The Worst Gift Ever

Is This a Hint?

Reader Crozetlulu says:
"My husband and I were celebrating our first year as a married couple and were excited about opening our gifts to one another. He set one of mine aside and told me it would be last, as it was really special. We opened all our other gifts, then he handed me my "special" one. It was a very high-tech bathroom scale. Normally, I just sort of shrug things like this off, but this time I said, "Oh, no, you didn't!" He said, "You said you wanted to lose weight and I thought you'd really love this scale!" He really had no clue."
Next: The Forgotten Daughter

The Forgotten Daughter

Reader Judy2Chlupsa says:
"[When I was about 12], my brothers each received brand new bicycles and various other things. I kept waiting for someone to hand me a package to unwrap and my Dad looked at my Mom and said, 'Where are the gifts for Judy?' She looked and looked under the tree and came up with only one gift ... Of course I was very hurt, but tried to pretend otherwise. I unwrapped the package and it was hanger for the closet that you could put more than one skirt on. That was it. Afterward, [my mother tried to give me money.] That hurt even more. To this day I have never forgotten it."
Next: Toilet Paper Tower

Toilet Paper Tower

Reader livinginafton says:

"My grandmother purchased a container made from four emply coffee cans connected together and decorated with paper cut-outs and stickers at her church bazaar. Inside this "creation" were five rolls of toilet paper, and I was supposed to proudly display the coffee can creation next to my toilet so replacement rolls would be within reach. I kept the T.P. and threw [away] the container."

Next: Hold the Wine, Please

Hold the Wine, Please

Reader Qtrapchic8 says:

"My grandmother got me a bright-colored bag to hold a bottle of wine ... but it's a well known fact that I don't drink wine! I might not have even been 21 when she got this. I would have MUCH preferred a photocopy of her famous tomato sauce recipe, which I think I will ask for this year!"

Next: Engagement Ring? Not.

Not an Engagement Ring

Reader TheCharm5 says:

"I was expecting an engagement ring, but instead got a wood stove from Home Depot. I was crushed and had to leave immediately for a trip with my boyfriend and my kids to the mountains for Christmas. It was the longest ride of my life. Eventually, I did get a ring, but we ended up breaking up. When he asked me for advice for his future relationships, I simply replied ... "Don't Christmas shop in Home Depot!"

Next: Next Time, Forget the Gift

Next Time, Forget the Gift

Reader ntcrycryitsgogo says:

"... My soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law bought everyone in the family but me tracphones. Our box arrived and ... all I could smell was mothballs, which I am allergic to. Finally, I opened the package and it was a used sweater that reeked of mothballs. My husband called her and said it didn't fit and could we have the receipt to exchange it, and she said she lost the receipt. I don't mind not getting gifts, and in this case she should have just not given me anything."

Next: Ceramic Frog, All Parts Included

Ceramic Frog, All Parts Included

Reader CnnMorr says:

"One year at a teacher-staff Secret Santa exchange, everyone opened their gifts in front of the other staff members ... and when I opened my gift ... it was a green ceramic frog, that when you turned him over, HE WAS ANATOMICALLY CORRECT!! You can imagine that I was MORTIFIED when everyone, especially my male principal, kept asking to see MY gift! I kept it to myself and didn't show it to the rest of the faculty!

Next: At Least it's Practical ...

At Least It's Practical ...

Reader Dragontown65 says:

"For our first (and only) Christmas, my ex-husband gave me a case of Valvoline 10W 30 motor oil and an oil filter ... and they were not even wrapped!"

Next: Trash-y Gift

Trash-y Gift

Reader Alian always says:

"The year I bought my 20-something boyfriend of two years a Playstation2 game console (plus a few games), I received a mysteriously tall, unusually shaped package beside the tree. I was so excited to tear off the wrapping and see my surprise ... a tall, black, kitchen flip-top trash can. (At least he remembered black was my favorite color!)"

