There is nothing better than watching people open up a gift and then watching them react to that gift.
There can be nothing better than giving someone a Valentine-themed teddy bear that will not stop singing or candy hearts with a sense of sarcasm. Such Valentine’s Day gifts are possible and are often thought of as anti-gifts themed specifically for Valentine’s Day. These anti-gifts can come in different varieties.
Not a fan of the prank teddy bear or the candy hearts? Then there are cards that boldly claim the intended anti-Valentine’s Day sentiment. Still not the perfect anti-gift? Then gift someone with a pillow in the shape of a male or female torso and arm, known as the boyfriend/girlfriend pillow. Perhaps a Valentine-themed voodoo doll will do the trick. However, if none of that is enough for an anti-gift, then consider buying a Valentine’s Day-themed knife set in which the knives are secured within the plastic frame of a stick figure. Or not.
Some less abrasive Valentine’s Day anti-gifts include wine glasses, necklaces, earrings, t-shirts, bracelets, shoes, bow ties, tote bags, beanies, candles, shot glasses, and dog collars. It is even possible to buy books or phone cases that express the anti-Valentine’s Day sentiments many feel. Many, if not most, of these special items can be found just browsing the internet, or Etsy.
However, these are some of the tamer anti-gifts out there. Websites such as http://enemy.gifts, https://shipyourenemiesglitter.com, and http://prankpostage.com, are notorious for even more infamous anti-gifts than what Etsy lists. These anti-gifts are usually reserved for the other 364 days a year that are not heart-themed and are generally considered more as pranks on one’s friends or revenge against one’s bitter rivals.
These gifts are typically more vulgar and just plain annoying compare to their Valentine’s Day siblings. Glitter bombs are the most common of these anti-gifts. Glitter bombs are typically a small cylindrical capsule loaded with glitter. Open being opened by the unsuspecting recipient of said anti-gift, a spring is released within the capsule launching the glitter outwards and everywhere. Nothing is safe from the glitter, not hair, shoes, hands, clothes, or even the capsule itself.
Other, more offensive, anti-gifts include cupcakes. Made of poop. Then there are the candles that start off smelling nice before emitting a rancid and cloying smell after a few hours. It is even possible to send someone just regular poop in a nicely decorated box. Or envelopes filled with fake cockroaches or spiders. One cannot forget the lollipops and gummies in the shape of male genitalia. These are just a few of the worse anti-gifts out there on the internet. However, not everything is all fun and games.
These more offensive anti-gifts are often used in pranks, as is their original intended use. Still, sometimes pranks can go very wrong leading to someone getting hurt. According to LegalMatch, when this happens, charges of reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, criminal conspiracy, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and harassment could be brought up against the sender or senders of the anti-gift. Especially if the humor behind the anti-gift is unappreciated by the recipient.
Buying simple anti-gifts, such as a t-shirt saying “fries before guys,” are meant purely for fun and one’s own amusement. Nevertheless, be sure to keep clear of the more dangerous territory when it comes to anti-gifts like glitter bombs, especially when there is the possibility of someone getting hurt or offended.
