This woman's viral 'anti-list' of Christmas gift ideas has divided our team of editors — what do you think about the online controversy?
Is it rude to tell people what you don't want for Christmas? One viral Reddit post has sparked debate online — and we want to know what you think.
Shopping for the holidays can be stressful. One woman’s recent attempt to alleviate some of the hassle of finding the perfect Christmas gift has sparked debate online — and amongst Yahoo Canada’s team of editors.
In a recent post to Reddit, an anonymous 33-year-old woman said her ‘”anti-list” — a list of gift ideas she doesn’t want for Christmas — has upset her mom. The woman said she’s “difficult to buy gifts for” and “financially stable enough” with “cheap enough” hobbies that she can afford to buy things for herself. Along with being short on space and already having “so much stuff” she decided to take a different approach when her mother asked the entire family to provide their Christmas wish lists in a Google Doc.
"While trying to come up with ideas for things, mostly I just kept dreading all the sorts of things I usually get for Christmas then have to find a place for," she writes. "I decided to include a list of things not to buy me, figuring that might be as helpful as a list of things I do want. On the list I put things like 'fun' socks, Funko Pops, anything I have to assemble aka 'Merry Christmas, I got you a chore you have to do now,' throw blankets, jewelry, throw pillows, decorations, etc."
Before she had a chance to add gift ideas to the list, she says her mother called her — upset about the “anti-list.”
“I have told her in the past I don't want these things and she'll remember for a year then buy me a pair of slipper socks the next which then join the four other pairs I already don't wear,” she said. “I pointed this out and she complained about how hard it is to buy me gifts and that just getting me gift cards is boring."
The woman says her brother and sister-in-law both also created anti-lists, as well as an uncle and cousin. The family is divided on the list; some have called it “helpful” while others deem it “not in the Christmas spirit.”
“My mom seems to be the main person against it, probably because she has bought me at least three of everything on the anti-list except jewelry and feels like I'm embarrassing her,” she said, and asked the public if she was wrong for creating the “anti-list.”
The "anti-list" become an topic of debate amongst Yahoo Canada staff — with some in favour of the list and others finding it offensive.
Keep reading to see what our team had to say about the "anti-list" for Christmas.
Elizabeth Di Filippo, Senior Lifestyle Editor
I would take the creation of an "anti-list" as a sign that my child has effectively lost the plot when it comes to Christmas.
While I appreciate that the mother asked what her family wanted for the holidays, the entitlement would effectively end gift exchange in my household. Whatever money was allocated towards gifts would be going towards the local food bank. Harsh? Sure. But in my opinion, it's the only option —aside from sending three ghosts to visit her on Christmas Eve — to reminding my daughter (and the rest of the family) that gifts aren't a requirement of the holiday. Any gift — big, small or requiring assembly — should be received with gratitude.
Kayla Keufler, Senior Shopping Editor
As someone who lives in a teeny-tiny apartment with only one closet (my out-of-season wardrobe lives underneath my bed), I can empathize with the anti-gift list creator.
I love an in-person experience gift and always remind my friends and family of that ahead of peak gifting seasons. However, if someone goes out of their way to get me something, I am, of course, thankful — I just hope it’s small, because I have no room!
Melina Brum, Shopping Editor
I appreciate minimalism and don't want to waste anyone's money, but I personally wouldn't go as far as creating an "anti-gift list." I'd say small unwanted gifts can slide, but if it's something big, it's fair to speak up to avoid being wasteful. I'm grateful regardless and call me cliché, but it's the thought that counts.
Sarah Rohoman, Shopping Editor
I don’t think it’s rude to give an “anti-gift list,” but it’s not something I’d personally do. The people in my life who give me gifts tend to ask for what I want, so I don’t usually struggle with unwanted items. If I do get something I don’t want? I honestly give it away to someone who will appreciate it (sorry if that makes me a terrible person, I live in Toronto and simply do not have the space for unwanted items).
Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle & Commerce Managing Editor
I can see where the Reddit user was coming from. As someone who lives in a small downtown Toronto condo, I’m pretty picky with what new items come into my already-cluttered home, and I’ve definitely had a conversation with family (hello mom, I know you’re reading this!) around not needing some bigger items like bedding and kitchen appliances (I’d love the Drew Barrymore air fryer, but have no counter space!).
That said, I would never turn my nose up at any gift — it’s the thought that counts! — and I definitely wouldn’t go as far as to create an actual anti-gift list.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
