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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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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.
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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."
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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!"
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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.
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"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.