'My parents gave my sister a new phone for MY birthday': 15+ People who received bizarre gifts

Sometimes you're given a present that's so baffling, so out of place, that it makes you question everything you knew about the person who gave it to you.

A lot of people, when gift-buying, end up purchasing stuff that they would like, rather than something the other person would enjoy. This is something little kids do all the time, and some folks never outgrow the habit. It's totally understandable, in a way: while you're shopping, and something grabs your attention, you might just assume the gift recipient would love it, too. But would they?

Gifts are so highly individualistic… that's why it's a great idea to buy a gift for someone the moment you see something that makes you think, "So-and-so would love this." It makes it easier for future you! Instead of scrambling for a last-minute birthday present, voila — you already have a gift that you secured months ago, and it's the perfect item. Now, instead of forcing a smile over one of those cheap soap gift sets, your friend will be surprised and thrilled to get a new book in her favorite genre, or a cute crocheted purse that's just her style.

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via Getty Images For Unsplash+

Boyfriend holds gift while covering eyes of laughing girlfriend.
_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}
These people shared the strangest, least-appreciated gifts they've ever received, and there are some real stunners here. My favorite is the aunt who literally gifted someone a panini press — great gift, right? No. You're so wrong. It would've been a great gift, were it not for the pressed sandwich still enclosed inside! I can only imagine the horror of unwrapping such an item… hopefully followed by like, a full hour of laughter over what an insane gift experience that must've been.
That's the danger of regifting, isn't it? You might end up accidentally giving your family member a fossilized sandwich, or maybe you accidentally bestow them with a towel with your initials monogrammed in. I mean, there are apparently a lot of ways that gifting and regifting can go wrong — just check out the stories below.
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via u/Puzzleheaded_Pipe502

I hope he explained what he meant by this!
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via u/Sufficient-Trick-201
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Parents won't even try to hide who their favorite kid is!

via u/SadlyNotDannyDeVito
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via u/SadlyNotDannyDeVito

Also, thank goodness he's your ex!
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via u/Oneofkings
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via u/Bazsticks
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via u/Personal-Device 822
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At least it's useful?

via u/happy_bunny_84
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This would be grounds to never speak to this person again

via u/Dear-Lion-1381
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via u/SlickerThanSnot_
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via u/sparksgirl1223
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via u/Vinnie_AM
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via u/Impressive_Sell_1136
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Divorce him ASAP

via u/LorettaJenkins
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Some people have good intentions when they do things like this, but they're too open about their motivations and end up spoiling the whole gift

via u/ohyoshimi
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via u/UniqueIntroverted
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via u/2Scarhand
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via u/2Scarhand
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Quit! Quit! Quit!

via u/JustSomeGuy_56
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via u/PixieCanada
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via u/D*athSurroundsUs
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How odd!

via u/Therealladyboneyard

You can get second-hand books for pennies, and even when they're used books, they're usually still a thoughtful present. This just goes to show that she either forgot or couldn't be bothered to do anything special for her husband's partner.
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via u/SuLiaodai
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via u/xxOLGA
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via u/Granny_knows_best
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Dad logic

via u/veryscarybutalsonot
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This might be the worst one!

via u/Stainedpurpleemerald

This person could put the fossilized sandwich from that person's aunt into this Tupperware container, then bury both items in the yard so they'll never undergo another re-gifting experience.
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How strange... but honestly, with the right friend group, you could still have a fun time even with plastic bowling pins

via u/Slade_Riprock
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You gotta divorce her, my friend

via u/Wrong-Landscape-2508
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via u/Wrong-Landscape-2508

It's ok if your partner gets you work stuff as long as 1) you actually want that and 2) they get you something else you want that's unrelated to work. She failed at both. She doesn't seem to like you very much, and I hope you can surround yourself with people who do enjoy your presence instead.
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Take it to HR

via u/Straight-Peach1627
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via u/drummonkey2010

The funniest response would be to put it on the mantle untouched. When people ask about it, you have a funny story queued up!
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via u/hermavore
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via u/Prior-Huckleberry-47
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So there you have it... That's everything you shouldn't get for the friends and family in your life.

via Karolina Grabowska For Unsplash+

Woman in birthday hat, poking at cake with a fork, smiles and looks embarrassed at a wrapped gift next to her.
_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}