11 Most returned Christmas presents

11 Most returned Christmas presents

Exchanging gifts is an integral part of Christmas celebrations, along with enjoying mouth-watering delicacies and getting together with loved ones. Finding the perfect Christmas gift involves understanding the recipient’s requirements and tastes and sticking to a budget range. One should also ensure that the gift is appealing and serves a specific purpose for the recipient. This article lists Christmas gifts that are almost always returned by recipients and should be avoided.

Clothes
Gifting clothes for Christmas may be a slippery slope, as one needs to find outfits of the right size and consider the other person’s preferred type and style of clothing. Understanding the recipient’s fashion sense and dress size is crucial if one wishes to gift outfits. Lack of knowledge regarding any of these aspects may lead to the recipient returning or exchanging the gift.

Home decor
Decorating a home is a highly personal experience and should be primarily dealt with by the homeowner. Thus, while buying a home decor piece may be a sweet gesture, it entails the risk of the gift being returned if the recipient does not prefer the particular type or style of home decor item gifted to them. If one still wishes to buy it as a Christmas gift, it is best to ask the recipient what type of home decor item they would like or require.

Video games
Buying video games for a gaming enthusiast is ostensibly the best idea for Christmas. However, studies have shown that most video game enthusiasts purchase bestselling and much-awaited video games immediately after they are released. So, chances are that the recipient already has the particular video game one plans to gift. In other case, one may end up gifting a video game that the recipient is not inclined toward, increasing the likelihood of the gift being returned. It is a better option to present someone a gift card or a gaming console or accessory rather than a video game.

Footwear
The perfect pair of footwear is essential to complete one’s look. But buying it as a gift involves several considerations, including the recipient’s shoe size, preference, requirement in terms of the type of footwear, and comfort level of the shoes. Trying on a pair of shoes before buying them is essential to avoid problems due to differences in sizes. Thus, presenting someone a gift card to an ecommerce website or brand offering footwear is a great idea this Christmas.

Crockery and glassware
Many people believe that gifting someone glassware or a crockery set is an excellent idea for Christmas, as these are visually appealing and have considerable utility. However, crockery and glassware have become extremely common gifts, to the extent that many of these sets are exchanged or returned, or, in worst cases, tucked away into kitchen shelves, never to be used. So, it is best to avoid gifting someone crockery and glassware this Christmas.

Electronic items
Gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and iPads may be incredibly valuable gifts for individuals requiring any of these. But, in many cases, one may end up gifting a gadget that the recipient does not currently require. It is also possible that the recipient does not prefer electronic items offered by specific brands. Thus, if one chooses to gift someone a gadget, it is important to know whether the recipient requires it and if it is from the person’s preferred brand.

DVDs and DVD players
At one point in time, DVDs and DVD players used to be highly useful gifts. However, in today’s era of digital video streaming platforms, DVDs have become redundant and may not serve one any purpose. Therefore, gifting someone a subscription to their preferred OTT platform may be a much better idea than buying them DVDs or DVD players.

Jewelry
Buying jewelry or a jewelry set is usually a good idea, as these perfectly integrate esthetics and utility. However, it is possible that one may not prefer to wear certain types of jewelry. There is also a probability that the recipient already owns the jewelry piece or set one is planning to gift. Further, each one’s taste and fashion sense are different; therefore, one may find a certain jewelry piece too exuberant or too bland. It is best to avoid gifting jewelry unless one is absolutely certain what the other person would prefer.

Sweets
Sweets like gums, candies, and chocolate bars have been classified among the most returned Christmas presents. Some individuals may not eat sweets due to health reasons, whereas others may simply return or pass on sweets because they do not like the taste of particular candies or chocolates. Further, sweets are not gifts that one can preserve as memories. A more long-lasting item would be a better Christmas gift than eatables.

Scented candles
Although scented candles are immensely popular as Christmas gifts, one cannot always be sure of the scent or fragrance that the other person likes. For example, the recipient may find a certain fragrance too overpowering or too mild for their taste. Gifting an air freshener or a scent diffuser is a better idea than presenting scented candles.

Baby clothes
Baby clothes are among the most returned Christmas presents, mainly because of differences in size. Babies may also outgrow their clothes quickly as they age. Thus, gifting baby clothes may not be the best idea.