Next: Eight-Legged Surprise

Eight Legged Surprise

Reader I M Anne says:

"I teach about animals. I have many, many pets. Iguanas, guinea pigs, birds, gekkos, snakes, even Madagascar hissing cockrocahes have been part of the family at one point or another. So, some friends thought it would be nice to get me the one thing I didn't have. Hello??? There was a reason I didn't have a tarantula ... I'm horrified of spiders. I played it cool. I thanked them. I even kept it for two weeks and touched it more than once before I found a friend that had a teenage boy that wanted him."
Next: And That's Why We're Not Close

And That's Why We're Not Close

Reader DIXTA80 says:
"My sister and I have never really been close, but her Christmas gift a few years ago blew my mind ... I have always gotten her a nice gift for Christmas, usually spending between $40 and $50. [This time], I gave her a nice sweater. When I opened her gift, it was a plastic measuring cup ... no joke! I was so disappointed I cried right then and there ... and she got mad at me for crying! Needless to say, our relationship has become strained over the years due to her thoughtless and selfish nature. For God's sake, she is single and has a good job ... loosen the purse strings once a year!"
Next: You Don't Own Me

You Don't Own Me

Reader MaloneyDwitch says:
"I had only been dating this guy for a couple weeks. It wasn't going anywhere, and I didn't think either of us took it too seriously. Well, he invites me over to his mom's house for dinner ... In front of everyone, he gives me this gold necklace, like one that might have your name spelled out, only instead of my name, it says 'taken'. When I got home that night, I bagged up the necklace plus a couple other little things he had given me and left them on his front porch. Creepy."
Next: These Things Are Not Gifts

These Things Are Not Gifts

Reader Sjbrown1955 says:

"One year my husband gave me an electric potato peeler. I was so upset. What a gift to give. I told him from now on, don't buy me anything that slices, dices, chops, or sucks (as in vacuum cleaners). Some of these things are household necessities, not gifts.

Next: I'm a Girl, Remember?

I'm a Girl, Remember?

Reader Luv4games says:
"My older sister had several fabulous dolls that had come ... from an unknown aunt in a faraway state. I was now old enough to get my OWN doll, so I eagerly awaited her package. My sister opened hers first, and indeed it held a gorgeous baby doll! Mine came addressed to PAUL ( not Paula, my name), and to a 5-year-old it was such a major disappointment! It contained numerous toy soldiers and army men, complete with guns. Whoo hoo! Apparently the Aunt remembered the name and not the sex of her distant relative."
Next: Wine for One

Wine for One

Reader LeanneAqua says:

"I recieved a dollar store wine glass -- just one, not even a pair -- what could anyone use one wineglass for?

Next: Bounced Check

Bounced Check

Reader Maguilar766 says:

"The worst Christmas gift my sister and I received was when we were about 12 years old ... our aunt sent us each a check for $25 and when my mom took us to the bank to cash them, she was advised that the checks were no good. Embarrasing for my mom at the bank and probobly more embarrasing for my aunt."

Next: Back Scratcher

Back Scratcher

Reader Dmfelf says:

"On a $5 gift exchange I got a back scratcher with price tag still on it, .59 (that's cents). Yep, and I flung it across the room!"

Next: Cheap and Intoxicated

Cheap and Intoxicated

Reader EvelHollow says:
"I was at work (bartending) when my wannabe boyfriend came in, intoxicated to say the least. He announced in front of the entire bar that he had a present for me when I got off work. Everyone insisted that he go to get it ... In front of everyone he handed me a wrinkled up dirty paper lunch bag. Everyone was hitting the bar and chanting, "Open it, open it." I pulled out a dirty Spuds Mckenzie magnet that looked as though it had been on the dash of a car for years. Everyone busted out laughing so hard that a few actually fell off their barstools."
Next: Too Little, Too Late

Too Little, Too Late

Reader CateDZ says:

"My sister was so excited on her trip to New Zealand to have picked up some beautiful calenders with scenic pictures. I opened it and was kind of surprised to find the date was the year that was just ending! She wondered why they were so cheap!"

Next: What Am I, a Chihuahua?

What Am I, a Chihuahua?

Reader Chocolatepup9 says:

"Yeah, an iPod for my cousin, a cell phone for my sister, tickets to England for my brother and fiance ... for me ... dog treats. That was the worst X-mas present I have EVER gotten (it was a gag gift, but still, really?!)"

