In the days leading up to the holiday season, it can be difficult to decide what to buy the men in your life.
Fortunately, etiquette expert. Thomas P. Farleybetter known as Mr. mannersspoke to DailyMail.com exclusively about the gifts you should never get a guy.
She explained that some common gifts can be insulting to your male loved ones, so it’s best to avoid them this holiday season.
“Fortunately, we have overcome many of the gender stereotypes that would prevent giving certain gifts to a loved one or friend based on their sex,” explained Thomas, who lives in New York City.
Recommended to direct ‘free of anything strictly utilitarian unless it is something the person has asked for.
‘Let’s face it…regardless of gender, does anyone really want a mop or a bottle of dish soap as a Christmas gift?’ the keynote speaker asked.
When it comes to gifts for men, he said everyone should avoid risqué T-shirts and home repair tools.
And if you’re considering helping a man in your life with a personal care product, he recommended making sure it’s not something that will offend him.
In the days leading up to the holiday season, it can be difficult to decide what to buy the men in your life (file image)
Luckily, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley (seen), better known as Mister Manners, spoke to DailyMail.com exclusively about the gifts you should never give a guy.
“I wouldn’t give hair dye to a man who has embraced his gray or gray locks,” Mister Manners said.
He also advised skipping a product like Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss.
For women struggling to know what to give their boyfriend or husband, Mister Manners suggested avoiding ‘any bedroom toys or pharmacological aids unless it is something you have specifically discussed as a couple.
Another gift to avoid is anything that suggests the man needs to complete a household project he’s been working on.
Mister Manners said there’s no reason to give away’five gallons of primer for him to start the house painting project’ or ‘sandpaper and wood stain for the bookshelf I was hoping he would repaint.’
“The gift should be for him, not you, and should not be given with the express intention of moving one of your ‘most beloved items’ to the top of his to-do list,” she continued.
Additionally, he said that self-help books fall into the same insulting category.
According to the expert, it is also better to avoid ‘anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or disdain.
“I wouldn’t give hair dye to a man who has embraced his gray or gray locks,” Mister Manners advised. He also recommends skipping Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss.
He said you should skip any gifts that make a man look old, such as anti-wrinkle creams or other anti-aging products.
Examples include “any gift that implies that your home is not well-kept, such as a gift card for a cleaning service, anything that implies that the in-laws look old, such as wrinkle creams, that they are out of touch – a cotton blouse.” fashion”. That’s not your mother-in-law’s taste, although maybe it is yours… or she’s out of shape.
No matter who you’re shopping for, the etiquette expert explained that ties are a no-no “in the era of business casual.”
As for daughters shopping for their parents, she said they have a little more freedom and recommended an updated pair of glasses or more modern clothing.
“A daughter may make suggestions that would seem offensive if they weren’t coming from her or perhaps her spouse,” Mister Manners admitted.
However, there are some gifts that are never appropriate, no matter who gives them.
Mister Manners said you should think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift certificate to a will-writing website, or a T-shirt with a message like “Age is just a number… a really big one in my case.” .
And if you’re giving something that might be a little unseemly, it’s best to do it in private.
“Even if a man secretly appreciated some of the gift items I noted above, he may simply prefer not to be seen opening them in front of others,” Mister Manners added.
For those buying for their partner and family, it is best to avoid “anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or disdain” (file image)
Mister Manners said you should think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift certificate to a will-writing website or a T-shirt with a message like “Age is just a number.”
“If the gift might embarrass the man, it should be saved for a time when he can open it in private, without the shock, scorn, or laughter of a peanut gallery.”
Last year, a Texas-based gift expert named Leah went viral after sharing “three items you shouldn’t give to women.”
This included cleaning supplies like a new vacuum cleaner, scales, and anti-aging skin care products.
The content creator, known online as Leah’s Gift Guide, stated on TikTok that “these items can be considered offensive or send the wrong message,” especially if men gift them to their partner.