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Top Mistakes Related to Buying and Using Smartphones

Purchasing a smartphone is a major monetary investment. Hence, it's essential to ensure that you make the right choice. With so many different brands and models available, it's easy to get overwhelmed and make common mistakes. This article highlights the top smartphone buying mistakes to avoid and smartphone habits to break. By avoiding them, you can make an informed decision and find the best smartphone that meets your work and entertainment needs. Top smartphone buying mistakes to avoid When buying a smartphone, avoiding common mistakes can help you make a more informed decision and ensure you get a phone that meets your budget and lasts for years. Here are the top smartphone-buying mistakes you should avoid: Not considering your needs Don't buy a smartphone because it has the latest features or is popular. Consider what you need from a smartphone and choose one that meets those requirements. Focusing on one aspect of the phone While having a great camera is important, there are other important factors to consider, such as battery life, storage, and performance. Considering all aspects of the phone before purchasing it rather than going for just one feature. Not reading customer reviews and ratings Before making a purchase, it's essential to read customer reviews and ratings to understand other people's experiences with the phone. It may help you make an informed decision and avoid potential problems other users may have faced. Overlooking the storage Don't buy a smartphone without considering the storage capacity. If you plan to take many photos, download apps, or store music and videos, you'll need a phone with enough built-in or extendable storage. Not comparing prices Smartphone prices vary widely, even for similar models. Don't be tempted to buy the first phone you see. Take some time to compare prices from offline smartphone retailers and online marketplaces. This can help you get the best deal and save money in the long run. Not ensuring compatibility with carrier networks Ensure the phone you're considering is compatible with your carrier's network, particularly if you plan to use a US cellphone wireless unlimited phone plan. Compatibility is crucial to ensure good connectivity and coverage wherever you go. Not considering future software updates It's essential to consider whether the phone you're eyeing will likely receive future software updates. Older models may not receive updates, limiting their functionality and compatibility with new apps and features. Therefore, checking the manufacturer's 'software update policy' before purchasing the smartphone is important. By avoiding these common mistakes and doing proper research before purchasing a smartphone, you can make an informed decision and get a phone that meets all your needs and lasts for years. Five habits to avoid after buying a smartphone Once you've paid for the phone, here are certain habits you must avoid while using your smartphone. These habits can significantly impact your phone's performance, battery life, and longevity. Moreover, they can lead to costly mistakes in the form of heavily expensive repairs and the effort, time, and worry involved in the entire process. Here are the top five smartphone-using habits to avoid: Using cheap or unverified chargers Using cheap or unverified (non-branded) chargers can have several negative consequences. These chargers may not meet safety standards, leading to overheating or electrical shorts. They may even cause a fire or electrocution. Moreover, using such chargers can result in battery degradation and significantly reduce your phone's lifespan. It is always recommended to use a verified charger specifically designed for your phone to avoid these risks and ensure that it charges properly, timely, and efficiently. Overcharging your phone Overcharging your phone can lead to battery degradation, reducing the device's lifespan. When a phone is overcharged, the battery continues to charge even after reaching its maximum capacity, which can cause it to overheat. Over time, this habit can decrease battery capacity and performance, resulting in shorter battery life and a slower charging pace. To avoid overcharging your phone, unplug it once it reaches 100% and avoid leaving it plugged in overnight or for extended periods. Installing too many apps Installing too many apps can lead to storage and performance issues. Each app takes up space on your phone's storage and can slow its performance down, especially if you have an older phone with limited storage and RAM. Moreover, running too many apps in the background can drain your battery faster. It is recommended to only install the apps you need and regularly delete apps you no longer use to avoid these issues. Ignoring software updates Procrastinating installing software updates can lead to security vulnerabilities and impact your phone's performance. Software updates typically include bug fixes, security patches, and new features that improve your phone's performance and functionality. It's recommended to regularly check for and install software updates to keep the device running smoothly and securely. Not using a protective case Not using a protective case or back cover can leave your phone vulnerable to physical damage. Accidents can happen anytime; a single drop or bump can cause scratches, cracks, or a shattered screen. A protective case can absorb impact and protect against damage, saving you from expensive repairs or replacing your phone. Investing in a high-quality protective case designed for your phone is recommended to ensure that it fits properly and provides adequate protection. Avoid these habits to maximize your smartphone's value and enhance your digital experience. In conclusion Smartphones have become integral to our lives, providing various functionalities and conveniences. However, to make the most out of your devices, it's important to be aware of the common mistakes people make when buying a smartphone. You must also know the careless habits that can reduce the overall quality of your mobile experience. By avoiding these mistakes and breaking these habits, you can ensure your devices work efficiently and protect your privacy.

