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30 Of The Most Disappointing And Insulting Birthday Presents People Have Ever Received
Interview With Expert
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear panda, happy birthday to you! Now blow out your candles, and make a wish! Did you wish for some used socks, an expired gift card or a box of cookies that you’re allergic to?
Your birthday should be one of the most magical days of the year. But unfortunately, loved ones can sometimes find a way to ruin it just by gifting a terrible present. Redditors have been recalling the most disappointing and insulting birthday gifts they’ve ever received, so we’ve gathered some of their worst replies down below. Enjoy scrolling through these presents that might inspire you to get a gift for someone you hate, and keep reading to find a conversation with Nina Steyn, PR and SEO Executive at Prezzybox!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
*cracks knuckles*
I was turning 17 and had friends over for my birthday for the very first time. As a fat, AuDHD girl I struggled to make friends throughout my childhood, so this was a major milestone. It was a great day, too- after school my friends came over, we hung out a bit, ate dinner, had some cake, and were about to go see "17 Again" starring Zach Efron in theaters. It couldn't have gone better... until my mom handed me my presents.
Most of them were typical birthday gifts- I think I got a scarf and a DVD or something- until I unwrapped the very last one. This was obviously a book and it was wrapped in different paper than the others. I love to read so I got my hopes up until I saw the title. It was "Eat This, Not That," the diet book that was all the rage in 2009. My face must have fallen because my mom immediately started singing its praises. She waxed poetic about how it's so educational, it'll really change up my diet and I'll lose weight in no time, etc. I didn't want to cry in front of my friends so I muttered my thanks and returned to my cake, pushing it around my plate until it was time to leave for the movie. I couldn't look at my friends until my sister, who wrapped most of my gifts, pulled me aside and said that she told Mom NOT to give me that book and she refused to wrap it. She apologized for not hiding it from Mom and saving me the embarrassment in front of my friends.
At least my friends immediately understood who my mom was that day.
To find out how this conversation started in the first place, we reached out to Reddit user Andrewsteiner88, who invited others to share the worst birthday presents that they've ever received.
He was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and shared that he simply loves relatable questions. "We either all have a story or know a story about receiving a bad gift," the OP noted.
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#2
Cigarettes and deodorant, from my gross grandfather's drunken girlfriend. When I opened it, she winked and said she knew I smoked. I was EIGHT.
#3
Not a gift to me, but I still don’t understand what we did so wrong to the person that they gave my 5 year old daughter a karaoke machine.
We also asked Andrewsteiner88 about his own experience with a terrible birthday present. "The worst gift I received was a half-eaten box of chocolate from a coworker," he shared. "That was the only bad gift I’ve ever gotten."
On the other hand, the OP says the best gift he's ever received came from a friend years ago. "It was a signed record from one of my favorite artists. It was special because they knew I love music and the artist," he told Bored Panda.
#4
I'm pretty sure there is still a picture of me looking absolutely defeated sitting on a couch surrounded by the school supplies everyone got me.
To make matters worse, my birthday was usually on the first day of school and I hated it.
I remember after the party my mom felt so bad that she took me to the store and let me pick out a video game I wanted, so that was nice.
#5
One year, my parents had the audacity to give birth to me... all down hill since there.
Finally, we asked Andrewsteiner88 what he thought of the replies to his post. "I was surprised it became so popular! The answers were funny and bizarre to say the least," he shared. "I wanna thank everyone for the response the question received."
#6
He got me a juicer that 'had to stay at his house'.
Oh, so you got yourself a juicer.
BYE.
#7
Golden girls wine glasses, when I was a few months out of rehab for alcoholism.
BoredPossum 7 months ago
"Hey, I heard that you quit drinking and thought I'd make it a bit more difficult for you." Let's hope this person was unaware of the problem.
To learn more about gift giving from an expert, we got in touch with Nina Steyn, PR and SEO Executive at Prezzybox. First, we wanted to know about some of the best and worst presents Nina has ever received.
