Q.
We know that we’re not supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth   – ok. We may say it a lot, but what does that mean? – but which gifts do recipients appreciate the least?

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A.

First things first: the ‘gift horse’ idiom warns us not to be ungrateful when we are given a present. The phrase is said to originate from the idea (however inexact) that you can tell the age of a horse from its teeth. If someone was to gift you a horse, it would be most impolite to check its teeth as you imagine what you and said horse might – or might not – be able to do in the future.

Gifted horse etiquette aside, what are the gifts that people most frequently shove into drawers, regift, or ‘accidentally’ destroy? One Poll and Mixbook came together to ask 2000 adults just that. Of course, one person’s drawer shove is another person’s delight. Nevertheless, the least popular gifts reported were…

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Top 10 Worst Gifts
i. No such thing as a bad gift
ii. Shower gel
iii. Popcorn
iv. Socks
v. Lotion basket
vi. Mug
vii. Hard liquor
viii. Tea
ix. Candle
x. Photo calendar

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And what were people most likely to say when they received a gift they didn’t fancy? The #1 response might not be very revealing, but #4, 6, 7 and 9 (“shower gel”) surely hint it’s time to revisit your reputation as gifter of the year.

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Top 10 Things People Say When Pretending To Like A Gift
i. Thank You
ii. Awww!
iii. I love it
iv. Wow
v. You’re sweet
vi. That’s interesting
vii. What made you think of this?
viii. I’ve always wanted this
ix. Repeat name of the gift
x. Gasp

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www.justcurious.ca

Header Photo: Amy Shamblen