Gifts not to give to him or her

5 things not to get her

The key to giving a good present is knowing the person the gift is for. Being creative is essential. Below are gifts to steer clear from. They are common mistakes people make when buying holiday gifts for girls, and many women cringe when they receive these cliche gifts.

1. Candles

Candles scream boring and impersonal. To make someone feel special, candles are not the way to go.

1. Jewelry

Some jewelry, such as watches or necklaces, make for acceptable gifts, but for $50, you'll be hard-pressed to find a real quality piece of jewelry worth giving.

1. Bath sets and lotions

Soaps and lotions are things that women generally buy themselves. Gift baskets filled with a loofah sponge, bath soap and lotion may look like they make for a nice gift, but they usually end up collecting dust.

1. Chocolates

Save it for Valentine's Day.

1. Build-a-Bears

Stuffed animals have no place under the Christmas tree for anyone over the age of five. Even customizable Build-a-Bears with fancy birth certificates.

5 things not to get him

When shopping for the perfect gift, remember to be aware of what not to buy. The following are gifts many men would be unhappy to receive.

1. Socks or underwear

Men don't want these, because they already have plenty. Many men would appreciate a less-practical piece of clothing if that's what you're looking to buy.

1. Ties

Most men don't have enough reasons to wear a tie, or if they do, they'll be uncomfortable.

1. Cologne

Men have a hard enough time looking good; they don't need to spend even more time worrying about smelling good, too.

1. Soaps and lotions

Men like to pick out their own scents, so unless you know it, stay away from bath products. Aim for a more manly gift.

And please, no cologne, Be sure to listen and watch out for hints. If he doesn't say exactly what he wants, then any of these 10 items might serve as the perfect gift.