Bruno Pugh
Some gifts are thoughtful. Others? They scream, “I had no idea what to get, so I grabbed the first thing I saw.” When it comes to anniversaries, the last thing you want is a present that makes her wonder if you’ve been paying attention. Here are ten gifts that all but guarantee that reaction.
A Store-Bought Card
Yes, it has a fancy gold foil and a sentimental message, but if you just scribble your name inside and call it a day, you might as well have handed her a receipt. No personal touch, no effort—just proof that you spent five seconds at the greeting card aisle.
Random Perfume
Fragrance is personal. If you pick something strong, floral, or musky when she prefers light, fresh scents or has a favorite one already, she’ll know you didn’t consider her taste. Worse? If she’s allergic or hates that perfume altogether, you just wasted your money.
Chocolate Boxes
Unless they’re from her absolute favorite chocolatier, this feels like the go-to gift for someone you don’t know well. Anniversary gifts should be intimate and memorable, not something you could grab from the drugstore between picking up toothpaste and gum.
Generic Soft Toys
A teddy bear holding a heart? A stuffed animal that bounces back? Cute—for a teenager. If she’s not someone who actively collects plushies and has been waiting for a specific one, this is one of those gifts that gets stuffed in the back of the closet immediately.
Last-Minute Bouquets
Flowers are classic only when done right. If you’re a husband who snatched up a wilted roadside bouquet at 5 PM on your way home, she’ll know. And if the flowers happen to be ones she doesn’t like or is allergic to? You just ruined a romantic night.
A Pet She Didn’t Ask For
Surprising her with a puppy or kitten might seem sweet, but unless she’s specifically mentioned wanting one, it’s a big responsibility she didn’t sign up for. Now, instead of celebrating your love, she’s Googling how to potty-train a new pet.
Scented Candle Sets
Unless she’s obsessed with candles, this is one of the most generic gifts you can give. What’s even worse is if you grab a random floral or cinnamon-scented set without knowing what fragrance likes. It would be a headache in wax form.
Random (And Cheapest) Jewelry
Jewelry can be an amazing gift when it’s thoughtful. However, when it’s a $10 ring that turns her finger green or a necklace that looks like it came from a vending machine, it’s just a shiny way of saying, I didn’t try at all.
Miniature Bath Products
Tiny bottles of shampoo and shower gel from a discount bath set? That’s not an anniversary gift; that’s what hotels give for free. Unless it’s a luxury spa set in a scent she loves, all you did was give her travel toiletries.
Something That’s Clearly for the House
A set of wine glasses or a decorative lamp is not for her. These items are for the home. It doesn’t matter if she has been talking about wanting a new decor. You can’t turn a household item into an anniversary gift. She’ll be questioning your decision-making skills.