Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

The worst Christmas gift I ever received was a globe. Not a cutesy little snow globe, but one with fake flowers inside that played music when you turned the knob at the bottom. Why was it the worst gift? It was absolutely impersonal and it could not fit into the theme of my decor. Where is it now? Broken, I think. (No, I didn't break it, I think the cat bounced it off a side table where I had hidden it)

The thought counts

Some say it is the thought that counts, but some gifts show that the buyer did not even spare a moment's thought on the intended recipient. During the Christmas season, it is always great to give and receive gifts as they add to the joy of the season.

However, finding the perfect gift is never easy, but if you know the individual's likes and dislikes, then you could avoid being the worst gift giver.

Flair spoke to a few people to find out about the worst gift they ever received. Some asked for their names to be changed because they didn't want to offend the giver.

Suzanne- A pair of fashion 'diamond' studs that were way too heavy for my ears. Everytime I wore them, they hung downwards.

Sadica - No gift and a dress I didn't like.

Troy- No gift.

Carlington- I didn't grow up in a family that traditionally gave gifts, so whenever I got something, I was grateful.

Nadine- An ugly vase. It was really ugly, it didn't match my decor and it was not of good quality, and it broke almost immediately.

Everol- No gift.

Stacy-Ann- Nothing, from an ex-boyfriend. I broke up with him after New Year's day.

Sue- A month's supply of facial products that I had been receiving all year from the same person. He presented me with the same package, gift-wrapped, as my Christmas gift. I broke up with him after New Year's Day.

Melody- Decorative soaps and some ugly vases with hideous patterns. These she received from her boss.

Chris- Tiepins and cufflinks. The tiepin was OK, but I didn't wear cufflinks at the time.

To avoid the above, study the person you are buying the gift for, listen out for tips such as, "I would really like a Scrabble set", or look around the house for clues.

Ask their close friends or siblings to get ideas.

Initiate a casual conversation around now and say, "If you could get three things for Christmas, what would they be?"

If you are at a loss, go to their favourite stores and get a gift-certificate. That way, they get to make their own selection.

If it's someone with whom you have an intimate relationship, make sure measurements are right when you buy shoes or clothing.

*Not their real names