I totally disagree about aprons! I wish I had more of them, because I seem to be a splashy cook. But only aprons that will take a lot of washing.

Paywall, I couldn't read it.

Mugs, picture frames, candles, calendars, aprons. They do say that if you are going to give one of these, it should be personalized. For example, if you give someone an empty picture frame, it will probably never be used. But if you give them a nicely framed picture that is meaningful to you and/or to the recipient, that's different.

Aprons, mugs, picture frames, calendars and candles

I agree,

I agree. It has to be a specific and personal gift (not necessarily personalized, but something you specifically know the person will like and use). The only time I consider a picture frame is for my own family for a specific photo or as a wedding gift -- usually if they have shown some interest. A recent bride registered for a number of frames -- but even then we gave china. And it isn't necessary to give a mug to go with a gift of coffee, tea or a gift card. I've done it, but not in a long, long time.

Now, on aprons, I use them, but I haven't used ones I have gotten as gifts as much as I use the ones I have picked. And now that I have my Rough Linen pinafore, I have a definite preference for that one )even it had to be returned and have the straps lengthened; she isn't doing that now, so I would have to make my own for another). But that is something different and nice enough that I would give that to someone I thought would actually wear it for cooking, baking, gardening, or crafting. (ETA: The only apron I can remember giving is the Rough Linen waiter's style to my husband who does wear it, especially when we are canning.)

Did anyone else look at the linked host/hostess gift article? I agree with that one only about 50%.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/the-not-another-wine-bottle-guide-to-host-and-hostess-gifts/2017/11/15/618d7d3c-b059-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.02a5b4a38a34

Lascatz, I found a few things on that list that I would like to give. However, every one of the preferred items is currently sold out/unavailable. The story of my life. A day late and a dollar short!

I think that is a good rule of thumb. Of course, like anything , there will be exceptions.

Wine is never a bad gift at our house. Even if we don't like it we can jazz it up. I love candles but don't seem to be able to use them up, so I am maxed out. I love the little tea lights because I can seem to manage to burn those out. Fancy salt is a great idea. If I'm going south I bring maple syrup.

Personalization always enhances any kind of gift, in fact it could be argued that is a minimum requirement.

Pretty much agree, but there can be exceptions if you know the person very well and know they would enjoy one of those items.

This could probably be a separate topic, but dirty Santa gifts seem to be rampant with these. It really irks me when one is supposed to spend X amount (say around $15-20) on the gift and you do. Then you end up with a cheesy mug that probably cost $3 or a scented candle that knocks you out.

Terriks, with Washington Post, I get around the paywall by opening the link in an incognito window (when I'm using Chrome)

I think so many of us are obligated to "give something" we end up trying to find something reasonable and neutral.

When I downsized, both my late husband and I had boxes of things given to us at our jobs (we were both manager level and up), that were basically not needed, pretty nor useful.

I've given mugs, but only a set of mugs in the person's preferred style, not a one-off "souvenir" or "gag" mug.

I love a certain type of apron. I like it long, white, pockets, ties long enough to wrap in front to tie. I have two from the Culinary Institute and they are fabulous.

Scented candles are very tricky. I have so many friends who are sensitive to certain smells. If giving candles, and you know the person burns a certain type, like tapers, then I think it's okay. Otherwise, risky.

I think I prefer articles with gift suggestions instead of admonishments. It's possible seasonal crankiness is setting in.

I also like aprons, and we use them with grilling and using the smoker, so not always holiday meals or baking. My favorite is a Day of the Dead sugar skulls apron we found in San Diego and DH has an Anthony Bourdain grilling apron.

With the kitties, we really don't use candles.

One year i had 12 students in my class, but I somehow received 15 mugs at Christmas. A record. And yet, when trying to buy gifts for my own kid's teachers, I am tempted to grab a mug off the shelf.

This could probably be a separate topic, but dirty Santa gifts seem to be rampant with these. It really irks me when one is supposed to spend X amount (say around $15-20) on the gift and you do. Then you end up with a cheesy mug that probably cost $3 or a scented candle that knocks you out.

Tell me about it. Last year at our book club "dirty Santa" gift exchange I ended up with a bag of scented Epsom salts and matching lotion. Unfortunately, the scent was so strong and medicinal smelling that I wasn't even able to enjoy a relaxing foot soak.

Terriks, with Washington Post, I get around the paywall by opening the link in an incognito window (when I'm using Chrome)

Thanks for the tip!