Etiquette expert details the most insulting gifts you should NEVER buy for the man in your life
In the days leading up the festive season, it can be difficult to figure out what to buy the men in your life.
Thankfully, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, better known as Mister Manners, spoke to DailyMail.com exclusively about the gifts that you should never get for a guy.
He explained that some common presents can actually be insulting to male loved ones, so it’s best to avoid them this holiday season.
‘Fortunately, we have evolved past many of the gender stereotypes that would preclude certain gifts be given to a loved one or friend based on their sex,’ Thomas, who is based in New York City, explained.
He recommended steering ‘clear 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 detergent as a holiday gift?’ the keynote speaker asked.
When it comes to gifting for guys, he said everyone should avoid cheeky T-shirts and home repair tools.
And if you’re considering helping a man in your life out with a grooming product, he recommended you make sure it’s not something that will offend him.
In the days leading up the festive season, it can be difficult to figure out what to buy the men in your life
Thankfully, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, better known as Mister Manners, spoke to DailyMail.com exclusively about the gifts that you should never get for a guy
‘I would not give hair dye to a man who has embraced his salt-and-pepper or gray locks,’ Mister Manners stated.
He also advised skipping a product like Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss.
For women struggling with what to gift their boyfriend or husband, Mister Manners suggested avoiding ‘any bedroom toys or pharmacological aids unless this is something you have specifically discussed as a couple.’
Another gift to eschew is anything that suggests the man should complete a household project he’s been working on.
Mister Manners said there’s no reason to gift ‘five gallons of primer for him to kickstart the house-painting project’ or ‘sandpaper and wood stain for the bookcase you’ve been hoping he will refinish.’
‘The gift should be about him, not you, and should not be given with the express intent of moving one of your “honey-do” items to the top of his task list,’ he continued.
In addition, he said that self-help books fall into the same insulting category.
According to the expert, it’s also best to avoid ‘anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or disdain.’
‘I would not give hair dye to a man who has embraced his salt-and-pepper or gray locks,’ Mister Manners advised. He also recommending skipping Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss
He said you should skip any gifts that imply a man looks old, like wrinkle creams, or other anti-aging products
Examples include ‘any gift that implies their home is not well-looked after, such as a gift card for a cleaning service, anything that implies that one’s in-laws look old, such as wrinkle creams, are out of touch – a trendy blouse that is not your mother-in-law’s taste even though perhaps it is yours – or 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 fathers, he said they have a bit more leeway, and recommended an updated pair of glasses or trendier clothes.
‘A daughter can make suggestions that would seem offensive when coming from anyone but her – or perhaps his spouse,’ Mister Manners admitted.
However, there are some gifts that aren’t ever appropriate, no matter who’s doing the gifting.
Mister Manners said you should think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift certificate for a will-writing website, or a T-shirt with a message such as ‘Age is Just a Number…a Really Big One in My Case.’
And if you are gifting something that could be a bit unseemly, it’s best to give in private.
‘Even if a man secretly appreciated any of the gift items I cautioned against above, it may be he would simply rather not be seen opening them in front of others,’ Mister Manners added.
For those shopping for their significant other and his family members, it’s best to avoid ‘anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or disdain’
Mister Manners said to think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift certificate for a will-writing website, or a T-shirt with a message such as ‘Age is Just a Number’
‘If the gift could potentially bring embarrassment upon 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 gifting expert based in Texas, named Leah, went viral after she shared ‘three items you shouldn’t gift women.’
This included cleaning supplies like a brand new vacuum, scales, and anti-aging skincare products.
The content creator, who is known online as Leah’s Gift Guide, claimed in the the TikTok that ‘these items can be seen as offensive or send the wrong message,’ especially if men gifted them to their significant other.
