You're probably thinking about suitable a gift or gifts for your sister(s) now that Raksha Bandhan is almost here. There is a lot that she will appreciate – tickets to come visit you, a gift voucher to her fave online store or even some jewellery if you're feeling rich. However, there are some gifts that are best not to give a sister, such as:
A mug, t-shirt, memorabilia or award --- anything with ‘best bhaiya’ or ‘best brother’ is best avoided. It is best not to assume that title and to wait for your sister to give you that label.
Firstly you don’t want to tell your sister that she needs to use makeup. Secondly, you don’t know what she uses, wants or likes --- guessing is not a good idea. Thirdly never, ever get her any anti-aging, age-defying, anti-wrinkle, wrinkle-lift, lift this or lift that or just any of that. Don’t get that for any woman ever.
Maybe she liked it back in the day when you were kids but it is quite likely that if you grew up, so did she somewhere along the way. It may seem like a cute, senti gift to give but it is reasonably useless and an exceedingly cheesy gift for a sister --- or any adult for that matter.
This is fraught with peril. A size too big and you're telling her you think of her as heavier than she is. A size too small and it is unwearable. Besides what if she doesn’t like it, hates the colour, has something similar or finds it unflattering when worn? So avoid.
OK if she said she needs something specific, consider getting it for her. Otherwise, getting her an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner, mixie, stove, cooker etc. is a bad idea. It seems to send out the signal that you feel she must spend even more time doing housework than she already does.
A framed picture of you, a picture of you on a mug, tshirt, calendar etc. (even as a kid) is narcissistic. She probably loves you, but not that much. Even if she is an older sister who thinks you were an adorable kid, this is still a gift about you and not her. It would be better to collect together photos of both of you and then get one of those customised calendars, lamps or other items for her – thoughtful and appropriate gift for someone that has known you most of her life.
This is a terrible idea for so many reasons…where do I even start. Suffice it to say that any such product is not a gift for anyone – it is only an indictment or form of criticism. Again, avoid.
Don’t give her what you got her last year – unless she asks for it. Also don’t give her a recycled gift. She is your sister, don’t be cheap! And if you're absolutely clueless about what she wants, play it safe – give her a gift voucher or even a cash gift that she can spend any which way she likes. Yes, it may not be a very creative gift, but don’t worry. Your sister doesn’t expect a thoughtful and creative gift – your wife probably does though.
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