"I had the most incredible birthday surprise for my 29th! A gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers and a heartfelt handwritten card," she shared. "But here's the best surprise - the real gift wasn't in the flowers, it was tucked inside that card. Tickets to see my favorite artist in concert later this summer! I even had the choice between catching the show in London or Amsterdam. Talk about a birthday to remember!"
#8
My mom was a real f*****g a*s hole. I was heavily bullied at school and abused at home.
One day during christmas, mom handed me a present and when I opened it, it was a doll that had similar features to my school bully. I didn't realize until she started laughing and said "She looks like her doesn't she". Little me was scared to her core.
#9
Not me but my brother.
For his 30th birthday our parents got him a knock-off brand roomba. Not a bad gift in itself, you're right.
Except they got his twin brother a brand new car.
As far as Nina's worst gift, she told Bored Panda it was a vibrant summer dress. "Despite its nifty feature of pockets, it didn’t fit, and the color clashed with my skin tone," she explained. "Wore it once as a gesture of appreciation then it spent some quality time hanging out in the back of the wardrobe. Eventually, I decided to donate it to charity."
#10
I got a check from my elderly aunt for $5. It bounced and cost me $10 fee from the bank.
#11
A goldfish. I was 18, 31 now, he is still going strong. I HATE him. Omfg do I hate that fish. Unfortunately as he is my responsibility I feel obligated to give him the best life possible. I’m going to be so happy when he finally dies. Until then that f****r will keep living the life of luxury.
Sue Denham 7 months ago
I have never known a goldfish to live that long. He's probably staying alive just to thwart you.
The expert also shared some advice on how to choose a great birthday present for a loved one. "When considering what makes an exceptional birthday gift, it's essential to prioritize thoughtfulness and personalization," Nina says. "A great gift should reflect the recipient's interests and preferences, showcasing a genuine understanding of who they are."
"Dos include incorporating personal touches, such as customized messages or items tailored to their hobbies and passions. Quality should supersede quantity, emphasizing the importance of selecting a gift that reflects care and consideration rather than focusing solely on the price tag," she continued, noting that "a well-chosen, thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive."
#12
When I was six, my paternal grandparents gave me a... Potato. They said "It looks like a cat or a doggie! You can play with it, and you should be proud - we grew it ourselves!" They also gave me the cheapest set of crayons. Their other grandchild received a very cool and rather expensive toy piano a week prior. Yeah, my paternal grandmother never liked my mom, and the mother of the other grandchild was her daughter.
#13
My boss gave me a pack of expired coupons for fast food joints. It was like getting a slap in the face... with a stale burger.
WindySwede 7 months ago (edited)
Well you would not even get a slap, they were expired.. 😅 edit: woot dv? it was a joak about bad boss giving crappy gifts..
As for the "don'ts" of gift giving, Nina says procrastination is to be avoided at all costs. "Rushed decisions may result in generic or impersonal gifts," she explained. "Steer clear of any gifts that don't show much thought or consideration for the recipient. Lastly, practical gifts definitely have their place, but it's worth aiming for a balance between usefulness and originality. After all, you want the gift to feel both functional and celebratory, adding a special touch to the occasion."
#14
I have struggled with my weight since I was a child. When I was 12, I was gifted a book about dieting written by Dr Phil by my great aunt. The discount price sticker sloppily scratched off the top corner.
I have always been a big reader, and I knew it was a book, so I was excited to see what book she got me. Everyone was watching me when my heart sank, realizing what kind of book it was.
The plus side is my mom is ride or die for her kids and she was f*cking piiiiiiisssssed, so it was handled.
Still messes with a kid's head, though.
#15
My mom gave me a book that I made when I was 8 so she could laugh at me for how terrible it was. I drew the illustrations and wrote the story. It looked like s**t because again, I was eight. She loved to humiliate me and then get mad at me for “having no sense of humor”.