Next: Don't Count on a Good Gift

Don't Count on a Good Gift

Reader BurpALotBonnie says:

"Every year, my mother's friend gave my little sister clothes, dolls and all sorts of goodies when Christmas came around. So one year I asked her why he never got anything for me. Well, she must have told him because the next year while my sister was opening up her bundles of toys from him, I got a present as well. It was small and square and I thought maybe it was a CD. But when I opened it I didn't even know what to say ... a calculator? Was it a completely effortless gift, or an insult to my intelligence?"
Next: A Cheesy Present

A Cheesy Present

Reader SamsonCons52 says:
"After meeting my present wife back in the 1970's, I was talked into going to her relatives' for christmas present exchange ... We did not have much money then, but went out on the limb and bought a nice thing with what we had. Then our turn came to open what they had given us as a couple ... After unwrapping the item low and behold I was looking at a package of Velveeta Cheese, all 2 pounds worth. I think my wife and I should have gotten an Academy Award from the smiles and thank yous, since everyone else got personal items."
Next: All Business, No Pleasure

All Business, No Pleasure

Reader Gonzalezchica02 says:

"For my 30th Birthday, I got a generic laptop carry case from my own Mother ... I didn't even own a laptop at that time!"

Next: I'm Not Your Mother

I'm Not Your Mother

Reader Debbie Smola says:
"My husband has done this for years, and no matter how I try to explain it to him he refuses to understand. If he gives me a digital picture frame for Christmas, his Mom gets one. If he gets me a purple sweater for Christmas, his Mom gets THE SAME SWEATER, but a different color ... This practice hurts me so much, because he cannot see us a two separate AND VERY DIFFERENT people as well as two VERY DIFFERENT relationships in his life. I don't mind the money he spends on her, (she is a very good MIL to me) but do the gifts have to be the same?"
Next: A Girlfriend is Not a Cook

A Girlfriend Is Not a Cook

Reader aprlglnt says:
"I am now a 46-year-old woman and I love practical gifts, but when I was 18 years old I had a boyfriend and he was into practical gifts. One year for Christmas he gave me a electric can opener and a blender. I tell you, what kind of 18-year-old girl wants a gift like that? That bummed me out big time."
Next: Toilet Brush Leads to Separation

Toilet Brush Leads to Separation

Reader Marylvnwrth says:

"A few years ago, my husband gave me a toilet brush set. We are now separated."

Next: I'll Take Your Present

I'll Take Your Present

Reader Suetegan says:

"Christmas 2003 ... my husband (now ex) got himself a new Sony flat screen TV. He then proudly displayed his gift to me ... a Hoover Windtunnel vacuum cleaner! Top of the line,' he said. Merry Christmas!"

Next: Watch Your Own Weight

Watch Your Own Weight

Reader LauraKK113 says:
"My sister-in-law was famous for giving gifts that didn't make sense. One Christmas she gave me 3 Weight Watchers chocolate snack bars. I had not been dieting. I weighed about 125 pounds at 5'4" tall. Maybe it was a suggestion to me that I was getting to be too heavy. At any rate, I think the gift was pretty much what she was all along ... rude."
Next: At Least it's Comfortable

At Least it's Comfortable

Reader PegNotMargaret says:

"A few years back, my mother-in-law gave me a rubber duckie padded toilet seat!"

Next: New Year, Same Shirt

New Year, Same Shirt

Reader RkNuNkLRaYrAy says:
"When I was 17 my stepmother, who is the world's worst for buying clearance then giving it for Christmas, bought me this AWFUL American Eagle shirt that said, 'I heart Skibus,' which made no sense, then turned around the next year and gave me the same shirt only a size up ... To this day I don't think she realizes that she shirt not only makes no sense, but that she gave it to me two years in a row ... Both of those Christmas gifts sucked."
Next: For Your Health

For Your Health

Reader Trueblueeyes43 says:
"For Christmas one year, my mother-in-law gave me a video tape on how to give yourself a breast exam ... that she got for free someplace. It was placed in a gift box wrapped with Christmas paper and ribbon. Did I say her son is an only child, which makes me the only daughter-in-law?"
Next: Gift from the Dump

Gift from the Dump

Reader MRSPMGator says:

"I actually got a box of tampons (super size) from my mother-in-law one year for Christmas. She hadn't bought them either, she found them at the dump!"

Next: Think Pretty, Not Practical

Think Pretty, Not Practical

Reader MelissaJ75 says:

"Last year my husband got me a garbage disposal. The year before that a pressure washer for cleaning the outside of the house."

