The gifts that don’t keep giving

Let's be real here. Gift giving is hard no matter how long you have known a person. Although there is no manual on the "perfect" gift for your significant other, there are a handful of tips on what gifts to stay away from during the holidays.

Now some of you may think that these categories are obvious but others may find it perfectly acceptable to give a dressed-up plastic flamingo to a boyfriend/girlfriend as a holiday gift. That's why lists like these were invented.

Here are a few tips on what gifts you shouldn't give to your significant other for the holidays.

Do not buy something that suggests improvement can be made

This includes anything pertaining to weight or weight loss. (Think diet books, supplements, exercise machines, gym memberships, etc.). It will only make your significant other think you're calling them fat. This also includes makeup. If you buy your significant other makeup, it suggests that they are not pretty enough. No matter how bad he or she cooks, do not purchase a cookbook, either. If you buy something that fits into the "needs improvement" category, get ready to receive the death glare or silent treatment, or both for an undecided amount of time.

Stay away from "Buy one, Get one" discounts

No one likes knowing their present was a discount. And even if it did, it's not something you want to flaunt to the person who's receiving the gift.

Do not purchase anything you want for yourself

You may love to watch your Packers kick some butt, but your significant other may not. So, do you think giving him/her a 55" flat screen TV, which you got for a fantastic deal at Best Buy on Black Friday would do him/her very good? Probably not. Sometimes, people forget the gift is for the other person in the relationship.

Do not buy clothes

Have you ever gotten a clothing item for your birthday or a holiday that made you think, "Why on earth would you even think to buy this for me?" This could happen to someone else with a clothing item you thought was pretty cute. Let's save us the trouble and just stay away from that section in the stores, shall we? What if you don't know the exact size of your significant other? Whatever you do, don't try to guess if you don't know it could potentially bring up a whole other problem in your relationship.

Do not buy gift cards

Gift cards are simple. That's the biggest problem with them. It looks like no thought was put into the gift and it may be potentially viewed as you took the easy way out. Try to get a tad more creative and don't rely on gift cards.

Engagement rings

It's the holidays; some say it's the happiest time of the year. It's expected to come every year and some people really look forward to it. With that said, getting down on one knee and asking your significant other to be with you "until death do us part" should be a special moment. Save it for when it's unexpected.

Now that we know what we shouldn't get our significant others, what are some good ideas for gifts? Well, that depends on the person and your budget. Keep an open ear for subtle hints on what he or she truly wants from you. If you don't catch onto these hints, ask for help. Call up his/her close friends or family members and ask for some gift ideas that were mentioned to them.

If you are short on money, be honest. Don't try to hide it by giving seashells as a gift. Sometimes it's better just to have not received anything. However, don't rule out making something for him/her either. There's a chance that something homemade will mean more than anything bought at a store. Sometimes even a letter about what he or she means to you could mean the world to them.

Whatever you decide to give, if you follow these simple tips, it's almost guaranteed your significant other will have nothing bad to say about your gift-giving abilities, leaving you in a good spot for the holidays.