And if you find yourself with a disappointing gift and aren't sure what to do, Nina says it happens to the best of us! "You’re opening a beautifully wrapped package only to find... well, let's just say it's not exactly your cup of tea," she shared.
"First things first, take a deep breath and remember that it's the thought that counts, right? Even if the gift missed the mark, it's clear that someone cared enough to pick something out for you," the expert noted. "Regardless of how you feel about the gift, always express gratitude and appreciation for the thought and effort the giver put into selecting it. Focus on thanking them for their kindness rather than the specific gift itself."
#16
A coat hanger. When I saw it, (10yo) I was so confused. Then I was told it came from my family members trip to France, which furthered my confusion, lol.
ॐBoyGanesh 7 months ago
The mental gymnastics the giver must have gone through to justify this a souvenir/gift is admirable.
#17
I was a chubby kid, I want to say I was something like 8-10 years old and wearing medium shirts. My s****y aunt got me and my two brothers matching plain yellow sweatshirts. They both got their sizes, a M and a L. She got me, the youngest, a XXXL, and told me at the rate I’m going I’ll be wearing it in no time. F**k you Anna.
Edit: this was a Christmas present not a birthday present.
"If the gift is something you absolutely won't use or enjoy, there are a few options on the table. Regifting, donating, or reselling the item can be appropriate in certain situations, but it's essential to do so thoughtfully and discreetly," Nina continued.
"Regifting can be acceptable if you know the item will be appreciated by someone else and if it's done with care to avoid any potential awkwardness or hurt feelings. Just be sure not to regift the item to someone who knows the original giver," she added.
But if regifting isn't your style, you can always consider donating the item to charity or to someone who might appreciate it more. "After all, one person's 'meh' gift could be another person's treasure," Nina says.
#18
My little brother bought me a framed painting from the op shop, cost him $2. Absolutely no thought put into it. I wrapped it up and gave it back to him for his birthday😂.
ॐBoyGanesh 7 months ago
This seems like it could be shady, depending on the little brothers age. My bro is 2 years younger than me & always made an effort to gift me something even if it was cheap & from a thrift shop. That he was thinking about me and spending his little money on me is gift enough.
#19
Underwear, socks. id be extremley gratful for it now, but when your nine and your expecting f*****g legos, not fruit of the loom.
Sue Denham 7 months ago
Yup. What was it with underwear? I always seemed to get some for my childhood birthdays.
"And hey, if you're still scratching your head about what to do with that gift and it happens to have some value, why not consider giving it a new home through resale?" Nina told Bored Panda. "If the gift has monetary value and you're comfortable doing so, you can consider reselling it. Just think of it as turning lemons into lemonade – or in this case, turning a lackluster gift into a little extra spending money."
But in some cases, it may be best to simply keep the gift, especially if it holds sentimental value or if the relationship with the giver is particularly sensitive, the expert added.
#20
When I was around 14 for my birthday my mom brought me my grandmother and my aunt to this nice buffet. The food was good but at the end my mom was having trouble presenting her voucher to the cashier because the place didnt have wifi and she didnt have data at the time.
She turned to me and asked me if I had data to which I said I didnt. She kept asking me to just check if I still had some left but I really didnt and so she ended up telling me that I was useless and that she shouldnt have bothered asking. I ended up crying in the car ride home with my aunt telling me that I shouldve had data and that I shouldve been prepared in case something like this happened.
#21
A note saying that she was combining my birthday gift and Father’s Day gift together. The combined gift was telling me that she wanted a divorce.
Finally, Nina noted that the goal of giving birthday gifts is to spread moments of happiness to your loved ones. To do so, she shared three of her top tips. First, tune in and take notes. "Ever notice how your friend's eyes light up when they talk about something they love? That's your cue! Listen up and keep your radar on for any little hints they drop about what makes them tick," she explained.