Next: This Gift Is Nuts

This Gift Is Nuts

Reader lovefoots says:
"My first Christmas with my husband was a strange one and very disappointing. I went all the way and got him a new watch, clothes, games, Playstation ... just to mention a few. Christmas Eve, when he was asleep, I put everything under the tree so it would be a surprise for him ... I then went to bed and cuddled up with him ... We began opening HIS gifts when he handed me mine. I looked at him with surprise and told him thank you. My heart just broke. It was a can of mixed nuts ... Yes, we are still together today."
Next: Steak Knives

Steak Knives

Reader LUZENGLU says:
"One wedding anniversary my husband gave me a set of steak knives. I am not a big steak eater but he was. This was probably about the 40th anniversary. Now, I do not consider steak knives very romantic. I thanked him and put them away. One year later he receieved a waffle iron from me on our anniversery. He said, 'Waffle iron?' I replied, 'To go with the steak knives.' I recieved jewelry after that. He passed away several years ago but this has become a favorite memory that has been told by me to many."
Next: Thank You?

Thank You?

Reader Breflan says:

"One year my EX-mother-in-law gave me a rubber spatula for Christmas. I was thrilled. AND I thanked her. What else can you do?"

Next: Do I Need a Makeover?

Do I Need a Makeover?

Reader MillenniumMomClb says:
"I had dated my then boyfriend for several years. We met while I was still in college. We had talked about marriage, and agreed that we would not get engaged until I was about to graduate ... It was a very difficult time -- my grandfather was dying, and my dad was forced into retiring early, or he would have been laid off. It was very stressful to say the least. To add to my joy and merriment, Jean-Pierre, gave me tooth whitener, an epi-lady, and a hot roller set. What a way to say I love you -- you need to improve yourself! Needless to say that was the last Christmas, we spent together."
Next: A Regifted Bra?

A Regifted Bra?

Reader TBRAD517 says:
"For Christmas every year our family draws names to exchange gifts. My sister drew my name. She gave me a bra that someone else had given her that was too small for her and a pair of gloves that were too small for me. I was angry at first, but I'm over it now. I drew her name this year, and just for a moment I thought about revenge, but I'm above that. Gifts aren't what Christmas is all about anyway."
Next: Last Year's Worst Gifts

One Stick of Gum

Reader Elf Chimera says:

My mom grew up in a small town in Ohio ... Her friend has always been a bit loopy. She is known for buying cheap things at a garage sale, claiming she made the things herself. The worst gift she got me was a packet of cherry Kool-Aid. The worst thing she got my mom was one stick out of a five pack of chewing gum. No joke.

Next: Anyone Listening?

Anybody Listening?

Reader SHELTONW3 says:

The worst gift I ever got was one out of a 5-pack of VHS tapes! A year later after I was running out of socks, I asked for socks and got duct tape!

Next: No Tea Party

No Tea Party

Reader Catbloom says:

The worst Christmas gift I received was an almost empty box containing only 3 bags (instead of 12) of tea that had expiration dates showing that the tea had expired several months before.

Next: From Granny

With Love From Granny

Reader IXChihiroXI says:

My grandmother ... gave my sister this beautiful leather jacket and top of the line baby clothes ... she gave me a box of black hair dye. She said, "Red is such an ugly color for hair. I know you were born with that deformity, but at least you can fix it and have beautiful black hair like your sister." My mom slapped her.

Next: I See London ...

I See London ...

Reader Soapbabie says:

When I was in 4th grade I was allowed to have a birthday party and everyone gave me white cotton underwear.

Next: No Jewels for You

No Jewels for You

Reader HHandSM says:

My husband's grandmother owned three jewelry stores in West Palm Beach, Fla. For Christmas, my first year as a member of the family, everyone received rings, diamonds, watches, gold chains ... I received one tube of lip gloss. Go figure!

Next: It Still Hurts

It Still Hurts

Reader Edentwo says:

My aunt and uncle doted on my older sister and always gave her the best of everything ... When my sister graduated from high school, they gave her a new car. Three years later, I got a beautiful card with $50 in it. I'm not saying $50 is a crappy gift ... but compared to a car?

