10 Christmas Gifts That Missed the Mark So Badly They Became Legendary

The holiday season is meant to feel special, with festive decorations and moments shared with loved ones. Presents play a big role in that excitement, but sometimes they miss the point in a way no one expects. Whether it’s on purpose or just a misunderstanding, those Christmas gift fails tend to stick in our minds for a long time.

• We had a work secret Santa. Every day for five days, you were meant to give the person a little something. I got my person their favorite snacks, favorite coffee, etc.
  On days 1-4, I got nothing. On the last day, it was even worse. They gifted me an expired granola bar and two tea bags. They never revealed themself. © didyoubutterthepan / Reddit

• My aunt gave me a framed picture of herself. © IzzyHoo / Reddit

• Last year, my stepmom gave me a plastic bag with a couple cheap things for my car. Nothing was even wrapped.
  This year, she gave me a crushed bag of coconut rolls (I hate coconut) and socks. But I met her energy this time around: I gave her a used puzzle that has a few pieces missing. She’s gonna discover that one the hard way. © Captain***e / Reddit

• I used to have a horrible, spiteful stepmother. There was this purse I had wanted for a few months and mentioned it being the only thing I really wanted. It was probably around $65?
  On what would be our last Christmas together, I saw a present for myself under the tree that was shaped conspicuously like the bag I wanted. I picked it up, and it even felt like it! But when I opened it, it was a terrycloth bath towel. I don’t even remember getting much else that year. © moon_moon92 / Reddit

• Not really the worst, I guess, but felt weird. My mom borrowed my Teflon cooking pot and ruined it. She decided to replace my pot as a Christmas gift. So essentially giving me something that was a reimbursement. © CycleAccomplished824 / Reddit

• My mother-in-law once gave me a single toilet roll, from a pack of two. I mean, getting the full twin pack would have been bad enough, but I clearly wasn’t even good enough for that. © NorthernJimi / Reddit

• My mother gave me acne cream while my sister received antique family jewelry. I was 25 and she was 30. Really opened my eyes on her favoritism. © SolarStar93 / Reddit

• My mother-in-law got me a bath pillow, bath soaks and bubble bath. We do not have a bath. © emlovescoffee / Reddit

• I got a shampoo and conditioner set from my boss.... When I was going through chemotherapy.... And had no hair. © Direct-Brother-1184 / Reddit

• My friend got a rock from her (now ex) boyfriend. She wanted a pet, and he thought it would be cute to give her a pet rock. © butterf1y / Reddit

Of course, not every Christmas ends on a sour note. Many holidays are filled with warmth, love, and moments that truly touch the heart. If you’re looking for uplifting reads, take a look at these 10 Christmas Stories That Capture the True Magic of the Season.