Ah, Christmas! What’s not to love about Santa, a brilliantly-lit tree and a roast turkey for dinner?

While Malaysians may never get to see snow on their streets, there’s still much about this festive season that one can enjoy.

And, of course, the giving and receiving of gifts be it big, small, inexpensive or extravagant.

While you may say it’s the thought that counts, it’s also true that not all gifts are … well … created equal.

What sort of Christmas gifts would make you cringe? What others would make you gasp in horror?

Here’s a list of five gifts that never ever should make it under anyone’s Christmas tree this year, or ever.

1. Pets

We’ve all seen the rom-com when someone special is gifted an adorable puppy or kitten and bursts out crying with joy.

In reality, gifting someone a pet is nothing short of irresponsible and doing so without prior discussion with the recipient is absolute foolishness.

A living, breathing creature like a dog, cat, turtle or hamster demands a heavy investment of time and energy. They aren’t like plants that you can water once a day and leave out in the sun to thrive.

Tragically, there are too many cases of gifted pets eventually losing their lustre and being abandoned on streets by their ill-prepared owners.

2. DVDs/CDs

A decade or two ago, a good DVD or CD would have made the perfect gift.

Now, with the remarkable advances in technology, a DVD or CD is considered a relic.

A pen drive or hard drive might be a better option, since these still come in handy.

A CD might work as a gift if the recipient is someone stuck in the past or is just a fan of all things retro.

If you’re thinking of buying a CD for a music fan, why not gift them a subscription to a streaming service instead.

3. Souvenirs and knickknacks

For many, the home can unfortunately be a place cluttered with garish junk collected through the years. Plans to de-clutter are often shelved as the task can be both time-consuming and downright annoying.

So, gifting them yet another tacky fridge magnet or scented candle will be doing them a disservice.

You may think it’s a great expression of your affection but people don’t really need to be reminded of a holiday destination that you, and not they, visited.

If you want to give someone a gift from overseas, perhaps something unique and edible like chocolates or coffee might be better.

4. Clothing

Fashion is personal. Everyone has their own tastes and styles, and thus, buying clothes as a gift is often tricky and in fact should be avoided at all costs.

What you may find attractive may be a complete turn-off for others, and your gift is likely to never see the light of day post-Christmas, being left to rot deep in the recesses of a closet.

Stockings are also arguably a gift that requires the least amount of brainpower to buy and, as such, they are quite a meaningless and impersonal gift.

Some people even gift lingerie or underwear, which can result in rather awkward moments if the recipient is not your romantic partner.

Instead of gifting clothes, take them on a shopping trip and offer to pay for a top or pants. In this way, they get the clothes they want and you’ve helped make their day a little brighter.

5. Exercise equipment

It may be true that people tend to pack on a few extra pounds during the holiday season, what with all the feasting.

Regardless, gifting someone exercise equipment may just end up sending the wrong message to them.

If they’re already a fitness buff, why gift them such equipment when they quite likely have their own or go to a gym to exercise?

If they look a little heavier over the holiday season, the gift will come off as offensive.

So, before you launch into your shopping spree this year, consider these “do not buy” gifts and you should be off to a swell time.