Next: Welcome to Mickey D's

Welcome to Mickey D's

Reader Catmanct99 says:

One Christmas, my cousin who married money, gave everyone at the party a gift card for 100 dollars.I got the card and I opened it, and to my wonderful surprise ... it was a $5.00 gift coupon to McDonald's.

Next: And the Gift Is?

And the Gift Is?

Reader Stephsaks says:

It's true. My ex-girlfriend gave me an empty shoe box. She knew that I liked shoes. Passive-aggressive, no? I was speechless.

Read Full Post Here

Next: Mama Loves Freebies

Mama Loves Freebies

Reader ItsMelodie says:

My mother-in-law ... sent presents over ... I received a small sample bottle of hairspray, two wicker coasters and a sample pack of two maxi pads! The look on my husband's face Christmas morning was priceless!

Next: At Least It's Enriched

At Least It's Enriched

Reader Kadeesmith says:

I mentioned I liked the brand of white bread (my grandparents) were serving ... Months later ... a FedEx box arrived containing 2 loaves of the bread ... there was no birthday card or note ... My dad called to make sure my grandmother was okay and then the reason behind the gift was explained. It was a very sweet sentiment ... weird to get bread for your 15th birthday.

Next: Re-gift Gaffe

Re-gift Gaffe

Reader BAREBEAR19 says:

Yes, we received a toaster as a wedding gift. To our surprise we received an extra bonus -- a wedding card to the people who gave us the toaster!

Next: Stocking Stinkers

Stocking Stinkers

Reader Yfp924 says:

One year I stuffed the kids stockings with their favorite DVDs and latest PS2 games. My husband's stocking contained a new wristwatch, cuff links and socks. My stocking contained pantyhose -- beige and size A (I'm 5'10, 180 lbs.) and a miniature screw driver set to repair eyeglasses. I don't wear glasses.

Next: Nice, Shmice

Nice, Schmice

Reader AliciaDFord says:

A friend bragged about all the nice gifts she bought me, so in turn I went and bought a nice gift for her. I can't recall what I got her but at that time (10 years ago) I spent about $20 for people not in my family. I got a 50 cent eyeshadow with the sale sticker still on it.

Next: Rock Bottom

Rock Bottom

Reader JanetBooboos says:

The first Christmas after we married, my mother-in-law gave me a gorgeous 4-piece outfit from a very exclusive store. My husband got a rock out of her backyard. Pet rocks were "in" but she didn't want to spend money on something she could get out of her yard.

Next: Painful Pork

Painful Pork

Reader Rikinstl says:

My mother loved "practical jokes." One Christmas when I was very young and a bit on the pudgy side, she decided to theme all my presents with pigs. The "big" present was a case of pork and beans. I can't stand the sight of pork and beans, or anything with a pig on it. Therapy here I come.
Next: Passive Aggressive?

Passive Aggressive?

Reader WickedYup says:

One year for Christmas, I received a dead lady's fur stole. The stole was complete with the dead fox's head and dead lady initials inside. I am an animal welfare sort of gal and absolutely opposed to wearing fur. Do you think my passive aggressive sister was trying to tell me something?

Next: Two Too Many

Two Too Many

Reader Imawildspud says:

We all know the repeat bad gift givers in our lives -- I've got two. One is a very close friend who knows I don't drink alcohol, but bought me a martini shaker and decorative stirrers. Another is a very well-off friend who ... wrapped a tissue box for me -- because it "had my favorite flower on it."

Next: A Warm Christmas

A Warm Christmas

Reader Sweet37Coupe says:

My aunt bought me a dickie for Christmas. For those who don't know what one is, it is a fake turtleneck to wear under a sweater so you look like you are wearing one. I didn't know what to say! LOL!

Next: More From AOL

More on WalletPop.com:
Hottest Products of 2008
Now that you've seen the worst gifts AOL users have ever gotten, click through our gallery of 2008's hottest products to get some great gift ideas. From vibrating mascara to video cameras that fit in your pocket, from half-size cars to a fruit looking to dethrone the pomegranate, 2008 was a year packed with new ways to work better, look better, eat better, and enjoy our leisure time more.

Click through our gallery as WalletPop editors compile their picks for the 15 hottest products of 2008 list.Start Next Gallery:
Where the Buzz Was