The following weird gifts are fact, not fiction.
A random sampling of friends and family helped us create this top 10 list of the craziest, weirdest and zaniest gifts they've ever received. Think of these items as your official just-don't-give list.
And to the gifter who has actually given one of these items: "What were you thinking?"
Have you received something stranger? Let us know on Twitter!
10 Of The Worst Gifts To Ever Give
A Piece Of String(01 of10)
String has many uses. It can be wrapped around gifts, can tie things together and is even used as a belt (sometimes). Where a string doesn't belong is in a box as a present. The goal of a gift exchange between best friends was to buy one thing and to make one thing. The giver of this piece of string simply couldn't learn how to crochet a winter headband in time, so the result was a crocheted piece of string. It is potentially the worst Christmas gift ever -- even hipsters wouldn't find it funny or ironic. (credit:Shutterstock)
Bedazzled Toilet Brush(02 of10)
This toilet brush was sitting under the Christmas tree last Christmas, all wrapped up with a nametag. One sister spent some time to glue sequins all over a standard toilet brush to create a truly 'unique' gift. Yep, this actually happened. But now the other sister's bathroom looks a bit more glamorous, no? (credit:Annie Webber)
$3.86(03 of10)
Three dollars and eighty-six cents. In change in a Ziploc bag, sent in the mail for Christmas. A variety of coins tossed together that led to several question marks. "What am I supposed to buy with this?" "Why gift this precise amount of money?" "Was it really worth mailing?" All questions aside, the recipient pocketed the change and headed to the nearest coffee shop. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Tablecloth Pattern(04 of10)
A step-by-step guide on how to make a circular lace tablecloth for someone who doesn't sew whatsoever -- fabric included. It would be a great gift if the recipient had a circular table and knew how to work a sewing machine. But they didn't, and don't. So strange. (credit:Shutterstock)
Craisins(05 of10)
Even if you notice someone likes to eat Craisins regularly, we're going to suggest you not buy them the biggest bag of dried cranberries for Christmas. Imagine the recipient's surprise when she pulled the dried fruit out of a beautifully stuffed bag -- it was a look of shock and confusion not joy. (credit:Shutterstock)
Book About Dinosaurs(06 of10)
The recipient of this gift loves to read, but last Christmas he wasn't expecting to read an in-depth book about dinosaurs at the age of 22. Once he passed the age of 10, he never really anticipated receiving books about dinos (If you are gift buying for an adult like Ross Geller from 'Friends,' however, go crazy for dinosaur-themed everything).
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book Of Dinosaurs. Price:$12.88. Available at: Chapters/Indigo (credit:Chatpers/Indigo)
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book Of Dinosaurs. Price:$12.88. Available at: Chapters/Indigo (credit:Chatpers/Indigo)
Coal(07 of10)
What's more classic than getting a lump of coal? It means you've been a bad person all year and that Santa isn't impressed. It was a funny prank by a family for their mom, but it turned out to be a fairly insulting "gift." No one wants to know you think they're on the naughty list. Especially not your mom. (credit:Shutterstock)
Spring(08 of10)
Wait, what? Someone gave someone else springtime? Of course not! But they did receive a certificate of "I'm-sorry-but-I-can't-find-the-presents-I-hid-for-you-so-you'll-have-to-wait-until-spring-to-get-them." Moral of the story: It's a lot of fun to hide presents, just make sure you remember where you're stashing the stuff. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Snowboard(09 of10)
The recipient of this gift lives in a huge city with no mountains in sight. They had never been skiing or snowboarding, so imagine their surprise when this naked board showed up. No boots. No bindings. No lessons. Just a board. A snowboard on its own is basically useless and the add-ons that make a snowboard function are mighty expensive -- especially for a student. This is the ultimate gifting fail. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Boyfriend(10 of10)
The cackle from the parents who gave their daughter this 'companion' is still ringing in her head. It was a backhanded joke that insulted her relationship status. Being given this faux boyfriend by family was just sad. And wrong. Sad and wrong.
Grow A Boyfriend. $5.95. Available at amazon.com. (credit:Amazon)
Grow A Boyfriend. $5.95. Available at amazon.com. (credit:Amazon)