The holidays seem to be upon us, but no matter how hard the world tries to tell me this with Christmas decorations up before Halloween, I always feel like the last to know.  Today, the message was clear at my local ShopRite where I stood five deep in line with people who seemed worried that there may be a run on gravy in the next few days.  I'm not the best cook, and people who come to my house come with lowered expectations, so food is not what I panic about during the holidays.  It's the gift giving that gets me tense because I like to take the time and effort necessary to present something to someone that shows that I chose carefully and especially for them. If you've ever been on the other side of a gift that clearly shows the opposite, and makes you feel like a complete loser, you are not alone. 

 Here are 5 of my all time favorite WTF gifts I've received:

1.  A votive candle.  Now, I know that doesn't seem that bad, but it was at an ORNAMENT swap party.  If you were the only one to go home with a candle rather than an ornament, you might wonder WTF? too.  Are directions really that hard to follow???

2.  A "Christmas sweatshirt."  Nope, not even a sweater.  A sweatshirt.  Looked like it was from Walmart and had giant bows everywhere.  What about me and the way I dress says, "this is perfect, she will love it?" I will admit I got to wear it once.  To a "Tackiest Christmas Sweater" party. Again, not even a sweater...so I felt like an idiot at that party too.

3.  A chia pet.  I swear this is true.  Even better, it was from my mother-in-law.  Can you think of a better way to say, "I definitely think my son could've done better?"  Merry Christmas to you too.

4.  A "Christmas Carol" ornament of a fat man in an ugly, blue coat.  My husband gave me this and I give him crap every year when I hang it on the tree.  We have a tradition of giving ornaments to each other and I collect angels.  Why the fat, blue, ugly guy?  It's not pretty or romantic or reminiscent of anything we did together, so I've got no idea, but I know it's the gift that keeps on giving because I can yell WTF? at him again every year.

5.  A gold watch with a black leather band.  Expensive, utilitarian, nice.  Except:  it was given to me by my boyfriend after five years of dating.  If you are going to give me jewelry on Christmas after five years, it better be a diamond ring.  I asked him, "What's this?  The thanks I get for five years of service?"  My kids still love this story.  The watch is in my jewelry box, the ring I got the next November.  He knew he'd better get it before the next Christmas!

Hopefully, my list will serve as a warning to everyone out there to give some thought to the gifts you give.  To me these five are pretty unforgettable.  What were your most "WTF?" gifts you've received?