The holiday season is here, and gift-giving is in full swing! It’s a beautiful tradition, a heartfelt way to show love and care. But did you know that not all gifts bring joy and positivity? In fact, some presents, no matter how well-intentioned, can carry inauspicious energy. According to Feng Shui, certain items are considered unlucky and can do more harm than good. Curious to know what they are? Here’s a list of the top 6 gifts you should avoid giving—you will want to read this before wrapping your next present!

Timepieces

Timepieces like wristwatches, wall clocks, and pocket watches have long been popular gift choices, especially with the rise of trendy options like the Apple Watch. However, what seems like a thoughtful gesture might carry a hidden meaning. Timepieces symbolize the passage of time and suggest life’s limited span—making them an extremely inauspicious gift.

Sharp Objects

Sharp objects may seem practical and thoughtful gifts, but they carry a deeper, often overlooked symbolism. Items like blades, scissors, penknives, letter openers, daggers, or even a sleek Swiss Army knife can send the wrong message. According to Feng Shui, gifting something sharp is believed to "cut" the bond between giver and receiver, symbolizing a severed relationship. Worse yet, such gifts are thought to bring bad luck to the recipient. If you are tempted to gift sharp tools, think twice—it might unintentionally suggest an ending rather than a heartfelt connection.

Mirrors

Mirrors might seem like elegant and thoughtful gifts, but they come with a host of superstitions that make them less than ideal. Known for their fragility, a broken mirror is often seen as a symbol of bad luck or a sign of relationship troubles. Gifting a mirror can also lead to misunderstandings, especially if the recipient is dealing with grief or loss. In Feng Shui, mirrors are powerful tools that can influence a home’s energy—placing them in the wrong direction can invite misfortune. To avoid unintentionally bringing bad vibes, it’s best to steer clear of gifting mirrors altogether.

Red Roses

Long-stemmed red roses with sharp thorns might seem like the perfect romantic gesture, but they can actually spell trouble for your relationship. The longer the stem and sharper the thorns, the more they symbolize struggles ahead. Giving a bouquet of red roses could unintentionally mark the beginning of the end for your love. Instead, opt for cream or pink roses, which are much better for fostering love. According to Feng Shui, yellow roses are great for boosting love and positive energy. And don't forget to remove the thorns before handing them over—it's a thoughtful touch that can make all the difference.

Shoes

Giving shoes as a gift might seem practical, but it carries an inauspicious message. Shoes are something we step on, which makes them symbols of negativity and bad luck when gifted. Offering shoes can unintentionally send the message of unhappiness or disrespect, making it a gift best avoided if you want to maintain positive energy in your relationships.

Handkerchiefs

Handkerchiefs are best avoided as gifts, as they are linked to wiping away sweat and tears, symbolizing sadness and frustration. Giving one suggests you expect the recipient to experience tears in the future and can even imply you are saying goodbye, severing ties for good. For a positive gift, it’s best to choose something else.

Solution to your Dilemma

Got an amazing gift that you know your friend will love? Here’s some good news! In Feng Shui, there’s a simple trick to make sharp metal items or timepieces more auspicious. Before giving the gift, ask the recipient for a coin. This small exchange symbolizes a “purchase” rather than a “gift.” Since your friend symbolically “paid” for it, the item is no longer seen as a bad omen. This easy remedy works only for sharp metal objects and timepieces.