run into the same holiday guessing game: What do people actually want as a gift, and what should we avoid wrapping completely? A new nationwide survey of 2,000 Americans finally offers some clarity, and the results are… enlightening.
The truth is, most people don’t care much about presents at all. Only 12% say gift-giving is their favorite part of the holidays, which explains why 7 in 10 Americans now think re-gifting is totally acceptable. And when you look at the gifts people receive but never use, it makes sense.
At the very top of this year’s “worst gifts” list? Self-help books.
The Worst Gift You Can Give in 2025: Self-Help Books
Self-help books may seem thoughtful. They are motivational, inspiring, and well-intentioned. But to the person opening it, the message can land… differently. It often feels unintentionally personal, like someone is suggesting they need fixing, improving, or “working on themselves” by New Year’s.
That’s why 20% of Americans say self-help books are the #1 gift they don’t want.
Even if the book is popular, beautifully written, or something you personally loved, it doesn’t always translate into a warm holiday moment. It tends to spark more overthinking than joy.
Other Gifts People Quietly Hope You Skip
Self-help books aren’t the only gifts at the top of the “please don’t” list. The survey also revealed:
Clothes the Receiver Didn’t Choose
19% of people don’t want surprise sweaters or shirts. Fit and style are too personal. One wrong guess, and it ends up getting donated.
Socks and Those Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers
13% say socks immediately feel like an afterthought. Useful? Sure. Exciting? Not really.
Why These Gifts Fall Flat
People are leaning toward gifts that feel thoughtful, personal, and meaningful. Most unwanted gifts share a common pattern: they feel generic or disconnected from the recipient.
This shift is exactly why “Thriftmas” is becoming increasingly popular. Instead of buying something new that has no real sentiment behind it, many people are choosing secondhand gifts that feel personal, unique, and less wasteful. These gifts have stories behind them, which makes them feel special.
How to Avoid Gifting Fails This Year
If you want to steer clear of the dreaded re-gift pile, go for:
- Something personal or nostalgic
- Something thrifted with character
- Something homemade
- Something consumable (coffee, snacks, candles, people love)
- Something thoughtful but simple
- An experience or quality-time gift
- Or a re-gift that actually suits the person
It’s not about spending big, it’s about picking something that feels intentional.
Other gift ideas you might like:
- 16 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Her
- 12 Thoughtful DIY Housewarming Gift Basket Ideas
- For The Pet Lovers: 15 Gift Ideas Under $100
- 11 Gift Ideas Under $50 from Black-Owned Businesses
- 14 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Him: Curated by Him
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