Next, Nina says to think outside the box. "Don't limit yourself to traditional gift ideas. Get creative and consider unusual gifts or experiences that align with your loved one's interests," she noted. "Whether it's a personalized piece of jewelry, a spa day, or a DIY crafty gift, thinking outside the box can lead to truly original and memorable moments."
#22
I got a straw once. It was extra special because it was a combined party for family members with birthdays near each other and my cousin got a cd player from the same person.
#23
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma *on my 21st birthday* - thanks universe, you suck 😃.
Lastly, Nina recommends considering the element of surprise. "Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the ones that catch the recipient off guard. Surprise your loved one with a gift they never expected, whether it's a spontaneous day trip, or a funny gift for laughs," she told Bored Panda. "The element of surprise adds an extra layer of joy and excitement to the gift-giving experience."
And of course, if you're not sure what to give a loved one on their special day, you can always check out Prezzybox!
#24
It wasn't so much a gift, but...
When I was going through my divorce, my future ex wife offered to take me out to dinner on my birthday. The last one we'd celebrate as husband and wife.
It seemed like a nice gesture. A final act of civility on the eve of an ugly process.
So we were sitting there over the appetizers at this restaurant, and I asked "so, how did you find this place?"
"Oh, this is me and (guy she was leaving me for)'s favorite restaurant!"
Worst birthday ever.
#25
A KitKat bar. Would have been okay, but the explanation was they were 3 for $2. I got one.
#26
My mum bought me a hot pink suitcase when I was 17. That was all I got. Really felt like she wanted me to move out lol.
#27
This year I got precisely nothing - so that’s probably be the worst.
But I once got my fiancée a pair of Tiffany earrings for her birthday - and got a balloon for mine.
Rayne OfSalt 7 months ago
Yeah, I've gotten nothing since I was 16. And even back then it was "oh, here's a combined xmas/b'day present that costs less than just one of the gifts we've gotten for your little sister" on xmas day and then "here's a card and a cupcake" on my actual b'day a few days later. My sister, of course, would get lavish gifts on her b'day.
#28
Box of cereal from the main "family" I had left.
Receipt showing they used a coupon the get it to $3 still attached.
Life is difficult enough, being forgotten is better than shoving how absolutely little you matter right in your face.... on your birthday, when you are missing those who brought you into the world but were cruelly taken, the most.
#29
A f*****g carton of canned liver was sent to my hostel by my uncle. My roomie ever since has become inexplicably suspicious of me. I hate liver by the way. I'm just confused why he sent 25 cans of liver to a student who doesn't even like cooking.
#30
A lawn mower for my 14th birthday...
What do you think ?
Sunny Day 7 months ago
For Christmas one year, my friend's husband bought her a bunch of clothes - all in wrong sizes. Not just "A" size, but a variety of sizes, all wrong. She returned them to the store and went to find correct sizes. That's when she realized she could trace his path through the clothing department. He had just grabbed something from every rack he passed. No thought involved.
BookFanatic 7 months ago
18th birthday - Dad announced he had liver cancer. He didn't make it. 40th birthday - spent at the funeral home planning my mother's service. 45th birthday - thyroid cancer. My friends wonder why I don't celebrate any more.
Greenmantle 7 months ago
I'm sorry, that's an awful set of circumstances x
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Sunny Day 7 months ago
For Christmas one year, my friend's husband bought her a bunch of clothes - all in wrong sizes. Not just "A" size, but a variety of sizes, all wrong. She returned them to the store and went to find correct sizes. That's when she realized she could trace his path through the clothing department. He had just grabbed something from every rack he passed. No thought involved.
BookFanatic 7 months ago
18th birthday - Dad announced he had liver cancer. He didn't make it. 40th birthday - spent at the funeral home planning my mother's service. 45th birthday - thyroid cancer. My friends wonder why I don't celebrate any more.
Greenmantle 7 months ago
I'm sorry, that's an awful set of circumstances x
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