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11 exciting ideas to bring in the Christmas cheer

Christmas is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year. People exchange presents, enjoy meals with their loved ones, and eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. While there is still some time for the grand day, individuals can drum up excitement by engaging in fun activities with their family and friends. Here are 11 exciting ideas to bring in the Christmas cheer, create new traditions, and give back to the community. Deck the halls together One of the easiest ways to get into the Christmas spirit and prepare the house for the festive season is by decorating together. So, gather the family (or roommates) for an evening of decorations. Many love to put up a tree, hang stockings, and install lights around the house to mark the beginning of Christmas festivities. This team-building exercise is a great way to knock off two birds with one stone—put up decorations and create a sense of togetherness and bonding. Bake Christmas cookies The festive season would be incomplete without all those delicious treats! Christmas cookies are perhaps the most popular snack around this time of year. So, consider setting up an afternoon of baking with friends and family. Decorating cookies with flavored dough and festive cookie cutters is an excellent way to have fun and get in touch with one's creative side. Host a Christmas movie marathon The winter is usually marked by the release and comeback of festive movies. So, there's perhaps nothing better than setting up a cozy indoor movie theater with blankets, popcorn, and sodas and inviting loved ones over. Scatter the movies across the Christmas season or have a marathon event. Make personal Christmas cards Besides baking and decorating cookies, preparing hand-made Christmas cards is another way to get creative. Set up a craft station at home with art supplies, glitter, and festive décor, where people can make their own cards to express their love, appreciation, and gratitude toward their friends and family. This adds a personal touch and can help loved ones spend time together. Other spectacular ways to use this creation station include: Making a countdown Christmas sign for the yard (an excellent idea to get children excited). Creating custom snowflakes with white paper and using them to decorate the windows. Making homemade wreaths or salt dough ornaments. Designing a paper chain decoration in red and green to hang around the house. Have a themed scavenger hunt Walk around the neighborhood and check out the decorations in other homes. Then, use this as a guide to create a local Christmas scavenger hunt for the family. Write down a set of clues, such as "the home with the Santa Claus display" or "the snowman wearing a Christmas hat," and let people walk around town to find them. Embrace kindness Extend a little extra kindness around the holidays. Some quick ways to do so include: Leaving a big tip when eating at a restaurant or café. Writing a note or card for a stranger. Paying a genuine compliment. Using the magic words please, sorry, and thank you. Come up with more ideas with family and friends, and follow them throughout the festive season! Head to a community event There are several community events across the country during this time of the year, such as tree-lighting ceremonies, parades, and carol groups. Take some time to explore these local events and join in on the celebrations! It's a fabulous way to get into the Christmas spirit without splurging. Try a Christmas fragrance For most people, certain fragrances are reminiscent of Christmas. So, try to scent up the house with these smells. One easy way of doing so is by buying scented candles, essential oils, or incense sticks. Some people love making a simmer pot with simple ingredients like orange peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fragrant flower petals. Let those nostalgic smells waft around the home and transport everyone into their Christmas dreamland! Play Christmas carols Carols are one of the most well-known traditions of Christmas. Get in the Christmas spirit by playing carols at home or take the family out for an evening of caroling. Visit local nursing homes or hospitals (with prior permission) and spread the festive joy with everyone! Sign up with a charity organization The holidays are also the season for giving. So, take this time to donate to charity organizations, such as food drives, soup kitchens, animal shelters, and non-profits. Another option is volunteering at nursing homes, orphanages, and shelters as a family. This can be a powerful bonding experience and an opportunity to interact and bring smiles to the larger community. Host a Secret Santa Add the element of surprise to those Christmas gifts with a Secret Santa event. See which friends and family members want to participate and create a list. Several websites can help people curate anonymous drawings. Set a time and place to meet to exchange these gifts or have them mailed to the other person for a fun and exciting gift exchange! Christmas is all about having fun and spreading joy. If everything else feels overwhelming, just remember to smile, greet people, and wish them a Merry Christmas to lighten their mood!

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