Christmas Shopping 2024: 5 Amazon Gifts That Are a Waste of Money

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Gift giving is a heartwarming way to show care for loved ones, but finding the perfect present can quickly become a stressful and overwhelming task. Between keeping track of everyone’s interests, hunting for must-haves and managing a holiday shopping budget, it’s easy to feel the seasonal strain on your peace of mind — and your wallet.

Amazon, with its fast delivery, easy ordering and endless selection, is a go-to for many holiday shoppers. But its sheer array of options can make it challenging to separate worthwhile buys from items that aren’t worth the splurge. 

To help you shop smarter, here are five Amazon gifts experts recommend skipping this holiday season.

Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets

A pineapple corer or avocado slicer might seem like a fun and useful addition to anyone’s kitchen, but these single-use gadgets often end up more trouble than they’re worth.

“Specialty kitchen tools tend to wind up in the back of a cabinet after the novelty wears off and don’t provide much utility for the amount of valuable kitchen real estate they occupy,” said Clay Cary, senior trends analyst at CouponFollow.

Not only are they a hassle to clean, but their limited functionality often means they gather dust after just a few uses. Instead, opt for a versatile and practical kitchen tool — like a quality chef’s knife or durable kitchen scissors — that will provide lasting value beyond the 12 days of Christmas.

Self-Stirring Mugs

At a little over $20, a self-stirring mug might seem like a clever gadget, but this buy is more frustration than convenience.

“It seems fun at first glance, but it’s more of a novelty than a necessity,” said Gary Gray, co-founder of CouponChief, “and it’s not the best quality, either. I used it once and it leaked everywhere, so I just sent it back. Plus, it’s just one more thing to clean and maintain. Go for a classic, high-quality mug instead, something that will last and be used daily.”

A similar issue applies to self-heating mugs. While they promise to keep your drink warm, they often fall short, failing to maintain temperature for long periods. Plus, the hassle of constant recharging adds another layer of inconvenience.

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For coffee or tea lovers, skip the gimmicks and stick to a durable, insulated thermos or timeless ceramic mug. They’re reliable, easy to clean and far more practical.

Pre-made Food Baskets

Are small portions of low-quality snacks wrapped in excess plastic your idea of a perfect gift? If so, an assorted pre-made gift basket might be right up your alley — but for many, they could be a disappointment.

“Food gift baskets are normally filled with generic, mass-produced items that may not be up to the taste of the recipient and are often overpriced for the quality they offer,” Cary said. “It can be more thoughtful and cost-effective to create a personalized gift basket filled with hand-picked, high-quality items.”

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with pre-made baskets, they often lack value and personality. If you truly care about the person you’re gifting this holiday season, skip the cookie-cutter option and create your own basket tailored to their preferences for a gift that feels special and heartfelt.

Electric Wine Aerator

An electric wine aerator might seem like a fancy gadget for the wine enthusiast in your life — but it’s one you’ll want to pass on.

“As much as you’d love for them to work, they don’t do all that much,” Gray said. “You think it’s going to enhance your wine experience, but honestly, it’s a waste of money. I didn’t notice any difference compared to just letting it breathe for a bit.”

Instead of taking a gamble on this hit-or-miss item, consider gifting a bottle of their favorite wine, paired with a thoughtful accessory like a corkscrew or wine glasses for a personal touch.

Luxury Scented Candles

At first glance, a $75 luxury scented candle might seem like an indulgent, thoughtful gift. But for most recipients, the high price tag isn’t worth it.

“They smell great in the store, but they don’t burn well or last long enough to justify their high price tags,” Gray said. “Even if the candles are authentic, the prices are inflated compared to buying directly from the brand’s website or authorized retailers.”

For a more budget-friendly option, try candles from local retailers or well-known affordable brands, like Bath & Body Works or Target. You can find high-quality options for $15 or less that deliver the same cozy ambiance without burning a hole in your wallet.