In the days leading up to the holidays, it can be difficult to figure out what to buy the men in your life.
Thank you, etiquette expert Thomas P Farleybetter known as Mr. Mannersspoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about the gifts you should never get for a man.
He explained that some common gifts can actually be offensive to male loved ones, so it’s best to avoid them during the holidays.
“Thankfully, we have evolved beyond many of the gender stereotypes that would preclude certain gifts from being given to a loved one or friend based on their gender,” explains Thomas, who lives in New York City.
He recommended sending ‘free from anything strictly utilitarian unless it is something the person has asked for’.
“Let’s be honest…does anyone, regardless of gender, really want a mop or a bottle of dish soap as a holiday gift?” the keynote speaker asked.
When it comes to gifts for boys, he said everyone should avoid cheeky T-shirts and home repair tools.
And if you’re considering helping a man in your life with a grooming product, he recommends making sure it’s not something that offends him.
In the days leading up to the holidays, it can be difficult to figure out what to buy the men in your life
Luckily, etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, better known as Mister Manners, spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about the gifts you should never get for a man
“I wouldn’t give hair dye to a man who has embraced his salt-and-pepper or gray locks,” Mr. Manners declared.
He also recommended skipping a product like Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss.
For women struggling with what to gift their boyfriend or husband, Mr. Manners suggested “possibly bedroom toys or pharmacological aids, unless this is something you have specifically discussed as a couple.”
Another gift to avoid is anything that indicates the man needs to complete a household project he has been working on.
Mr. Manners said there’s no reason to gift ‘five gallons of primer for him to jump-start the house painting project” or “sandpaper and wood stain for the bookcase you were hoping he would refinish.”
“The gift should be about him, not you, and should not be given with the express intention of putting one of your ‘cute’ items at the top of his to-do list,” he continued.
Furthermore, he said self-help books fall into the same offensive category.
According to the expert, it is also best to avoid it’anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or contempt.’
“I wouldn’t give hair dye to a man who has embraced his salt-and-pepper or gray locks,” Mr. Manners advised. He also recommends skipping Minoxidil, which helps with hair loss
He said to skip gifts that make a man look old, such as wrinkle creams or other anti-aging products
Examples include “any gift that implies the house is not being properly cared for, such as a gift certificate for a cleaning service, anything that implies the in-laws look old, such as wrinkle creams, is out of fashion – a trendy blouse that is not your mother-in-law’s taste, even though it may be your own – or out of shape.’
No matter who you’re shopping for, the etiquette expert explained that ties are a no-no “in the age of business casual.”
As for daughters shopping for their fathers, he said they have a little more leeway, and recommended updated glasses or trendy clothes.
“A daughter may make suggestions that seem offensive if they come from someone other than her – or perhaps from his wife,” Mr Manners admitted.
However, there are some gifts that are never appropriate, no matter who is giving the gifts.
Mr Manners said you should think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift voucher to a will-making website, or a T-shirt with a message like ‘Age is just a number… in my case a very big number ‘ buys.
And if you’re giving something as a gift that might be a little inappropriate, it’s best to give it privately.
“Even if a man secretly appreciated one of the gift items I warned about above, he may simply prefer not to open them in front of others,” Mr. Manners added.
For those shopping for their partner and his family members, it is best to ‘avoid anything that has an underlying message of disapproval or contempt’
Mr Manners said he should think twice before buying a Speedo, a gift voucher for a will website or a T-shirt with a message like ‘Age is just a number’
“If the gift could possibly embarrass the man, it should be saved for a time when he can open it privately, without the shock, contempt or laughter of a peanut gallery.”
Last year, a gift expert from Texas named Leah went viral after she shared “three items you shouldn’t gift to women.”
This included cleaning supplies such as a brand new vacuum cleaner, a scale and anti-aging skin care products.
The creator of the content, known online as Leah’s Gift Guide, claimed in TikTok that “these items may be seen as offensive or send the wrong message,” especially if men gift them to their partners.